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 and approved by the insurer. Revamp Psychology is a SIRA-approved practice providing this treatment for injured workers across NSW by telehealth.
Revamp Psychology is a SIRA-approved practice providing psychological treatment for injured workers under the NSW Workers Compensation scheme, also commonly known as WorkCover. As a workers compensation psychologist working exclusively in this area, Matt Semsar supports people experiencing psychological difficulties following a workplace injury, whether that injury is physical, psychological, or both. This includes anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma-related symptoms, and the psychological effects of chronic pain.
If you were injured at work and are looking for a psychologist for a workplace injury, this is the practice's sole area of focus. The practice is led by Matt Semsar, a Registered Psychologist (AHPRA: PSY0002620326) and SIRA-approved provider (No. 24705), who works exclusively within the workplace injury and compensation context. Services are delivered by telehealth across 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.
Psychological injury arising directly from work, including stress, bullying, or a traumatic workplace event.
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 WorkCover
Psychological treatment under Workers Compensation is available whether the primary workplace injury is physical, psychological, or a combination of both. 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 treatment under WorkCover usually works
Your treating doctor provides a referral and the supporting documentation required under the Workers Compensation scheme.
For ongoing treatment, an Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR) is submitted to the insurer for approval.
Once approval is confirmed, sessions can be arranged via telehealth anywhere in NSW.
Treatment is structured, evidence-based, and focused on recovery and return to usual activities, with progress reviewed and documented as required within the scheme.
Under the NSW Workers Compensation scheme, injured workers generally have the right to choose their own treating psychologist.
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 and insurer-side experience) 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.
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 and approved by the insurer. Your GP can assist with the referral and approval process.
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 treatment has been approved by the insurer under the Workers Compensation scheme, sessions are generally funded through the scheme and there are typically no out-of-pocket costs.
Yes. Psychological treatment under WorkCover is available for the psychological impact of a physical injury as well as for primary psychological injury. Anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, chronic pain distress, and trauma responses are common after a physical injury and can be treated alongside physical rehabilitation.
For Workers Compensation claims in NSW, insurer approval is generally required before treatment commences, and your treating doctor usually assists with the referral and the supporting documentation needed for that approval. Contact us if you are unsure what applies to your situation.
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 short guides may help:
Make an enquiry
To discuss a referral or whether this service is appropriate, call or email us directly. All enquiries are handled personally.