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NSW Workers Compensation Claim Timeline: Psychology Services

Q: How long does a NSW workers compensation claim take to be approved?

For psychological injury claims, the initial liability decision (whether the insurer accepts your claim) must be made within 21 days of receiving sufficient information, or a provisional liability decision within 7 days. Once a claim is accepted, your treating psychologist can submit a treatment request (AHTR) which the insurer has 21 business days to decide. If you have not heard back within that timeframe, the treatment is generally considered approved.

Q: Can I see a psychologist before my workers comp claim is approved?

In most cases, yes. Your employer's insurer typically authorises your first consultation so the psychologist can assess you and prepare a treatment request. This first session can usually proceed before formal claim approval. Confirm with the psychologist before attending, as some practices require written insurer authorisation first.

Q: What happens if my workers comp psychology claim is disputed?

If your insurer declines your claim or disputes specific treatment, you can request an internal review, apply for a Merit Review at SIRA, or escalate to the Personal Injury Commission (PIC). Disputes about psychological injury are common and are often resolved through the review process. A workers compensation lawyer or the icare Injury Help Hub can assist.

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How long it takes: A NSW workers compensation psychology claim typically reaches funded sessions within 4–8 weeks from injury report. Provisional liability must be accepted within 7 days of notification; the insurer then has 21 business days to decide on a treatment request (AHTR). Most workers can attend a first psychology session before formal AHTR approval — the psychologist submits the funding request after the initial assessment. Telehealth typically allows faster access because there is no geographic waitlist.

NSW workers comp psychology — guide cluster

Pathway overview (pillar) ↑ Psychological injury claims icare billing guide Cost & fees

Disclaimer: This guide provides general educational information about the NSW workers compensation process. It is not legal or insurance advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact icare, SIRA, or a workers compensation lawyer.

One of the most common questions from NSW workers seeking psychological support through workers compensation is: how long will this take? This guide walks through the typical timeline from injury to first psychology session, explains what happens at each stage, and covers what to do if things stall.

The NSW Workers Compensation Psychology Timeline

Report your injury (same day or as soon as possible)
Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible. Delayed reporting can complicate your claim. Your employer must record the injury in their register of injuries within 24 hours of being notified.
See your GP (within 48–72 hours)
Your GP is the gateway to the workers compensation pathway. They will issue a certificate of capacity (certifying that you have a work-related injury and are incapacitated for work) and a referral to psychology if appropriate. Make sure to tell your GP that the injury is work-related. The certificate of capacity is a critical document — it starts the claim process.

Note: a workers compensation psychology referral is separate from a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). Do not use your Medicare MHTP sessions for workers comp treatment — keep these separate.
Lodge your claim with the insurer (within 6 months of injury, but sooner is better)
Your employer must notify their insurer within 48 hours of receiving your certificate of capacity. You can also lodge directly with icare or the employer's insurer. Once the claim is lodged, the insurer has 7 days to make a provisional liability decision (pay or dispute), and 21 days to make a full liability decision. During the provisional liability period, the insurer must fund your reasonable treatment even if the full claim is not yet decided.
Contact a SIRA-approved psychologist (can proceed before formal approval)
In most cases, you can contact a psychologist and arrange an initial consultation before your claim is formally approved. The first consultation is typically authorised by the insurer as part of the initial treatment, and the psychologist uses it to assess you and prepare a treatment plan. Confirm with the psychologist before attending whether they need written insurer authorisation for this first session.

Timeframe: This can happen within 1–2 weeks of your injury, assuming you have a GP referral and can find an available psychologist. The directory lists SIRA-approved psychologists in Sydney who offer telehealth — telehealth typically has shorter wait times than in-person.
Psychologist submits treatment request (within 1–2 sessions)
After your initial assessment, your psychologist submits an Approved Health Treatment Request (AHTR) to your insurer. This is a formal request for ongoing psychology sessions, outlining your diagnosis, treatment plan, and goals. The insurer has 21 business days to respond. If you do not receive a decision within that timeframe, the treatment is generally taken to be approved.

Timeframe from first session: Treatment request typically submitted within 1–2 weeks. Decision within 21 business days (approximately 4 calendar weeks). Total: 5–8 weeks from injury to approved ongoing sessions.
Ongoing funded sessions under your Recovery Plan
Once the treatment request is approved, your sessions are funded by the insurer at SIRA gazetted rates — no out-of-pocket cost for you. Your psychologist will submit further treatment requests at intervals (typically every 10 sessions or so) to keep funding in place. Sessions continue as long as your treatment is consistent with your Recovery Plan and your psychologist continues to document clinical justification.

