ACC ISSC supported assessments

ACC ISSC supported assessments are available in person nationwide for people who are querying whether they may have a diagnosable mental illness resulting from sexual abuse. There is no charge for these assessments.

The first steps
planning and report

1

Find a Therapist

Someone you feel comfortable working with. This could be a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor.

Don’t know the professional differences between a psychologist, psychotherapist, or counsellor? learn more here.

See services with ACC therapists here.

2

Complete an early planning report

Your therapist will write the report which will briefly outline details of your current difficulties.

At this stage, make contact with me using the form here to request me as your supported assessment assessor.

3

Early planning report submission to ACC

If I confirm my availability, your therapist can indicate on the early planning report that I will be your assessor and the early planning report can then be submitted to ACC.

Next step
The assessment (2–6 hours)

  • We will meet for between two and nine hours over multiple sessions to discuss experiences of sexual abuse and resulting mental health difficulties.

  • You will also be asked to discuss your early childhood and relationship history and will also be asked to complete a series of questionnaires.

Next step
Finalisation of report to ACC

  • I will review your medical and mental health records to ascertain whether you meet the criteria for having suffered a mental injury (a diagnosable mental disorder) as a result of your sexual abuse history.

  • A report will then be written summarising the assessment findings which will then be reviewed with you (in person if based in Canterbury, via Zoom if based elsewhere in New Zealand) and submitted to ACC.

  • ACC will make an informed decision about whether to accept your claim and approve cover for ACC ISSC therapy.

6 week coverage

Clients are typically covered for six therapy sessions prior to a supported assessment. Following their supported assessment, should their claim be accepted, they are typically covered for 48 hours of therapy per year. Sessions tend to occur on a weekly basis.

One-on-one therapy

Clients meet one on one with their therapist to process difficulties experienced over the week and reflect on how they may relate to struggles experienced in early childhood. Skills are learned to reduce the impact of negative emotional experiences on their lives.

Please note:
Individual therapy spaces are currently full and the waitlist is closed.