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How many psychology sessions does WorkCover cover in NSW?
In short: There is no single fixed lifetime or annual quota for psychology under NSW Workers Compensation. Current rules do, however, set when treatment can proceed without insurer pre-approval and when an AHTR is required. In specified circumstances, a SIRA-approved psychological practitioner may provide up to eight consultations without pre-approval when treatment begins within three months of injury.
This is one of the most common questions people ask when they start psychology under a claim, and it's a fair one. You want to know what you're entitled to. The honest answer is that the NSW scheme doesn't work on a fixed allowance the way some other systems do. The number depends on your recovery and what it needs, rather than a set rule.
There is no set quota
Workers Compensation psychology in NSW is not governed by one fixed annual session allowance. Instead, treatment operates under the scheme's reasonable-and-necessary requirements and its pre-approval rules. The number of consultations that can proceed before insurer approval is needed depends on factors including when treatment starts and whether the injury has previously been treated by the same allied health practitioner group.
How sessions are usually approved
Under the current Workers Compensation Guidelines, a SIRA-approved psychologist may provide up to eight consultations without pre-approval where treatment begins within three months of the injury and the injury has not previously been treated by the same psychological allied health practitioner group. Where treatment begins more than three months after injury, different limits apply. An AHTR is used according to the timing rules and when further treatment is required.
- There is no single fixed total number of psychology sessions for every claim.
- Some early consultations can proceed without insurer pre-approval in defined circumstances.
- An AHTR communicates progress, goals and the rationale for further treatment when required.
- Ongoing treatment is considered against clinical need, progress, function and the scheme's reasonable-and-necessary requirements.
What happens when an approved block runs out
When the consultations available under the current pre-approval or approved-treatment arrangements are nearing their end, your psychologist reviews progress and whether further treatment is clinically indicated. Where additional approval is required, an AHTR or other scheme documentation is submitted so the insurer can consider the request. A request for further treatment is not automatically approved; it is considered under the scheme's requirements.
Costs
Where psychology treatment is payable under Workers Compensation, eligible sessions are generally funded through the scheme. This includes consultations that fall within the current no-pre-approval rules as well as treatment that has been approved when approval is required. Your treating psychologist can confirm which arrangement applies to your claim.
Frequently asked questions
There is no single fixed lifetime or annual quota. Current Workers Compensation rules set when consultations can proceed without insurer pre-approval and when an AHTR is required. In specified circumstances, up to eight consultations with a SIRA-approved psychological practitioner may proceed without pre-approval when treatment begins within three months of injury.
When the consultations available under the current treatment arrangements are nearing their end, your psychologist reviews progress and can request further treatment where clinically indicated. The insurer then considers the request under the scheme's reasonable-and-necessary requirements.
Where psychology treatment is payable under Workers Compensation, eligible sessions are generally funded under the scheme, including consultations that fall within the current no-pre-approval rules. Your treating psychologist can confirm what applies to your claim and stage of treatment.
Scheme information reviewed: 20 August 2026.
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General information for a NSW audience only, not personal or clinical advice. What gets approved and funded comes down to your individual claim and insurer approval, so confirm your situation directly with your treating doctor.