Traumatic Psychological Injuries
Understand what’s covered and how to get help
People can experience physical or psychological injuries at work. Psychological injuries may happen suddenly after a traumatic event, or gradually as serious stressors at work build over time.
Traumatic psychological injury (TPI) is psychological harm from traumatic work events that involve a threat of death or serious harm. It can follow a single incident or repeated exposure.
For first responders, TPI often develops after multiple traumatic events and can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re a first responder, see the PTSD in First Responders program for tailored supports and information.
This page explains what TPIs are covered and provides links to next steps if you believe you have an eligible injury.
During the claim process we’ll explain what to expect, and connect you with confidential support. When it’s safe, staying connected to work can help you heal. If you need time away, we’ll help plan a safe, early return to work based on your abilities.
Find out if your situation might be covered
Every situation is different. Complete the psychological self-assessment to see if what you’re experiencing might be covered by WCB.
What is a traumatic psychological injury
A traumatic psychological injury is a condition that typically results from a sudden, frightening or shocking event. The event usually involves actual or a threat of serious harm or serious injury.
To qualify for coverage, a registered psychologist or psychiatrist must diagnose your condition. If an assessment is needed, WCB can arrange it, and we will cover the cost.
What’s covered
Coverage generally applies when all of the following are true:
- The injury followed one traumatic event at work
- The event involved a threat of serious harm or was emotionally shocking
- A WCB-approved psychologist or psychiatrist provides clinical information to support your claim
- The injury is primarily work-related
Examples of events that may qualify
- Witnessing a fatal incident
- Experiencing a physical assault or armed robbery
- Being first on scene to a horrifying accident
- Handling graphic or horrific material in a single incident
What’s not covered
TPI coverage does not usually apply when:
- The condition is not primarily related to work
- There is no clinical diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist
- The event did not meet the threshold of a traumatic workplace event
- Situations that are upsetting but not traumatic, without a threat of serious harm
Think you may have a different type of psychological injury?
WCB also provides coverage for work-related gradual onset psychological injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
How to open a claim
A psychological injury can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to be anxious about starting a claim. We’re here to guide you, at your pace, throughout the entire process. WCB has a specially-trained team to provide the support you need.
Learn how to open a psychological injury claim.
Return-to-work planning and support
Whether someone experiences a physical or psychological injury, staying connected to work plays a meaningful role in recovery. An important milestone in recovery from a psychological injury is being able to work. We’re here to support you, your employer, and health care provider every step of the way.
Learn about return-to-work for psychological injuries.
Resources, next steps, and related pages
- How a psychological injury claim is decided – Learn what information WCB gathers, who reviews your claim, and how decisions are made
- Your psychological injury support team – Meet the people who will guide you through your claim and recovery
- Psychological safety resources – Explore tools and information to help promote psychologically safe workplaces
Crisis support
If you are in crisis, get help now.
- Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167 (24/7)
- 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (24/7)