Return to Work for Psychological Injury
Return-to-work planning and support
Whether someone experiences a physical or psychological injury, work is a critical part of recovery—and a key milestone in recovery from any mental health issue or psychological injury is being able to work. We’re here to support you, your employer, and health care provider every step of the way.
When it’s safe, staying connected to work—with the right support—can help you heal. If you need time away, the goal is a safe, early return. Working while you recover does not impact your entitlement to a claim.
When your claim is approved, your case manager and a return-to-work specialist will build a plan around your needs and abilities. The plan can support staying at work or returning early and safely if you’ve been off. As you recover, your case worker will be your main point of contact. They will check in regularly and adjust the plan as needed—with your comfort level guiding the pace.
Your plan will include clear goals and timelines to track progress.
Your return-to-work plan may include:
- Transitional work and accommodations
- Temporary duties that match your abilities
- Defined break times and pacing
- A gradual increase in hours or responsibilities
- Treatment supports while you work
- Income-replacement benefits if you’re off work
If talking about work increases your anxiety, let us know—we’ll focus on what feels safe today and build from there. Your voice guides every decision.
Transitional work and accommodations
Transitional work means meaningful tasks you can do safely while you recover. Duties will change as your abilities change.
Accommodations are agreed-upon changes that help you work safely.
Examples of accommodations:
- Modified tasks, tools, or workflows
- Flexible or reduced hours, set break times, or shift changes
- A quieter space, fewer interruptions, or remote/hybrid options where possible
- Extra guidance, training, or supervision
You, your case manager, health care provider, and employer will choose duties that fit your abilities and set timeline goals to track progress. If something feels unsafe or too fast, tell your case manager—we can pause, adjust, or return to earlier duties.
Work is an important part of recovery. You don’t recover to work—you work to recover. These resource can help.
Examples of transitional work and accommodations for psychological injury
Understanding Transitional Work (PDF)
Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool↗️
Ongoing support
Many people recover completely from psychological injuries. However, recovery from this kind of injury is not as straightforward as recovery from a broken arm or other physical injuries .
Some people may need ongoing support to manage symptoms. There may be setbacks where symptoms return. And some people may not return to how they were before their injury. These are all normal experiences.
However, there are strategies and supports to help you address symptoms after your injury to help you work safely and comfortably.
Managing triggers and symptoms
Early communication helps prevent symptoms from getting worse and gets you support sooner. If symptoms return or worsen:
- Tell your employer as soon as you can
- Ask to adjust your duties, schedule, or workspace to reduce triggers
- Return to earlier transitional duties or accommodations if they helped
- Ask your health care provider to review and update your treatment
- Keep track of what helps (and what doesn’t) so your plan reflects your needs
- Contact a client care navigator any time for guidance and support
We truly understand
With this type of injury, the idea of continuing to work or returning to work can seem like a mountain to climb. We are here to help you do it, one step at a time. With the right support, most people can stay at work or return early and safely. Our team is specially trained and passionate about to helping people with psychological injuries. They are ready to help you.
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