Supporting Workers with Psychological Injury
We’re with you—every step of the way
A psychological injury can feel overwhelming—for the worker and for you as an employer. You’re not alone. A dedicated WCB team is here to support and guide everyone involved—from opening the claim to recovery and successful return to work.
If you have questions at any point, contact a client care navigator at 1-833-491-8889 or 902-491-8888.
PTSD in first responders claim process
Learn about the claim process for PTSD in first responders, which follows a different path than other psychological injury claims.
Your psychological injury team
Your team works together. There will be one main contact at each stage, with other team members involved as needed. We’ll always explain who is contacting you and why.
Client care navigator—your starting point
- Helps the worker open a claim and understand the process
- Explains what information is needed now, and what can wait
- Connects the worker to other team members and health service providers
- Keeps you informed about next steps that involve the workplace
Privacy and consent: A client care navigator will not contact you without the worker’s consent until the worker decides to move forward with a claim. After a claim is opened, WCB must share information relevant to the claim with you and may request information needed to support the claim and return-to-work planning.
You, the employer, are a key partner in recovery
- Work with the worker and WCB to create a safe, supportive workplace
- Start early conversations about accommodations and modified duties
- Help design a return-to-work plan that keeps the worker connected to work when it’s safe
- Share information needed for the claim decision and recovery planning
Eligibility specialist—gathers what’s needed to decide the claim
- Steps in after the claim is opened
- In certain cases of traumatic psychological injury, or post-traumatic stress disorder claims, an eligibility specialist may not be involved —instead claim decisions can be made by a WCB case manager
- Collects information from the worker and from you, and may speak with co-workers if needed
- Reviews clinical information from the worker’s psychologist or psychiatrist
Psychologist or psychiatrist—clinical diagnosis and treatment
- Diagnoses the psychological injury
- May become part of the care team if treatment is required
- Provides clinical updates to support treatment and return-to-work planning
WCB arranges appointments and pays for approved services. All WCB-approved psychologists and psychiatrists are registered health professionals.
Case manager—guidance throughout the claim process
- Coordinates the treatment plan and claim benefits
- Works with you, the worker, and providers to keep the workplace supportive
- Reviews progress and adjusts plans as needs change
- Ensures the worker receives payments and services they’re entitled to
Return-to-work specialist—plans a safe path back
- Builds a return-to-work plan centered on recovery and safety
- Helps identify transitional duties and reasonable accommodations
- Supports staying connected to work or returning to work, if time away was needed
Other health care providers—matched to the worker’s needs
Depending on the treatment plan, the team may also include:
- Registered social workers
- Occupational therapists
- Registered counselling therapists
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
WCB mental health service partners
To help you start care sooner, WCB partners with specialized mental health providers:
- Lifemark – National health care company specializing in rehabilitation and workplace health and wellness.
- CBI Health – Nationally recognized physical and mental health rehabilitation provider
- Homewood Health - Clinical expertise with a strong return-to-work focus
- The Newly Institute - Nationally recognized leader in psychological injury recovery
- EHN Canada - Virtual mental service and support provider
WCB arranges appointments and pays for approved services as part of the worker’s claim.
Workplace psychological safety resources
Explore helpful tools for navigating and preventing workplace psychological injuries.
Connect with support and resources for first responders.