WorkCover and TMS Therapy: Coverage, Costs, and Process

If you’ve been affected by a work-related psychological injury—such as trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, or depression—navigating treatment options can feel overwhelming. For many Australians, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy offers real hope, especially when traditional treatments like medication and counselling haven’t worked. But one common question remains: Is TMS therapy covered under WorkCover compensation?

So, let's look at how to make a WorkCover claim, whether WorkCover covers mental health, how the WorkCover claim process works for TMS, and what to expect in terms of coverage, approvals, and costs.

Does WorkCover cover mental health conditions?

Yes, WorkCover in Australia can cover mental health conditions when they are directly related to your employment. These are known as psychological injuries and may result from a specific incident or build up over time due to ongoing work-related stress. To be eligible, your condition must be diagnosed and accepted under a WorkCover claim.

Common work-related mental health conditions include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  This can develop after exposure to a traumatic event at work, such as a serious accident, witnessing violence, or being involved in a critical incident. PTSD may cause flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and heightened anxiety, significantly affecting day-to-day life and functioning.
• Generalised Anxiety or Panic Disorders
  Persistent exposure to high-pressure environments, ongoing deadlines, job insecurity, or unsafe conditions can lead to chronic anxiety. Symptoms may include restlessness, racing thoughts, physical tension, panic attacks, and difficulty concentrating, often resulting in avoidance of work situations.
• Anxiety due to workplace bullying or harassment
  Repeated verbal abuse, intimidation, exclusion, or unreasonable criticism can trigger severe psychological distress. Over time, this may cause heightened vigilance, social withdrawal, sleep problems, and an ongoing fear of retaliation or confrontation at work.
• Depression related to burnout or overwhelming workload
  Unrealistic performance expectations, long hours, or lack of control in the workplace can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, low mood, fatigue, and disinterest in previously enjoyed activities—hallmarks of clinical depression.
• Workplace conflict or toxic team environments
  Tension between colleagues, poor management, or systemic dysfunction can erode psychological safety, leading to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and reduced job satisfaction.
• Adjustment disorders following a workplace change
  Job restructuring, sudden role changes, demotion, or redundancy can trigger acute stress reactions and emotional disturbances, especially when support or communication is lacking.
• Psychological injuries resulting from physical trauma
  Workers recovering from a physical injury (e.g. a fall, machinery accident, or musculoskeletal issue) may experience anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms—especially if the injury limits independence, causes chronic pain, or results in job loss or lifestyle changes.
• Secondary trauma or vicarious stress
  Employees in high-risk roles—such as healthcare, emergency services, and social work—may develop symptoms similar to PTSD after prolonged exposure to others’ trauma or distress.

Each case is assessed individually, and treatment is tailored to your recovery needs. Monarch Mental Health Group provides WorkCover-supported mental health care across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland, including psychiatrist-led assessments and TMS therapy.

What mental health support services does WorkCover cover?

WorkCover can fund a wide range of support for eligible claims, depending on medical advice. This may include:

• GP and psychiatry appointments
• Medication and psychological therapy
• Hospital treatment and rehabilitation
• Allied health services
• Specialist mental health treatment, including TMS therapy if clinically indicated

TMS treatment is typically considered where other treatments have failed to provide meaningful improvement and must be recommended by your treating psychiatrist as part of your recovery plan.

Can TMS therapy be covered by WorkCover?

Yes, but you must follow the correct approval process. TMS therapy may be funded under WorkCover if:

• You have a mental health diagnosis accepted under an existing WorkCover claim
• Your symptoms have not responded to standard treatment
• Your treating psychiatrist recommends TMS based on clinical need
• The insurer agrees it is appropriate and supported by evidence

Monarch Mental Health Group regularly assists with WorkCover-related referrals and can guide you through the process.

