For a mental health TPD claim to succeed, you need strong medical evidence. Insurers scrutinise mental health claims more closely than physical injury claims, and the quality of your doctor’s report can make or break your case. This guide explains exactly what your treating doctors need to include in their reports.
Why Mental Health TPD Claims Require More Detailed Evidence
Unlike a physical injury such as a broken back or amputation, mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout are not immediately visible. Insurers often argue that mental health conditions are subjective, temporary, or manageable with treatment. This means your medical evidence must comprehensively address the diagnosis, treatment history, functional limitations, and prognosis in a way that leaves no doubt about the permanent nature of your condition.
What Your GP’s Report Should Include
Your general practitioner (GP) typically provides the foundational medical report. To be effective in a mental health TPD claim, the GP’s report should include all of the following:
A confirmed diagnosis using recognised diagnostic criteria (such as DSM-5 or ICD-10 classifications), including the specific condition (e.g., major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, complex PTSD). A detailed treatment history covering medications prescribed, dosages, duration, and response (or lack of response) to each treatment. The date the condition was first diagnosed and when it became permanently disabling. Your functional capacity — what you can and cannot do in daily life as a result of the condition. An opinion on your prognosis, specifically addressing whether the condition is permanent or likely to improve sufficiently to allow you to return to work. Reference to your occupation and why the condition prevents you from performing your pre-disability role.
What Your Treating Psychiatrist’s Report Should Include
If you have been treated by a psychiatrist, their report carries significant weight with insurers. It should include:
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation confirming the diagnosis. Detailed information on all treatments attempted, including hospitalisations, inpatient or day programs, ECT, or other interventions. A Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score or equivalent, demonstrating impaired daily functioning. A clear statement on whether you have reached maximum medical improvement and whether further treatment is likely to restore your capacity to work. A statement specifically addressing your ability to perform the duties of your pre-disability occupation and any occupation for which you might be reasonably suited.
What Your Psychologist’s Report Should Include
If you have been treated by a psychologist, their report should document the course of therapy, your engagement with treatment, and your response (or non-response). It should include standardised psychological assessment scores (such as PHQ-9, GAD-7, or PCL-5 for PTSD), demonstrating the severity of your condition. The report should also address your cognitive functioning, ability to concentrate, interact with others, and manage stress — all of which are relevant to workplace capacity.
Common Errors That Weaken Mental Health TPD Claims
There are several mistakes that can significantly weaken a mental health TPD claim. A report that describes your condition as “moderate” rather than severe is often used by insurers to argue that you can return to some form of work. Vague language such as “the patient is unwell” without specific functional limitations gives insurers ammunition to reject the claim. Failure to address the “permanent” nature of the disability is a critical omission — many mental health reports focus only on the current state and don’t directly address the long-term prognosis. Missing documentation of treatment attempts is also a problem — if your report doesn’t show that you have tried and failed multiple treatments, the insurer may argue you haven’t genuinely attempted recovery.
Getting Your Reports Right Before Lodging Your Claim
Before you lodge your claim, it is worth having a TPD lawyer review your medical reports to identify any gaps or weaknesses. A lawyer experienced in mental health TPD claims can advise your treating doctors on what information the insurer will be looking for, and can help ensure the reports are as comprehensive as possible. This upfront preparation can significantly increase the likelihood of your claim being approved first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a psychiatrist for a mental health TPD claim, or will a GP report be enough?
A GP report alone is rarely sufficient for a mental health TPD claim. Most insurers expect specialist psychiatric evidence, particularly for severe conditions like major depression or PTSD. If you have only ever been treated by a GP, a referral to a psychiatrist for an independent assessment may be necessary before lodging your claim.
What if my doctor says my mental health condition might improve?
If your treating doctors believe your condition may improve, this can make it harder to meet the “permanent” disability requirement. However, after several years of failed treatment with no significant improvement, a psychiatrist can usually provide an opinion that the condition has become permanently disabling. Speak to a TPD lawyer about the best approach for your situation.
Can the insurer send me to their own doctor?
Yes. Insurers often arrange an Independent Medical Examination (IME) with their own psychiatrist. IME doctors are paid by the insurer, which can introduce bias. If the IME report contradicts your treating doctor’s opinion, your TPD lawyer can challenge it with additional evidence or expert opinions.
What if my claim was rejected because the insurer said my evidence wasn’t enough?
If your claim was rejected on evidentiary grounds, you have the right to appeal and submit additional medical evidence. A TPD lawyer can help you gather stronger specialist reports, challenge the insurer’s reasoning, and lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) if necessary.
Talk to a TPD Lawyer Before You Lodge
Getting your medical evidence right from the start is the single most important thing you can do to protect your mental health TPD claim. Our experienced lawyers work on No Win, No Fee terms and can guide you through the entire process — from reviewing your reports to managing your claim with the insurer. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Last updated: 18 June 2026