How much does a psychology session cost under NSW workers compensation?

For insurer-approved sessions, the worker pays $0 out-of-pocket. The insurer (icare or self-insurer) pays the psychologist directly at the SIRA gazetted rate: approximately $271.60 for an initial 60-minute session (PSY301) and $226.80 for subsequent 60-minute sessions (PSY302) from 1 February 2026. Workers are not invoiced and there is no gap fee for approved sessions.

What is the SIRA gazetted rate for psychology?

The SIRA gazetted rate is the maximum amount insurers pay psychologists for workers compensation sessions. From 1 February 2026 (following 4.57% indexation): initial consultation (PSY301 telehealth / PSY001 in-person): approximately $271.60 for 60 minutes. Subsequent consultations (PSY302 telehealth / PSY002 in-person): approximately $226.80 for 60 minutes. These rates apply to both telehealth and in-person sessions.

Is workers comp psychology cheaper than Medicare?

For the worker, yes — workers comp psychology is $0 out-of-pocket for approved claims, while Medicare typically leaves a gap of $60-$165 per session in Sydney. The insurer pays substantially more than Medicare reimburses ($226-$272 vs $99-$145 Medicare rebate), which reflects the workers comp scheme's direct billing model.

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NSW Workers Comp Psychology Cost Calculator

For approved icare/SIRA claims, workers pay $0 out-of-pocket. This calculator shows exactly what the insurer pays per session, how many sessions cost what, and how it compares to Medicare and private psychology.

SIRA gazetted rates effective 1 February 2026 (4.57% indexation). Source: SIRA NSW.

Quick answer: If your workers compensation claim is accepted by the insurer (icare), you pay $0 for psychology sessions. The insurer pays your SIRA-approved psychologist $271.60 for the first session and $226.80 for each session after that. There are no session limits equivalent to Medicare's 10-session cap.

Session cost estimator

Claim status

Session type

Number of sessions: 10

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Your cost (out-of-pocket)

Insurer pays per session

$271.60

Total insurer cost (10 sessions)

$2,494.20

Total worker cost

Compare: workers comp vs Medicare vs private

Pathway	Per session (insurer/rebate)	Your cost
Workers comp (approved claim)	~$227–$272 (icare pays)	$0
Medicare Better Access (clinical psychologist, telehealth)	$145.25 rebate	~$85–$165 gap
Medicare Better Access (registered psychologist, telehealth)	$98.95 rebate	~$60–$150 gap
Private (no Medicare, no claim)	$0 from any payer	$180–$310 full fee

Medicare rebates from 1 July 2025 (MBS items 91167 / 91170). SIRA rates from 1 February 2026. Sydney private fee range is indicative.

Important: The $0 figure applies only to insurer-approved sessions under an accepted workers compensation claim. If your claim is disputed or if you see a psychologist who is not SIRA-approved, you may be responsible for the cost. Before starting treatment, confirm: (1) your claim has been lodged and accepted, or that the first session is covered while the AHTR is pending; (2) your psychologist holds a SIRA provider number. How to verify SIRA approval →

Frequently asked questions

Does the first session cost anything before my AHTR is approved?

In most cases, no. Your insurer typically authorises the first session so the psychologist can assess you and prepare the AHTR. The psychologist submits the treatment request after the initial session. Confirm with your psychologist and insurer before attending, as some practices require written insurer authorisation first.

Are telehealth sessions the same rate as in-person?

Yes. The SIRA gazetted rate for telehealth (PSY301/PSY302) and in-person (PSY001/PSY002) sessions is set at comparable rates. The gazetted rate for a 60-minute session is approximately $271.60 (initial) and $226.80 (subsequent) regardless of delivery mode. Workers pay $0 for approved sessions either way.

Is there a limit on how many sessions are funded?

No fixed cap. Unlike Medicare's 10-session per year limit under Better Access, workers compensation psychology sessions are funded for as long as they are clinically justified and approved by the insurer via the AHTR process. The psychologist submits ongoing treatment requests with progress reports. More detail →

What if my claim is with a self-insurer, not icare?

Large employers (typically 500+ staff) can be self-insurers under NSW workers compensation law. The SIRA fee schedule and treatment process apply to both icare (the nominal insurer) and self-insurers. The costs to the worker are the same: $0 for approved sessions.

Find a SIRA-approved telehealth psychologist

Browse psychologists in Sydney who accept workers comp (icare/SIRA) referrals and offer telehealth. No gap fee for approved sessions.

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