Hypnotherapy for PTSD - Is It Covered by WorkCover?

ustralian workplace mental health compensation claims reached 17,600 in 2023-24, representing 12% of all serious workers' compensation claims. PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) accounts for more than 10% of these mental health claims. Yet many workers struggling with workplace trauma don't realise they can access treatment through WorkCover.

The numbers tell a stark story. Mental health claims have surged by 161% over the past decade, affecting workers across every industry. Police officers reliving violent confrontations. Paramedics haunted by scenes they couldn't forget. Healthcare workers traumatised by patient deaths. Office workers who witnessed workplace violence.

PTSD doesn't discriminate by job title. Workers with mental health injuries experience a median 35.7 weeks off work, with median compensation of $67,400 per claim.

Here's what many don't know: WorkCover can fund your treatment, including hypnotherapy when provided by qualified practitioners. You don't have to navigate recovery alone or pay out of pocket for the care you need.



This blog post explains what PTSD is, how WorkCover supports injured workers, and whether hypnotherapy might be covered under your claim.

What Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It's not a sign of weakness. It's a recognised psychological injury that can happen to anyone.

• Common symptoms include:
• Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
• Painful memories that intrude into everyday life without warning
• Nightmares and sleep problems
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Avoiding places, people, or situations that remind you of the trauma
• Feeling constantly on edge or easily startled
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional numbness or detachment from others

PTSD can develop after single incidents or repeated exposure to trauma. Left untreated, it can lead to depression and difficulty managing emotions and reactions in daily situations. While many people associate the condition with childhood trauma, past trauma from military service, or events like a natural disaster, workplace incidents are equally valid triggers.

What Is WorkCover?

WorkCover is the common name for workers compensation insurance in Australia. Each state and territory runs its own scheme under different names.

In Victoria, it's called WorkSafe Victoria. New South Wales uses icare. Queensland has WorkCover Queensland. South Australia operates ReturnToWorkSA. Western Australia has WorkCover WA. The ACT, Tasmania, and Northern Territory each have their own systems too.

Despite different names, all schemes serve the same purpose. They provide support and compensation when workers get injured or become ill because of their job.

What Can You Claim Under WorkCover?

WorkCover schemes across Australia can cover various costs related to workplace injuries. This includes both physical and psychological injuries like PTSD.

Common coverage includes:

• Medical expenses – Doctor visits, specialist appointments, hospital treatment, and medications. This includes both physical and psychological treatment.
• Rehabilitation costs – Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, counselling, and other approved effective treatments that help you recover.
• Income support – Weekly payments if you can't work or can only work reduced hours while recovering.
• Return to work programmes – Support to help you get back to work safely, including workplace modifications or retraining.

The key point many workers miss is that psychological injuries have the same standing as physical ones. When a person is dealing with PTSD from workplace incidents, both they and their loved one may not realise this is a legitimate WorkCover claim that deserves support.

PTSD and WorkCover: What You Need to Know

To make a WorkCover claim for PTSD, you need to show that your condition resulted from your employment. This doesn't mean your employer did something wrong. Sometimes traumatic incidents happen despite everyone's best efforts.

Your claim will typically require:

• Medical evidence – A diagnosis from your GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist confirming you have PTSD.
• Connection to work – Documentation showing the traumatic event happened at work or because of work.
• Timeline – You generally need to report the injury within six months of the incident, though exceptions exist for psychological injuries where symptoms develop gradually.

Each state has slightly different rules. Some have specific time limits. Others require certain employment periods before psychological claims are accepted. Check your state's requirements or speak with your employer's WorkCover insurer.

How Clinical Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy Can Help PTSD

Hypnotherapy is gaining recognition as a valuable treatment for PTSD. It works differently from traditional talk therapy.

During hypnotherapy sessions, practitioners induce a focused state of consciousness, sometimes called a trance. This deep state isn't sleep or loss of control. You remain aware and can stop at any time.

This deep relaxation allows access to the subconscious mind, where traumatic and painful memories are stored. Trained hypnotherapists help clients in this relaxed state become more open to positive suggestions and new perspectives. The focus shifts to healing by:

• Process traumatic memories – Rather than avoiding the traumatic experience, you work through the emotional experience in a safe, controlled way.
  
• Reduce physical stress responses – Your body learns to stay calm when reminded of the trauma.
• Reframe negative thought patterns – You develop healthier ways of thinking about what happened.
• Improve sleep – Many people with PTSD struggle with nightmares and insomnia. Hypnotherapy can help restore normal sleep patterns.
• Build coping strategies – You learn techniques to manage anxiety and flashbacks in daily life.

Research shows hypnotherapy is among the most effective treatments for PTSD. A meta-analysis of six studies found that hypnotherapy significantly reduced participants' PTSD symptoms of intrusion and avoidance. The research demonstrates how hypnotherapy works by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories in a controlled therapeutic environment.Studies from 2023 to 2025 indicate hypnotherapy can reduce trauma-related anxiety by approximately 32%.