WorkCover claim process for TMS therapy

If you're considering TMS therapy for a work-related mental health issue, here is the typical process to follow:

1. Make a WorkCover claim
   If you haven’t already, notify your employer of the incident or condition, then lodge a claim through your state or territory’s WorkCover authority. A GP or psychologist can assist with diagnosis and paperwork.
2. Obtain a psychiatric assessment
   If your claim is accepted, your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist. They’ll evaluate your condition and determine whether TMS is suitable.
3. Treatment proposal
   If TMS is recommended, the psychiatrist or TMS provider will submit a proposal to the insurer outlining the treatment plan and rationale.
4. Wait for approval
   Your case manager or insurer will review the documents. Once approved, your TMS treatment can begin. Monarch Mental Health Group works directly with case managers to make this process as smooth as possible.

How much does TMS therapy under WorkCover cost?

If your treatment is approved, there is no cost to you. WorkCover funds the full cost of TMS therapy, including:

• Initial and follow-up psychiatric assessments
• TMS treatment planning and delivery
• Session reporting and outcome monitoring

If funding is not approved, Monarch Mental Health Group can help you explore private billing options, Medicare rebates (for eligible conditions), or private health cover if applicable.

Why choose TMS for work-related mental health conditions?

Psychological injuries from the workplace can be persistent and difficult to treat. If medication or counselling hasn’t worked, TMS offers a new approach that directly targets the areas of the brain involved in emotion, cognition, and mood.

TMS is non-invasive, requires no sedation, and has few side effects compared to medication. Sessions are conducted on an outpatient basis and fit easily into your weekly routine. For many people with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, or PTSD, TMS can offer meaningful improvement in day-to-day function and mental clarity.

How Monarch Mental Health Group supports WorkCover patients

Monarch Mental Health Group works closely with GPs, psychiatrists, and insurers to provide tailored mental health treatment for people recovering from workplace-related psychological conditions. Our team offers:

• Repetitive and deep TMS therapy (rTMS and dTMS)
• Psychiatric evaluations and treatment recommendations
• Assistance with treatment proposals and documentation
• Liaison with WorkCover case managers
• Mental health care plans tailored to your individual recovery journey

With clinics located throughout New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, we provide accessible, high-quality care to support recovery from workplace injury.

Reclaim Your Mental Health with the Right Support

If you’re unsure how to make a WorkCover claim for a mental health condition or want to explore whether TMS therapy could be covered under your existing WorkCover compensation, speak to your GP or psychiatrist.

Already have a claim in place? Contact Monarch Mental Health Group to learn more about the WorkCover claim process for TMS and what’s required to get started. We’ll guide you through your options and help you take the next step toward lasting recovery.

FAQs

Can I get TMS therapy through WorkCover?

Yes, if you have a work-related mental health condition and your psychiatrist recommends TMS, you may be eligible for WorkCover-funded TMS therapy. The treatment must be deemed reasonable and necessary, and prior approval from your insurer is required. Monarch Mental Health Group has clinics Australia-wide and can help coordinate the referral and approval process.

What happens if my TMS request is not approved by WorkCover?

If your request for TMS is declined, you still have options. Monarch Mental Health Group can help explore private billing, Medicare rebates (for eligible conditions), or coverage through private health insurance. Our team can also provide updated documentation for review or appeal with your case manager. Speak to us today for assistance or more information.

Is TMS therapy safe for people with work-related mental health issues?

Yes, TMS is a safe, evidence-based treatment for conditions like depression and PTSD. It is non-invasive and doesn’t involve sedation or medication. Most patients experience only mild side effects like scalp tingling or temporary headaches. Monarch’s psychiatrist-led clinics ensure all WorkCover patients are properly assessed before treatment begins.

Can I continue seeing my GP or psychologist while receiving TMS?

Absolutely. TMS is often used alongside ongoing psychological therapy and general medical support. Your GP and psychologist remain important members of your treatment team. At Monarch Mental Health Group, our clinics in NSW, Victoria, and Queensland coordinate care with your existing providers to ensure consistency and the best possible outcomes.

What mental health conditions are commonly treated with TMS under WorkCover?

TMS treatment is most commonly used to treat work-related depression, anxiety, and PTSD—especially in cases where medication and therapy haven’t provided sufficient relief. If these conditions are linked to your workplace injury and approved as part of your WorkCover claim, TMS may be recommended as a next step in your treatment plan. Contact us today for assistance in making your WorkCover claim.