ACC clarifies assistance for mental injury

Press release from ACC

ACC is today sending information to counsellors and other health professionals about new procedures for managing claims for mental injury arising from sexual abuse.
ACC understands that this is an area of great concern and sensitivity. We would like to provide the following points of clarification, which can be attributed to Denise Cosgrove, General Manager.

• ACC’s legislation is very specific in requiring us to concentrate only on those who suffer a diagnosed mental injury as a result of sexual abuse.
• If a client meets these requirements, there is no limit to the amount of counselling available.
• This has always been the case and has not changed.
• The changes initially apply only to new claims. They are:

1. Ensuring a clinical diagnosis of mental injury actually happens, as soon as possible.
2. Using this information to ensure appropriate treatment from the start.

Treatment to be based on practical steps back to the clients’ normal life, and monitored more closely for progress.

• This is not about saving money. It’s about providing the best treatment possible to those who are entitled to it by law.
• These changes are the culmination of four years of work with academics and professionals.

The information provided to counsellors and others will be available shortly on the ACC website.

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0910/S00084.htm