Research particularly highlights hypnotherapy's effectiveness in reducing nightmares and insomnia, providing a natural alternative to sleep medications. Many patients experienced reduced nightmares, less anxiety, and better overall functioning.

During hypnosis, the mind becomes more active and open to suggestion, which explains why this approach works differently from conventional talk therapy. As a recognised form of psychotherapy, hypnotherapy is often combined with other forms of treatment like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Exposure Therapy to enhance outcomes.

A standard course of hypnotherapy for PTSD often ranges from 3 to 10 sessions, though individual needs vary. The first session typically involves gathering information about your goals, medical history, and specific triggers. From there, the therapeutic work phase may include regression therapy to safely explore past experiences in a controlled environment.

Is Hypnotherapy Covered by WorkCover?

Yes, WorkCover can cover hypnotherapy for PTSD in many cases. However, several conditions apply.

• The treatment must be reasonable and necessary – WorkCover doesn't fund every treatment automatically. Your hypnotherapy needs to be part of an appropriate treatment plan for your injury.

• Your provider must be qualified – The hypnotherapist should hold recognised qualifications and belong to professional associations like the Australian Hypnotherapists Association, Hypnotherapy Council of Australia, or similar bodies.

• A medical professional must recommend it – Usually, your GP, psychiatrist, or psychologist needs to support hypnotherapy as part of your treatment plan.

• It must relate to your workplace injury – The treatment needs to address PTSD caused by your work-related trauma, not pre-existing conditions.

Different states handle this differently. Some require pre-approval before starting treatment. Others let you claim reimbursement afterwards. Always check with your WorkCover case manager before beginning hypnotherapy.

How to Access Hypnotherapy Through WorkCover

Getting WorkCover to fund your hypnotherapy involves several steps.

• Step 1: Report your injury – Tell your employer about your PTSD as soon as possible. They'll help you start a WorkCover claim.
• Step 2: See your doctor – Get a formal diagnosis and discuss treatment options. Ask whether they think hypnotherapy could help.
• Step 3: Find a qualified hypnotherapist – Look for practitioners with proper credentials and professional association membership.
• Step 4: Get approval – Contact your WorkCover case manager. Explain that your doctor has recommended hypnotherapy. Ask what documentation they need.
• Step 5: Keep records – Save all invoices, treatment notes, and communications about your hypnotherapy.

Your hypnotherapist may need to provide reports showing your progress. WorkCover wants evidence that the treatment is helping you recover and return to work.

What If WorkCover Denies Coverage?

Sometimes WorkCover initially refuses to fund hypnotherapy. This doesn't mean you're out of options.

You can request a review of the decision. Provide additional medical evidence supporting hypnotherapy's effectiveness for your condition. Your doctor's support is crucial here.

Each state has different review processes. Some have independent medical panels. Others use dispute resolution services. Your union, lawyer, or a free legal service can help you understand your options.

Finding the Right Hypnotherapist

Not all hypnotherapists have experience treating PTSD, which can be particularly complex when it involves workplace trauma. If your PTSD relates to incidents involving children or vulnerable people, ensure your practitioner has specific experience in these areas. Look for practitioners who:

• Hold recognised qualifications in clinical hypnotherapy
• Belong to professional associations with codes of conduct
• Have specific experience treating trauma and PTSD
• Can provide treatment notes and reports for WorkCover
• Are willing to work with your doctor and case manager
• Maintain a high standard of ongoing education and professionalism



Ask potential therapists about their approach to PTSD. They should explain how they'll help you process trauma safely and make you feel comfortable during sessions. Outcomes can vary between individuals, so if initial results are unsatisfactory with one practitioner, you may need to try another.

Moving Past Trauma

PTSD from workplace trauma is a legitimate injury with real treatment options. WorkCover's role is straightforward: fund your recovery, whether that's through traditional psychology, medication, or alternative approaches like hypnotherapy.

The evidence for hypnotherapy in treating PTSD continues to grow. While it may not work for everyone, many workers find it effective, particularly when combined with other treatments. If you've tried conventional therapy without success, or you're looking for additional support, it's worth exploring.

Your next steps are practical. Book an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms and get a formal diagnosis. Ask whether hypnotherapy could suit your situation with confidence — your doctor can guide you through options. If your doctor agrees it's appropriate, contact your WorkCover case manager about coverage before booking sessions. Taking these steps promptly can lead to faster recovery and better outcomes.

Most importantly, submit your claim promptly. The sooner you access treatment, the better your chances of recovery. WorkCover exists because workplace injuries happen. Using it isn't a sign of weakness. It's using a system designed specifically for situations like yours.