Work Comp Mental Injury Claim Specialist
Master the complexities of psychological and mental injury claims in workers’ compensation
Enroll NowWhy This Certification Matters
Mental injury claims are increasing in frequency and complexity across the United States. This four-module program equips you with the knowledge and skills to confidently navigate one of the most challenging areas in workers’ compensation.
🎯 The Challenge
- Rising frequency of mental injury claims
- First responder PTSD presumptions
- Expanded compensability definitions
- Invisible injuries with complex factors
- Risk of prolonged disability if mismanaged
📚 What You’ll Master
- DSM diagnostic frameworks and psychological testing
- Timely, fact-based investigations
- Jurisdictional compensability thresholds
- Psychosocial comorbidity recognition
- The biopsychosocial treatment model
💼 Your Impact
- Improve financial outcomes
- Reduce litigation risk
- Enhance injured worker well-being
- Collaborate effectively with all stakeholders
- Facilitate better treatment and return-to-work
Comprehensive 4-Module Program
Expert instruction from industry-leading psychologists and claims specialists
Module 1: Foundations
Instructor: Dr. Ronald Heredia
Key Topics:
- Types of mental injuries (pure psych, physical-mental, catastrophic)
- DSM diagnostic framework (IV-TR, 5, 5-TR)
- Psychosocial comorbidities and environmental stressors
- Stakeholder identification and interests
- Barriers to treatment adherence and return-to-work
Module 2: Investigation & Management
Instructors: Sandy Avina & Angel Guerra-Chagolla
Key Topics:
- Timely, fact-based claim investigations
- State-specific compensability thresholds
- PTSD presumptions and sudden/extraordinary events
- Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
- Treatment guidelines (ODG, ACOEM, MTUS)
- Return-to-work planning strategies
Module 3: Biopsychosocial Model
Instructor Content Provided by: Dr. Vicky Sánchez
Key Topics:
- Integration of biological, psychological, and social dimensions
- Pain, function, and disability interrelationships
- CBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing
- Communication strategies and empathy skills
- Early intervention for reducing long-term disability
Module 4: Testing & Evaluation
Instructor: Dr. Ronald Heredia
Key Topics:
- Psychological testing tools (MMPI-2, malingering inventories)
- Malingering and secondary gain detection
- Catastrophic claim evaluation (PTSD, mood disorders)
- Treating provider vs. forensic evaluator roles
- Applying test results to claims decisions
The Value for Claims Professionals
Gain the confidence, competence, credibility, and compassion needed to excel in mental injury claims
Confidence
Clear frameworks for handling cases that often feel ambiguous or overwhelming
Competence
Evidence-based knowledge to manage compensability, treatment, and return-to-work decisions
Credibility
A professional designation signaling specialized expertise in an area of growing importance
Compassion
Tools to balance legal and administrative responsibilities with the human impact of psychological injury
Become the “Glue” of the Workers’ Compensation System
Join claims professionals who are handling mental injury claims more efficiently, reducing litigation risk, and improving outcomes for injured workers
Enroll in WCMICS Today
