What is rehabilitation, and what makes a good provider?

Given the high prevalence of psychological injuries, undoubtedly there is a need to help these individuals “get back on their feet”. KRISTIN TINKER reports that a rehabilitation provider may just be what you need to assist you during this time. 

It is well evidenced that work has numerous benefits for our wellbeing. However, after sustaining an injury, it is often one thing that you don’t want to jump straight back into head first. But the cost of ignoring a problem is much greater than the cost of fixing a problem by creating and implementing a plan. It can take time, patience and consideration. Rehabilitation providers can play a crucial – and effective – role in your return to wellbeing, which includes work. 

What does a rehabilitation provider do?

A rehabilitation provider plays a major role in assisting individuals recover and prosper after they have experienced an injury. Their role is to identify and address the crucial psychological, physical and organisational risk factors that may influence an individual’s capability to return to work successfully. Rehabilitation providers possess the core skills, knowledge and expertise to provide specialised assistance and guidance, in collaboration with the worker’s employer and/or insurer. Essentially, they are responsible for developing an appropriate workplace rehabilitation intervention, assisting and supporting the injured worker maintain or return to suitable employment. 

Why Resilia?

Resilia offers an alternative approach to typical rehabilitation services, which has been shaped by rigor and knowledge gained through the extensive experience since 1999 from our sister company, The Centre for Corporate Health. Resilia’s emphasis in their interventions is to improve the quality of life of the individuals who are experiencing psychological injury or mental health issues.

Our consultants at Resilia are predominantly registered psychologists with extensive, variant experience in the field. They have been trained to practice within a positive psychology approach, focusing on individualistic needs and identifying strengths to assist you in your recovery. They adopt a holistic approach in assisting individuals who are experiencing mental health issues, understanding the various psychosocial risk factors that can be present.

Resilia offers a full range of psychological rehabilitation services, aimed at preventing, assessing and rehabilitating employees who are experiencing poor mental health. Resilia’s consultants understand that every individual is different and has unique needs, and thus tailors interventions appropriately. The specialized methodology that Resilia employs has been proven to improve recovery rates and result in cost effective claim processes. As Resilia consultants are mental health experts, you know you are in good hands.

How will a registered psychologist assist me if I am experiencing a mental health issue? 

Arguably, a range of healthcare professionals can help you get on the road to recovery after experiencing a psychological injury. But what are the advantages of seeing a registered psychologist?

• Psychologists have to be registered  under the Psychology Board of Australia in order to practice
• In order to be registered, psychologists have to satisfy certain criteria. This is to protect the public, ensuring that as practitioners they entail the appropriate skills and qualifications
• Psychologists are trained and licensed to assist individuals in understanding their emotions and are responsible for helping clients change their behaviours
• Psychologists are equipped to diagnose a range of mental health illnesses
• They possess the tools to help you recover from a mental health illness
• Psychologists develop and implement therapeutic approaches to address identified psychological obstacles and concerns
• Psychologists develop key practical and research skills throughout their training

So essentially, a registered psychologist will use their knowledge and skills when assisting you recover from a psychological injury. Their expertise will effectively identify and diagnose your mental health issue and will provide you with the most suitable therapeutic intervention, whilst providing support tailored to your needs.

How will my Resilia Rehabilitation Consultant be different from my treating Psychologist?

Although your Resilia Rehabilitation Consultant may be a registered psychologist, their role in your return to good health is extremely different. Some of the similarities and differences are summarised below.

Similarities: 

• There is an overlap in the population they see – those that are experiencing a psychological injury
• Both have knowledge and experience assisting people recover from mental health issues
• Both will be assisting you with your injury
• Both are responsive to certain obstacles and warning signs of psychological distress and provide approaches for you to overcome these

Differences:

• Your treating psychologist will focus more on the treatment of your psychological injury, and will probably provide you with therapy (e.g. talk therapy, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy)
• Your rehabilitation provider will also assist in helping you overcome your psychological injury, but they have a broader mission, being responsible to actively evaluate your suitability and capability in staying or returning to work
• Your rehabilitation provider will consult with you, your employer, insurer and most likely your doctor and/or psychologist in order to achieve a timely, safe and appropriate return to work plan

How do you identify a good rehabilitation provider?

Obviously there are many options to choose from in terms of finding a rehabilitation provider to assist you after you have experienced a psychological injury. There are two important things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is your choice. Extending from that, it is vital that you know how to evaluate what makes a good rehabilitation provider.

Some of the characteristics that you should look out for include whether they:

• Implement a holistic approach
• Evaluate the catalyst, triggers or source of conflict that you may have
• Tailor interventions to your personal needs
• Ensure your wellbeing is the first priority
• Follow up with you and maintain constant support and guidance
• Have adequate experience and qualifications, e.g. are a registered psychologist or qualified rehabilitation counsellor and have experience in the field
• Work closely with your employer, practicing doctor, psychologist and/or insurer to consider all aspects of your situation, ensuring that your return to work is appropriate and safe

Managing mental health of individuals and assisting their return to work is not only considered good practice these days, but it is actually a legislative requirement under the WHS Act 2011.

How can I work best with my rehab provider?

In order to work best with your rehabilitation provider, there are a few tips that you could take on board, including:

• Be open and honest regarding how you are feeling – physically and emotionally – and your perceived capabilities. Remember, your rehabilitation provider won’t be able to assist you if you aren’t being truthful regarding your condition and experience;
• Allow them to discuss your treatment goals and expectations with your treating team;
• Stay in regular contact with your rehabilitation provider;
• Keep them in the loop about everything;
• Communicate clearly with them;
• Be clear when and where suits you in terms of meeting and discussing your case;
• Be reliable;
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification;
• If you have any issues or concerns, say so!

What does the process of rehabilitation entail?

After you have chosen your rehabilitation provider, you will be guided through a recovery process, which may include:  

• An Initial Assessment to allow us to gain a good understanding of what your concerns are to allow us to devise a plan to help you towards recovery;
• The identification and management of risk factors for prolonged ill-health and workplace absenteeism;
• Medical case conferencing, with yourself, your doctors / treaters, possibly your employer, to allow everyone to work with each other, and yourself, towards your recovery goals;
• Psychological / Pharmacological treatment to help manage your ill health;
• Follow-up support and coaching to ensure your progress towards recovery.

The rehabilitation process varies greatly for all participants, and such is the nature of tailored solutions. You should feel empowered, engaged, considered and heard throughout your rehabilitation journey and recovery. If at any time you do not feel satisfied, it is important that you speak to your Doctor, Insurer or the providers’ Manager to address your concerns. 

What do I do if I have more questions?

Speak to us! Call 1300 4 RESILIA (1300 47 37 45) and ask for one of our managers who will be able to discuss our services and answer any question that you may have.