In recent years, psychological injury claims have surged. Unlike physical injuries, these claims tend to be more complex, costly, and take longer to resolve.
Take a look at this article by ABC News which explores how a spike in mental health insurance claims resulting in more Australians leaving the workforce for good.
This shift has pushed employers to prioritise worker mental health as a critical business risk, and a key part of their overall strategy.
Axis’ Mental Wellbeing services have experienced a similar uptick underscoring the trend.
So, what does this mean for occupational rehabilitation?
Simply put, mental health expertise isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
The Rising Importance of Psychological Injury Expertise
Psychological injuries, whether the primary concern or secondary to a physical injury, require a considered approach.
Rehabilitation programs that don’t take these unique challenges into account often struggle to help workers recover successfully.
This is where psychologists come in. Traditionally, their role in occupational rehab has focused on clinical care, think counselling for adjusting to injury.
This is known as Adjustment to Injury Counselling, or ATIC, and is designed for patients who are progressing well physically but have identifiable psychosocial barriers to their physical recovery.
But their contribution goes far beyond that.
Psychologists: Essential to Return-to-Work Success
Even when not acting as a worker’s direct clinician, psychologists bring a powerful skill set to
the table.
They help identify and manage psychological barriers, offer insights into treatment
and diagnoses, and holistically support workers on a path back to health and productivity.
At Axis, our occupational health team blends the expertise of psychologists and occupational therapists who specialise in mental health.
Here’s how we make a difference:
1. Early and Compassionate Support
From day one, our team connects with workers using empathy and understanding. This early engagement helps us identify key obstacles, whether psychological, or physical, ensuring workers receive the right treatment and fully grasp the benefits of returning to work when they’re ready.
2. Psychologically informed and tailored Return-to-Work Plans
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our experts collaborate closely with medical and allied health professionals to craft tailored rehabilitation strategies and duties plans that suit the individual’s needs.
Early assessments also include a look at the workplace environment, both physical and psychosocial, to ensure the whole picture is understood.
To Summarise
Mental health is no longer a side note in occupational rehabilitation; it’s central to a successful recovery journey.
By integrating psychological expertise early and thoroughly, employers and rehab providers can reduce claim durations, lower costs, and most importantly, support workers in returning to their jobs healthier and more resilient.
