Workers Compensation Psychologist NSW, Support for Injured Workers
Quick answer: If you have been injured at work in NSW, you may be able to access psychological treatment under the Workers Compensation (WorkCover) scheme where treatment is reasonably necessary. Current rules allow some consultations to proceed without insurer pre-approval in defined circumstances. Revamp Psychology provides SIRA-approved psychological treatment for injured workers in Sydney and across NSW by telehealth.
Revamp Psychology provides psychological treatment for injured workers under the NSW Workers Compensation scheme, also commonly known as WorkCover. Matt Semsar is a Registered Psychologist (AHPRA: PSY0002620326) and SIRA-approved provider (No. 24705) whose clinical practice is dedicated exclusively to NSW Workers Compensation and CTP clients. Within Workers Compensation, he supports people experiencing psychological difficulties following a workplace injury, whether the injury is physical, psychological, or both. This includes anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma-related symptoms, and the psychological effects of chronic pain.
For injured workers, the service is specifically designed for the workplace injury and compensation context. Matt has more than a decade of experience across personal injury and workplace rehabilitation in addition to his clinical work, giving him a detailed understanding of both psychological recovery and the system around the claim. Services are delivered by telehealth across Sydney, regional NSW and the rest of New South Wales.
Who this service is for
This service is for injured workers with an active Workers Compensation claim in NSW who are experiencing psychological difficulties related to their injury and recovery. This commonly includes:
Anxiety, low mood, and depression that develop following a workplace injury, or as recovery becomes prolonged and uncertain.
Primary psychological injury arising directly from work. For claims first notified from 1 July 2026, NSW applies specific eligibility criteria and recognises defined relevant events, including workplace violence or threats, traumatic incidents, bullying, sexual or racial harassment, and excessive work demands.
Difficulty adjusting to changed capacity, loss of routine, reduced work identity, and the disruption an injury brings to daily life.
Post-traumatic stress responses following a workplace incident or accident, including intrusive memories, heightened alertness, and avoidance.
The psychological effects of persistent or chronic pain following injury, including fear-avoidance, reduced activity, and frustration.
Psychological factors affecting confidence and readiness to resume work and normal activities, including reduced confidence, avoidance, and distress linked to the workplace.
Treatment focuses on the psychological impact of injury and recovery. It is clinical in nature and does not involve legal, fault, or claim-dispute matters.
Conditions treated under Workers Compensation (WorkCover)
Psychological treatment may be available under Workers Compensation for psychological symptoms associated with a covered physical injury, a compensable primary psychological injury, or both, where treatment is reasonably necessary. NSW introduced separate eligibility rules for primary psychological injuries first notified from 1 July 2026; those new primary-injury rules do not apply in the same way to secondary psychological injuries arising from a physical injury. Depending on the individual presentation, treatment may address:
- anxiety, including health anxiety and worry about recovery
- depression and persistent low mood
- adjustment disorder and difficulty adjusting to injury or changed circumstances
- post-traumatic stress and trauma-related symptoms
- chronic and persistent pain, and pain-related psychological distress
- sleep disturbance associated with injury, pain, or stress
- reduced confidence, fear-avoidance, and loss of routine
- tinnitus-related distress following workplace noise exposure or injury
How Workers Compensation psychology treatment usually works
Your nominated treating doctor or GP assesses the injury, may recommend psychological treatment and provides the relevant Workers Compensation medical documentation, including the Certificate of Capacity where required.
Insurer pre-approval is not always required before psychology starts. For example, current rules allow up to eight consultations with a SIRA-approved psychological practitioner without pre-approval in specified circumstances when treatment begins within three months of injury and there has been no previous treatment by the same allied health practitioner group.
An Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR) is completed according to the current timing rules and where further treatment requires insurer consideration. Read how psychology approval works under Workers Compensation.
Treatment is structured, evidence-based and focused on recovery and function, with progress reviewed and further treatment requested where clinically appropriate.
