Fitness to Work &
Return to Work Assessments

I am a WorkSafe Victoria provider and offer specialised Fitness to Work (FFW) and Return to Work (RTW) psychological assessments. These services are crucial for informing decisions in complex cases, particularly those managed under Workers' Compensation (WorkCover), Motor Vehicle Accident (CTP) claims, or for internal human resources and risk management purposes.

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My focus is to provide the insurer, employer, or legal team with a clear, objective assessment of an individual’s psychological readiness and functional capacity to perform their job duties following an injury, illness, or period of absence safely and sustainably.

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What The Assessment Delivers

The final report provides actionable, evidence-based findings designed to facilitate a safe and durable return to the workplace:

• Capacity Determination: A clear opinion on the client’s current fitness: Fit for Full Duties, Fit for Modified Duties (with restrictions), or Unfit for Work (with a clear prognosis and review timeline).

• Functional Barriers: Identification of specific psychological barriers preventing a successful return (e.g., fear of re-injury, loss of confidence, stress tolerance, unresolved trauma symptoms, or workplace conflict).

• Workplace Adjustments: Detailed, practical recommendations for reasonable adjustments (e.g., changes to hours, specific tasks to avoid, communication protocols, or environmental modifications) required to mitigate risk.

• Treatment Recommendations: Clear recommendations for further psychological or medical treatment needed to restore full capacity and maximise the chances of a long-term, successful return to work.

 

Comprehensive Assessment Process

I am an AHPRA-endorsed Organisational Psychologist with deep knowledge of contemporary workplace hazards, regulatory frameworks, and the complex interplay between mental health and occupational demands. My assessments include:

 

Detailed File Review: Thorough analysis of all relevant documentation, including medical reports, specialist treatment plans, job demands analyses, and claims history. 

 

Structured Clinical Interview: An in-depth, goal-focused session to explore the injury history, current symptomology, psychosocial factors, motivation, and the client's perception of their work environment and capacity.

 

Objective Psychometric Testing: Utilisation of validated, standardised instruments to objectively measure:

• Symptom severity (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD).

• Coping mechanisms and stress tolerance.

• Cognitive function (if required by job demands).

• Symptom validity.

 

Functional Analysis: Synthesis of all data to provide an objective opinion on the client's current functional capacity compared to the psychological and cognitive demands of their specific role.

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When to Refer to Behavioural Edge Psychology

Referral is appropriate when there is uncertainty regarding an employee's psychological status and work capacity, including:

• Following a Psychological Injury: To determine readiness and set conditions for a Return-to-Work Plan.

• Following a Physical Injury: Where a physical injury has been complicated by associated psychological factors (e.g., chronic pain, depression, or loss of confidence).

• Fitness for Duty Concerns: When changes in an employee's behaviour or performance raise concerns about their ability to safely perform their essential job duties.

 

For confidential discussion or to submit a referral, please contact me directly. I am committed to delivering timely, robust, and ethical reports to support the best possible outcomes for all stakeholders.

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Estimated Cost Range

The total cost for a comprehensive FFW/RTW assessment and report can range from $1,500 to over $4,000 AUD (plus GST).

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Factors Influencing the Final Fee

The fee is not based on a single session; it is a total quote reflecting the time across multiple stages, which are billed at a professional hourly rate.

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​Assessment Component                Estimated Time Allocation
File Review and Preparation           2 to 4 hours
Client Interview/Assessment          1.5 to 3 hours
Psychometric Testing & Scoring    1 to 2 hours
Report Writing & Synthesis             4 to 8 hours
Total Professional Time                  8.5 to 17+ hours
 

Hourly Rate for Specialist Reports

Medico-legal and specialist assessment work is often billed at a higher hourly rate due to the complexity, the expertise required, and the high liability involved.

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Scheme-Specific Rates (Workers' Comp/CTP)

When the assessment is requested by an Australian compensable body (like WorkCover in Victoria/NSW/QLD, or a CTP insurer), the rates are often governed by a fixed schedule of fees set by the scheme. Some scheme fee schedules list specific item codes for assessments and reports, which may be lower than a private medico-legal rate.

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Complexity of the Case

The most significant factor is complexity:

• Simple Case: A straightforward case where the client has good capacity, minimal conflicting medical history, and is motivated for a modified return might be on the lower end, requiring less file review and report writing (e.g., 8-10 hours total work).

• Complex Case: A case involving extensive file reviews (hundreds of pages), multiple diagnoses, or significant psychosocial barriers will take much longer and be on the high end (e.g., 15+ hours total work).

 

Key Takeaway

A FFW/RTW assessment is generally a flat-fee service quoted upfront to the referring organisation (insurer or employer). The client is not responsible for the payment unless they have initiated a private assessment not covered by their claim or employment contract.

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If you are requesting a quote for a specific case, always ask the practice to provide a clear quote that details the estimated time for:

1. File review

2. Client contact (interview and testing)

3. Report writing and finalisation