Welcome to Federal Mental Health
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We Are Here To Help With Your OWCP Claim
Expert Virtual Therapy For Injured And Traumatized Federal Workers. We treat emotional effects of workplace injuries and trauma while supporting you every step of the way with your OWCP claim.
Filing a Federal Workers' Compensation Claim: What You Need to Know
Here’s a comprehensive overview of how the process works, what you’re entitled to, and important information to help you along the way.
Understanding Federal Workers' Compensation
Federal workers’ compensation provides medical care, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services to federal employees who are injured or become ill due to work-related causes. It also provides survivor benefits to family members if a work-related injury or illness results in death.
The program is administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) under the U.S. Department of Labor and governed by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). It covers all civilian federal employees, including postal workers, federal law enforcement officers, and agency staff. FECA ensures coverage without requiring employees to prove fault, simplifying the claims process and minimizing litigation.
Our Process at Federal Mental Health
We follow a structured approach to ensure that every injured federal worker receives the right care and services:
Referral for Physical Health Needs:
If you are solely in need of physical medical assistance, we will promptly refer you to one of our trusted partner clinics. These clinics specialize in treating work-related physical injuries and are experienced in federal workers’ compensation cases.
Comprehensive Psychological Care:
If psychological care is required, Federal Mental Health Center will manage your casework directly. Our process includes:
- Coverage Check: We will verify whether psychological services are covered under your accepted conditions.
- Preauthorization Requests: If psychological care is not initially covered, we will request preauthorization from OWCP.
- Claim Expansion: In cases where preauthorization is denied, we will assist in expanding your claim to include psychological conditions.
- Evaluation and Treatment Plan: Once coverage is secured, you will undergo a comprehensive psychological evaluation to assess your needs.
- Therapy Scheduling: We will schedule as much therapy as possible based on your approved coverage to support your recovery journey.
What You Are Entitled To
1. Wage Replacement Benefits
Continuation of Pay (COP): Up to 45 days of full pay if your traumatic injury claim is accepted.
Compensation for Lost Wages: After COP expires, you may receive compensation at 66 2/3% of your salary (or 75% if you have dependents).
2. Medical Benefits
Coverage of all necessary medical treatment related to your injury or illness, including:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
3. Vocational Rehabilitation
Services to help you return to work if your injury prevents you from resuming your previous job.
4. Schedule Awards
Compensation for permanent impairment to certain body parts, even if you return to work.
5. Death Benefits
Financial support for eligible dependents in the event of a work-related death.
Key Things to Know
1. Timely Filing Is Essential
2. For traumatic injuries, file Form CA-1 within 30 days for COP eligibility.
3. For occupational diseases, file Form CA-2 as soon as you realize the condition is work-related.
4. Choosing Your Physician. You have the right to select your initial treating physician. We can connect you with in-network doctors experienced in federal claims.
5. Medical Documentation. Detailed medical reports linking your condition to your job are critical for claim approval. The CA-20 form plays a key role in providing OWCP with essential medical information.
6. Appeals Process. If your claim is denied, you can:
7. Request a reconsideration.
8. Appeal to the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB).
9. Request a hearing before an OWCP hearing representative.
Please see our documentation on OWCP psychiatric second opinion (SECOP).
How Federal Mental Health Can Help
We provide comprehensive support to make the federal workers’ compensation claim process easier:
- Expert Case Management: We track your case and ensure all forms and deadlines are met.
- In-Network Provider Referrals: Access doctors who understand federal workers’ compensation requirements.
- Mental Health Support: We offer mental health services to help you cope with the impact of your injury.
- Claims Guidance: From initial filing to appeals, we assist you at every stage.
Contact Us
Federal Mental Health Center is here to ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about how we can support you
How does the OWCP claim process work for federal mental health treatment?
The OWCP claim process requires establishing a direct causal relationship between a federal workplace injury or traumatic event and your resulting psychological condition. FedMH simplifies this process by guiding injured federal workers through enrollment verification, comprehensive evaluations, and structured virtual therapy that aligns strictly with Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) guidelines.
What clinical documentation is required for OWCP to approve mental health care?
OWCP approval requires specialized psychological evaluations and detailed clinical reports that clearly connect diagnoses like PTSD, anxiety, or depression to your federal employment. Our licensed clinicians produce the precise, structured documentation needed by OWCP claims examiners to establish medical necessity and maintain your covered care.
Why is it important to work with an OWCP-enrolled mental health provider?
Working with an OWCP-enrolled provider ensures that your mental health care, billing, and clinical documentation strictly comply with federal workers' compensation standards. As an enrolled practice, FedMH delivers specialized virtual therapy and ongoing case support nationwide, allowing eligible federal employees to receive expert care without out-of-pocket financial strain or claims confusion.
