WorkCover, CTP & Lifetime Care Psychology

Forward Thinking Psychological Services provides a range of psychological assessment and treatment options for adults under Workers’ Compensation (WorkCover), Compulsory Third Party (CTP), and Lifetime Care schemes. With several years of experience supporting individuals within these schemes, we are well-placed to support and guide you through whatever stage of the journey you find yourself in.

We understand that being involved in an insurance-based claim can be stressful and, at times, overwhelming. Clients are often managing multiple appointments, navigating unfamiliar systems, and repeatedly recounting experiences that may be distressing or upsetting. Our approach is to reduce unnecessary burden where possible, take the time to understand your situation, and focus on what will genuinely support your recovery and next steps.

Services are currently delivered via secure telehealth or online video calls, allowing flexible access to care alongside other medical, rehabilitation, and work-related commitments.

Scheme-specific notes

• Workers’ Compensation (“WorkCover”): Focuses on recovery from work-related physical and/or psychological injury and capacity for safe return to work.

• CTP: Applies where psychological symptoms arise following a motor vehicle accident.

• Lifetime Care: Supports people with long-term or catastrophic injuries requiring ongoing psychological input as part of multidisciplinary care.

We are experienced in delivering therapy across all three schemes and are well-equipped to support your needs within the scope of your claim/situation.

A slightly different focus to private therapy

Psychological treatment under WorkCover, CTP, or Lifetime Care may differ in some important ways from standard private therapy.

While your mental health and emotional wellbeing remains a central focus, treatment is typically more functionally and recovery-focused, with an emphasis on:

• Improving capacity for work, study, or daily functioning (whilst respecting and upholding each individual’s personal dignity and the right to free choice in the pathway they choose)

• Recovery from physical/psychological injury or adjustment to injury/illness

• Building skills to support sustainable return-to-work or role participation

• Managing symptoms in the context of rehabilitation goals

This means that sessions may not cover every life issue or historical concern, particularly if it falls outside the scope of the claim or recovery plan. This focus is not about limiting care or dismissing a person’s genuine problems, but about ensuring treatment aligns with insurance scheme requirements/guidelines and supports meaningful functional outcomes.

There is also often greater involvement from other stakeholders, such as your GP, case manager, and rehabilitation consultant. This can include progress updates, capacity-related information, and collaborative planning. Sometimes, notes, files, and reports are requested by legal representatives or insurers, which can also change how your information is kept and shared. 

Confidentiality remains a core ethical principle; however, the information-sharing processes differ from standard private therapy. These arrangements will always be discussed with you clearly so you understand what information is shared, with whom, and for what purpose.

What to expect from treatment

Psychological care at Forward Thinking Psychology under these schemes is:

• Inviting, warm, and approachable. Therapy can be stressful (especially for those who haven’t tried it before), so our clinicians’ first priority is your comfort. 

• Structured and goal-oriented, with a clear focus on recovery and function

• Collaborative, involving you and (where appropriate) other members of your treatment team

• Evidence-based, guided by current clinical and occupational rehabilitation guidelines

• Transparent, with clear explanations of processes, expectations, and reporting requirements

Treatment commonly draws on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and other evidence-based frameworks relevant to psychological injury, adjustment, and rehabilitation.

Information for Case Managers

Our clinicians at Forward Thinking Psychological Services have several years of experience providing psychological services within Workers’ Compensation and insurance-based frameworks. They receive ongoing support, supervision, and training specifically for improving their understanding and skills of how to deliver appropriate and effective psychological services within insurance-based frameworks. 

Case managers can expect:

• Clear, timely, and professional communication

• Responsiveness to reasonable requests for updates or clarification

• Treatment that aligns with scheme requirements and recovery objectives

• A pragmatic, function-focused approach to psychological intervention

• Psychological support that encourages improving functioning/capacity; whilst upholding individual choice and control of how this looks for each client

We understand the importance of balancing clinical integrity with administrative and reporting obligations, and aim to support efficient, collaborative claim management.

Information for GPs

We value clear and succinct communication with referring GPs. We are able to schedule time as needed to discuss a client’s current situation, goals, barriers, and next steps either during case conferences or other updates.

GPs can expect:

• Succinct, clinically relevant progress updates

• Communication timed appropriately around Certificate of Capacity reviews, where applicable

• Notification of any significant changes in presentation, capacity, or treatment direction

Our goal is to support coordinated care while minimising any unnecessary administrative burden.

Information for Rehabilitation Consultants

We work closely with rehabilitation consultants and recognise the central role they play in recovery and return-to-work planning.

Rehabilitation consultants can expect:

• Open, collaborative communication

• Willingness to participate in goal-setting and case conferences where appropriate

• A focus on identifying realistic recovery pathways

• Psychological input into functional capacity, work readiness, and vocational or career planning

We aim to contribute constructively to multidisciplinary planning and support sustainable, long-term outcomes for clients. We pride ourselves on transparent collaboration - ensuring clients have a consistent, reliable, and surprise-free experience throughout their rehab journey.

Referrals and getting started

GP Referrals under WorkCover, CTP, or Lifetime Care typically require approval through the relevant insurer or scheme. Processes can vary depending on jurisdiction and claim status.

If you are unsure whether you are eligible or how to proceed with a referral, you are welcome to make contact to discuss your next steps at info@forwardthinkingpsychology.com