Typical Timeframes at a Glance

Stage	Who acts	Typical timeframe
Report injury to employer	Worker	Same day / immediately
GP appointment + certificate of capacity	Worker, GP	Day 1–3
Insurer provisional liability decision	Insurer	Within 7 days of claim
First psychology session (initial consult)	Worker, psychologist	1–2 weeks (telehealth often faster)
Psychologist submits treatment request	Psychologist	Within 1–2 sessions (days to weeks)
Insurer approves treatment request	Insurer	Within 21 business days (~4 calendar weeks)
Total: injury to funded ongoing sessions		Typically 4–8 weeks

Timeframes are indicative and vary by claim complexity, insurer responsiveness, and practitioner availability. Source: SIRA NSW and Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW).

Why Telehealth Can Shorten the Timeline

One practical advantage of telehealth psychology for workers compensation claims is availability. In-person SIRA-approved psychologists in Sydney often have wait times of several weeks. Telehealth-based psychologists typically have shorter availability because they can see clients across all of NSW without being limited to a specific location.

If your claim is in process and you need to start as soon as possible, checking telehealth availability first — before limiting your search to your suburb — often finds earlier appointments. The directory lists SIRA-approved psychologists who offer telehealth specifically.

What If My Claim Is Disputed?

Psychological injury claims have historically higher dispute rates than physical injury claims in NSW. If your insurer declines liability or disputes a treatment request, you have several options:

Internal review: Request that the insurer review the decision internally. This is free and can be done in writing.
Merit Review at SIRA: If the insurer upholds the decision, you can apply for a merit review through SIRA's Workers Compensation Independent Review Office (WIRO is now part of SIRA). This is also free.
Personal Injury Commission (PIC): For disputes that cannot be resolved through review, the PIC is an independent tribunal that handles workers compensation disputes in NSW.
Legal advice: Workers compensation lawyers in NSW typically offer free initial consultations and operate on a no-win-no-fee basis for these matters.

The icare Injury Help Hub (1800 737 822) can help navigate the process. SIRA's website has detailed information about the dispute resolution pathway.

Can My Employer Object to My Claim?

Yes. Employers can dispute liability for a workers compensation claim, though the insurer — not the employer — makes the liability decision. Your employer's objection does not automatically mean the claim is rejected. The insurer assesses the claim independently based on medical evidence and other information. If your claim is disputed, you can pursue the review and dispute resolution process outlined above.

What Happens to My Job During My Claim?

This guide focuses on the psychology side of the workers compensation pathway. Employment rights during a workers compensation claim are a separate matter and are governed by the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW) and relevant anti-discrimination laws. Your employer has obligations around suitable duties and return-to-work planning. For employment-specific questions, the Fair Work Commission, a union representative, or a workers compensation lawyer can advise.

Common Questions

How long does a NSW workers compensation claim take to be approved?

For psychological injury claims, the insurer must make a provisional liability decision within 7 days and a full liability decision within 21 days of receiving sufficient information. Once accepted, treatment requests (submitted by your psychologist) must be decided within 21 business days. Total from injury to approved ongoing psychology sessions: typically 4–8 weeks.

Can I see a psychologist before my workers comp claim is approved?

In most cases, yes. Your insurer typically authorises an initial consultation so the psychologist can assess you and prepare a treatment request. This first session can usually proceed before formal claim approval. Confirm with the psychologist before attending, as some practices require written insurer authorisation first.

What happens if my workers comp psychology claim is disputed?

You can request an internal review from the insurer, apply for a merit review at SIRA, or escalate to the Personal Injury Commission (PIC). Disputes about psychological injury are common and are often resolved through the review process. Workers compensation lawyers in NSW typically offer free initial consultations.

How many psychology sessions will my insurer fund?

There is no fixed session limit under NSW workers compensation psychology. Sessions are funded based on your Recovery Plan and treatment requests. Your psychologist requests sessions in blocks and the insurer approves based on clinical justification. Funding can continue as long as treatment is clinically justified and consistent with your recovery goals.

Find a SIRA-approved telehealth psychologist

Browse the directory to find psychologists in Sydney who accept NSW workers compensation clients and offer telehealth appointments — which typically means shorter wait times.

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This guide provides general educational information about the NSW workers compensation process. It is not legal, insurance, or clinical advice. Information is current as at June 2026; refer to SIRA NSW for the most current guidance. SIRA gazetted psychology rates effective 1 February 2026.