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Psychologists and WorkSafeBC
WorkSafeBC is responsible for helping injured workers return to their pre-injury status. This usually involves helping workers overcome physical problems associated with their injury. However workers may have psychological issues associated with a physical injury or related to workplace trauma. A network of qualified professionals across the province contracts with WorkSafeBC to provide psychological services as needed to B.C.'s injured workers.
Bid opportunities
If you are interested in offering Psychological Assessment and/or Treatment Services, please view the bid opportunity details.
Scope of services
WorkSafeBC contracts externally for the assessment and treatment of psychological disorders arising from work-related injuries. Psychological services referred to third-party service providers include:
- Comprehensive medical-legal type of assessment(s)
- Brief clinical intake evaluation followed by treatment intervention
- Psychological treatment and intervention
- Assessment for permanent functional impairment
WorkSafeBC does not contract for the treatment of pre-existing psychological conditions or concurrent issues that are not related to the WorkSafeBC claim.
For more information
Contact WorkSafeBC Heatlh Care Services at 604 232-7787 or toll-free at 1 866 244-6404, local 7654.
Referral process
When an injured worker requires psychological services, WorkSafeBC will make a referral to a qualified professional working in or near by the worker's home community.
Assessment services
As a registered psychologist, you may be called on to provide these types of assessments:
- A comprehensive assessment with a "medical-legal" focus where issues of symptom causality and clinical diagnosis are foremost. This occurs at the beginning of a claim.
- An assessment that evaluates the extent of residual permanent (psychological) functional impairment. This may occur at the end of a claim.
- Brief clinical assessments requested for treatment recommendations and planning purposes.
- Guidelines
for Assessment Service Providers (PDF 279kb)
- The Psychology Assessment Services Reference Manual (April 2008) (PDF 183KB)
Treatment services
When psychological services are required, the WorkSafeBC psychologist or clinical treatment coordinator will contact a third-party service provider to determine an appropriate referral. To receive payment for treatment, you must receive a copy of the referral in writing.
If the injured worker's requirements change (include duration and frequency of treatment) after the referral is made or if you suggest a different service than the one requested, you must have WorkSafeBC psychologist preapproval before continuing treatment.
Guidelines and restrictions
- Before you assess or treat an injured worker, you must have a written referral from WorkSafeBC. Without it, you will not be able to bill WorkSafeBC for any services you provide.
- All treatment must follow the standards outlined by the College of Psychologists of B.C.
- The same provider cannot conduct both the assessment and intervention/treatment of the injured worker.
- Any changes to the scope or intent of the contracted services must be pre-approved with the referring WorkSafeBC psychologist.
- Guidelines for Mental Health Treatment Service Providers (PDF 285kb)
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