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What happens to psychological support when a WorkCover claim closes?
Quick answer: When a claim closes, funded psychological treatment under the scheme generally ends too, but that does not necessarily mean support needs to stop altogether. There are other pathways worth knowing about, and it is worth planning ahead where you can.
A claim can come to an end for a number of reasons, including settlement or a formal claim finalisation. The points below outline what this generally means for treatment, and the options available if you feel you would benefit from continuing support.
Why claims close
Claims close for different reasons, including reaching a settlement, a determination that treatment is no longer required under the scheme, or other administrative reasons specific to your claim. The circumstances vary from person to person.
What it means for treatment
Once a claim closes, treatment funded through the Workers Compensation or CTP scheme generally ends at the same time, since the funding for sessions was tied to the active claim.
Options for continuing support
Depending on your situation, options can include a Mental Health Treatment Plan through your GP, which provides Medicare-subsidised sessions, private health cover if you have relevant extras, seeing a psychologist privately, or, if you have returned to a new employer, an Employee Assistance Program if one is available.
Planning ahead
Where possible, it is worth discussing the approaching end of a claim with your treating psychologist before it closes, rather than after, so that a transition plan can be considered in good time.
Frequently asked questions
Funded treatment through the scheme generally stops when the claim closes, but that does not mean all support has to stop. A number of other pathways may be available depending on your situation.
A GP can consider a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which provides a set number of Medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year, as one option for continuing support outside the scheme.
Yes, where possible. Raising the topic with your treating psychologist ahead of a claim closing allows time to consider options, rather than needing to work it out after funded sessions have already ended.
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Make an enquiry
If you would like to discuss options for continuing support as your claim approaches closure, please call or email directly.
This page is general information for people in NSW and is not personal or clinical advice. Eligibility and treatment depend on your individual claim and insurer approval. Please speak with your treating doctor about your situation.