A clinician who understands the compensation system
Effective psychological treatment within the Workers Compensation system requires more than treating symptoms in isolation. It requires an understanding of how the claims and recovery process itself affects a person. That means the weight of claim uncertainty, the impact of medical assessments, the disruption to work identity, and the secondary stress that builds when recovery takes longer than expected.
Matt Semsar works exclusively in this space. His background spans more than a decade across the personal injury and workplace rehabilitation sector, including rehabilitation consulting, alongside clinical practice, and is further supported by a postgraduate qualification in occupational health and safety. This grounding in occupational systems, workplace injury, and the regulatory context of worker rehabilitation informs a practical, system-aware approach to treatment.
Clinical approach
Psychological treatment is evidence-based, structured, and recovery-focused, with realistic goal-setting and a focus on helping injured workers regain routine, confidence, and functional engagement. Approaches are tailored to the individual and may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), trauma-focused therapy and EMDR, and the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP).
Where persistent pain is a central barrier to recovery, targeted pain management psychology may be incorporated. Where tinnitus has developed following workplace noise exposure or injury, tinnitus-related distress can also be addressed.
Working with the treating team
Treatment sits within the broader rehabilitation system. Where appropriate, and with your consent, collaboration may occur with your general practitioner, medical specialists, rehabilitation consultants, allied health providers, and the insurer or case manager, supporting coordinated, goal-directed recovery while maintaining clear clinical boundaries. Reporting is provided in accordance with scheme requirements.
Workers Compensation psychology by telehealth across NSW
Revamp Psychology provides psychological treatment for injured workers via telehealth across all of New South Wales, supporting clients in cities, regional centres, and rural areas alike.
If you are recovering from a motor vehicle accident rather than a workplace injury, see the dedicated CTP psychologist page.
Common questions from injured workers
Yes. Injured workers in NSW may be able to access psychological treatment under the Workers Compensation (WorkCover) scheme where the treatment is reasonably necessary. Psychology should be provided by a SIRA-approved practitioner, and current rules allow some consultations to proceed without insurer pre-approval in defined circumstances.
Generally yes. Under the NSW Workers Compensation scheme, injured workers can usually choose their own treating providers, including their psychologist. Your employer or insurer may make suggestions, but you are generally entitled to choose your own treating psychologist. If you have been referred elsewhere but would prefer a different psychologist, this can usually be discussed with your GP or insurer.
Where psychology treatment is payable under the Workers Compensation scheme, eligible sessions are generally funded in accordance with the applicable scheme fees and approval requirements.
Potentially. Psychological treatment may be available where psychological symptoms develop as a consequence of an accepted physical workplace injury and the treatment is reasonably necessary. NSW introduced separate eligibility rules for new primary psychological injury claims from 1 July 2026, so the pathway can differ depending on the type and timing of the claim.
Your nominated treating doctor remains an important part of the Workers Compensation support team and may recommend psychological treatment. Insurer pre-approval is not always required before the first psychology consultation: current rules allow specified consultations without pre-approval in defined circumstances, depending on timing and previous treatment.
Yes. Revamp Psychology provides sessions via telehealth across the whole of New South Wales, so injured workers in regional and rural areas can access treatment without travelling. In-person appointments are available in Strathfield.
Referrals and enquiries
Referrals are accepted from general practitioners, medical specialists, insurers, rehabilitation providers, allied health providers, and via self-referral where appropriate under scheme guidelines. If you are unsure whether psychological treatment under Workers Compensation is appropriate for your situation, you are welcome to contact us or discuss it with your treating doctor.
Helpful resources
If you are still working out your options, these guides may help:
- Psychological Recovery After a Workplace Injury: A NSW Guide
- The stress of dealing with a Workers Compensation claim
- Can I choose my own psychologist under Workers Compensation in NSW?
- How to get psychology approved under Workers Compensation in NSW
- What is a SIRA-approved psychologist?
- What to expect in your first WorkCover psychology session
Make an enquiry
To discuss a referral or whether this service is appropriate, call or email us directly. All enquiries are handled personally.