Assessment and Treatment for Return to Work SA (WorkCover) Claims

Rose Park Psychology provides expert psychological assessment and treatment for people navigating a workers compensation claim in South Australia. Our clinic is based in Rose Park, Adelaide, and we work with employees, employers, case managers, and rehabilitation providers across the state to support recovery and a safe, sustainable return to work.

South Australia’s workers compensation scheme is administered by **Return to Work SA (RTWSA)**. While the scheme is no longer formally called “WorkCover,” many people — and many referrers — still use that name, so we use both terms on this page for clarity.

We understand that a workplace injury — whether physical or psychological — can affect every part of a person’s life. Our clinicians combine clinical expertise with a practical understanding of the WorkCover system to provide assessments and treatment that are thorough, evidence-based, and genuinely useful to everyone involved in the claim.

Psychological injury claims arising from workplace stress are among the most complex WorkCover matters to assess and treat. These may relate to:

• Bullying, harassment, or interpersonal conflict at work
• Excessive workload or unreasonable performance management
• Organisational change, restructuring, or job insecurity
• A breakdown in the working relationship with a manager or colleague

We provide independent psychological assessments to clarify diagnosis, causation, and capacity, as well as structured treatment programs to support recovery. Our approach is careful and balanced — we assess each claim on its individual merits, considering both the person’s presentation and the broader workplace context, and in line with the requirements of the *Return to Work Act 2014* (SA).

Critical Incidents

Some workers are exposed to a single traumatic event, or a series of events, in the course of their employment — a serious accident, an armed hold-up, a violent incident, a fatality, or a confronting emergency response. These experiences can lead to acute stress reactions, PTSD, or other trauma-related presentations.

We offer:

• Early intervention and critical incident support following a traumatic workplace event
• Comprehensive trauma-focused assessment
• Evidence-based treatment, including trauma-focused CBT and EMDR, delivered at a pace appropriate to the individual

Early, appropriately paced support after a critical incident can make a significant difference to long-term outcomes, and we work closely with employers and rehabilitation providers to ensure timely access to care.

Chronic Pain and Injury-Related Claims

Physical injuries sustained at work — back and neck injuries, orthopaedic injuries, repetitive strain conditions — often carry a significant psychological component, particularly when pain becomes persistent or recovery is prolonged. Chronic pain can affect mood, sleep, relationships, and confidence in returning to work.

Our psychologists provide:

• Assessment of the psychological factors contributing to, or resulting from, chronic pain
• Pain management support using CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches
• Treatment aimed at improving function and quality of life alongside physical rehabilitation
• Support for workers managing the emotional impact of a slow or uncertain recovery

We work collaboratively with treating GPs, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation providers so that psychological and physical treatment progress together.

Our Approach

• Assessment. Our assessments are thorough and clearly written, addressing diagnosis, causation, capacity, and treatment recommendations as required. We are experienced in preparing reports for insurers, employers, and legal representatives, and in providing evidence at case conferences where needed.
• Treatment. Treatment is individualised and evidence-based, drawing on approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-focused interventions. Our focus is on recovery, functional improvement, and — where appropriate — a safe and sustainable return to work.
• Collaboration. We understand that a WorkCover claim involves multiple stakeholders. We communicate clearly and appropriately with case managers, employers, and other treating practitioners, within the bounds of confidentiality and consent, to support coordinated care.

Who Can Refer

We accept referrals from:

• General practitioners
• Rehabilitation and return-to-work providers
• RTWSA claims agents and case managers
• Self-insured employers
• Employers
• Workers themselves, where self-referral is appropriate under their claim

If you are unsure whether a referral is appropriate, our team is happy to discuss the details of a claim before booking an initial appointment.

Get in Touch

To make a referral, discuss a claim, or book an appointment, contact Rose Park Psychology.

30 Kensington Road
Rose Park, SA 5067
Phone: (08) 8333 0940
Fax: (08) 8333 0840
Email: Email Us

Rose Park Psychology is committed to supporting injured workers with compassionate, professional care throughout every stage of their Return to Work SA (WorkCover) claim.