A mental injury assessment allows ACC (or funder) to get a big picture view of your mental health and how they can better support your physical and vocational rehabilitation. The assessment considers whether there is a link between your mental health difficulties and the physical injury you experienced.
If the difficulties are connected, then ACC may consider adding a “mental injury” claim to your physical claim, which means you will have access to ACC support in the treatment of the approved mental health difficulty. This assessment does not make a recommendation on this decision, rather provides a clinical opinion on the difficulties and their cause.
Who will be doing the mental injury assessment?
A registered Psychologist will complete the assessment. This person is trained to assess the presence of mental health disorders and figure out how they arose. They also have experience in the impact and treatment of psychological difficulties in the context of physical injury.
What can I expect on the mental injury assessment?
Before your appointment, the psychologist will review your background information. On the day of your appointment, they will start with an in-depth interview to understand your experiences, challenges, strengths, and your background.
The interview can take up to three hours or may be completed over several sessions. The timing of the assessment will be discussed with you and if you need breaks, please let your psychologist know. The psychologist may also ask you to complete several questionnaires to better understand your difficulties
Can I bring a support person?
Yes, you may bring a support person for the clinical interview.
What are steps after the assessment?
After the assessment, the psychologist will usually discuss their first impressions with you. Following the assessment, they might also talk to other health professionals involved in your care or, with your permission, to people like family or friends who know you well. After that, they will write a report that explains what they found and gives recommendations for your treatment. The report does not make the final decision about your claim. That decision is made by ACC or your funder, who will consider the report alongside other information.
Are there any risks when doing a mental injury assessment?
While these assessments are safe, the process can sometimes feel tiring or bring up difficult thoughts and feelings. At times, they can exacerbate some of the physical and emotional symptoms you are experiencing. If any part of the assessment becomes too challenging, you may ask for a break or consider adjusting the process with your psychologist.
Sometimes, the outcome of the assessment might differ from what you or the third party requesting the assessment expects. The psychologist’s job is to provide an unbiased assessment based on the information you provide and the questionnaires completed. This may not always match the expectations of you or your funder. The psychologist will explain the findings and how they relate to what’s going on for you, making sure the recommendations focus on your health and recovery. You can discuss any concerns about the results during feedback.
Can I get a copy of the report?
You can request a copy of the report. If there is anything factually incorrect, let the psychologist know so they can help correct it. However, the psychologist’s clinical opinions cannot be changed.
What should I do prior to the mental injury assessment?
- Discuss this information sheet with your social supports so they are aware of how best to support you.
- Being well rested and focusing on your own self-care is important as this will help you make space to discuss your difficulties.
- Leave enough time to get to the appointment and for the appointment so you don’t feel rushed.
What should I bring along?
- Any relevant medical reports and letters the psychologist may not have seen.
- A list of your current medications.
- Hearing-aids if you wear them.
- Any mobility aids you would usually use at home.
What should I do following the mental injury assessment?
- Not have too much planned as you may be emotionally drained and fatigued following the appointment.
- Have a self-care plan to help manage your emotional experience, or a plan to engage with your key social supports.
