Find a Mental Health Professional for Return to Work & Fitness for Work

About Return to Work & Fitness for Work support

Returning to work after a period of mental or physical ill health is a significant and sometimes daunting step. The transition can involve anxieties about performance, managing colleagues' perceptions, dealing with a changed work environment, and maintaining recovery while re-engaging with the demands of work. Fitness for work concerns, including questions about capacity, role adjustment, and workplace accommodations, require careful and collaborative planning. Psychological support during return to work focuses on building confidence and resilience, developing strategies for managing triggers or symptoms in the workplace, and supporting a staged and sustainable return. Therapists may liaise with treating GPs, occupational physicians, and WorkCover case managers as part of a coordinated plan. Self-compassion and realistic expectations are important throughout this process. In Australia, WorkCover and state-based workers compensation schemes often fund a range of support services for injured workers returning to employment, including occupational rehabilitation providers and psychological sessions. Comcare covers federal government employees. GPs play a central coordinating role in fitness for work assessments and return-to-work planning. The Heads Up website offers practical tools for employees and managers navigating workplace mental health.