Preparing for your MAT Psychiatric Assessment

Allison Grimley • February 27, 2026

If you are having your psychiatric/psychological injury assessed by the Medical Assessment Tribunal, there is some important information that you should know: 

The Psychiatric Medical Assessment Tribunal (often referred to as the MAT), is a panel of three psychiatrists, who make decisions in relation to your workers' compensation claim.


If you have a psychological injury, the insurer should arrange an appointment for you at the end of your workers' compensation claim, so that the MAT can assess your injury and determine the nature and extent of any psychological impairment that you have.


In making this assessment, the psychiatrists on the panel will likely discuss with you:

  • The cause of your psychological injury;
  • What treatment you are currently having (including any medication that you are taking); and
  • How you have been affected by your injury (including your self-care and personal hygiene, social and recreational activities, travel, relationships and employment). 


They will also talk to you about your mental health history and whether you have had any previous claims, and they will have been provided with your medical records to read in advance.


Your assessment will take place either in person (150 Mary Street, Brisbane), or via video, and will take approximately one hour.


The psychiatrists may also request that you complete a blood test, to confirm what medication you are taking and whether you have taken any illicit drugs.


To prepare for this assessment, you:

  • Can prepare for the questions that you might be asked;
  • Can write down some notes to take with you, including a list of your current medications and any important dates;
  • Should consider bringing a support person - either to take into the appointment, or just to drive there and back with you;
  • Should talk about the impact that the injury has had upon you and your life, rather than what has occurred with your employer and/or WorkCover;
  • Should keep a record of your travel costs and parking expenses, so that they can be reimbursed;
  • Can read the AMA Guidelines, for more information on how your assessment is completed. We can provide you with a copy of this if you would like. 
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Following the assessment, the MAT will prepare a report and provide this to WorkCover/the workers' compensation insurer.


If the MAT decides that your psychological injury is stable and stationary, their report will include an assessment of the degree of permanent impairment (DPI) that you are suffering. WorkCover will then provide you with a Notice of Assessment, which is a document setting out the DPI and, if you have more than a 0%, a lump sum offer.


There are some important decisions that you will need to make in response to the Notice of Assessment, that may affect your ability to pursue any further compensation. We highly recommend that you seek legal advice before responding to this Notice.


If you have any questions about the MAT or your WorkCover claim generally, please reach out to Allison or Rachel on 07 4599 3054. 

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