Your first WorkCover psychology appointment

Before the appointment

Check the clinic address or telehealth link, the appointment length and who is paying. Tell us about mobility, language or communication needs in advance. If travel is difficult, ask whether another location or telehealth would suit.

Have the GP referral, claim and claims manager details and any written psychology approval available. Ask our team how to send documents. Avoid emailing a detailed injury history before we have explained the process.

You do not need to prepare a perfect account

Your psychologist will ask about what has happened, your symptoms, daily life, medical care and what you hope treatment will help with. You can bring brief notes or questions.

You can say that something is difficult to discuss, ask for a break or ask why a question is relevant. There is no requirement to tell the whole story to the administration team before the appointment.

Talk about privacy at the start

Ask who may receive information and what WorkCover treatment reports usually cover. Your psychologist will explain consent and the limits of confidentiality.

Let them know about concerns involving contact with an employer, particular person or service. A discussion about consent is part of care, not an inconvenience.

Agree on what comes next

The first session helps your psychologist assess the situation and discuss a treatment plan. You may agree on initial priorities and how to review progress.

Ask about the approach, the likely frequency of appointments and what happens when approved sessions are nearly used. No one can promise exactly how many sessions you will need or a fixed recovery date.

When the fit does not feel right

It is okay to raise concerns about the approach or communication. Sometimes a discussion helps; sometimes a different clinician is more suitable. Talk with the team before changing funded appointments so referral and approval arrangements can be checked.