Occupational Trauma Response
When people experience a work-related traumatic event, we help them access the health care and rehabilitation services they need. This may include Occupational Trauma Response services to support recovery from trauma-related psychological conditions and facilitate a safe return to work.
- Overview of services
- Becoming a provider
- Getting started
- Submitting reports and invoices
- Need more information?
Overview of services
Occupational Trauma Response (OTR) services are tailored, evidence-based therapeutic interventions designed to assist injured workers in recovering from accepted trauma-related psychological conditions while supporting their ability to remain at or return to work.
OTR includes two distinct service streams, each with specific objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes.
Occupational Trauma Response: Intervention (OTR-I)
Occupational Trauma Response Intervention is a time-limited treatment service designed to reduce the psychological and functional impacts of trauma and prevent the development or worsening of mental health conditions and functional impairment.
Providers support injured workers by:
- Normalizing trauma responses
- Strengthening natural resiliency factors
- Building healthy support networks
- Teaching strategies to manage trauma-related triggers
- Delivering trauma-focused interventions, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TF-CBT)
Treatment targets identified during OTR-I form the foundation for any further recommended interventions.
Workers can receive up to 6 sessions delivered over 6 weeks.
Occupational Trauma Response: Transition (OTR-T)
Occupational Trauma Response Transition is a follow-up support service intended to help injured workers maintain treatment gains and apply previously learned strategies while returning to work or transitioning to vocational rehabilitation services.
This service is appropriate for workers whose psychological condition has stabilized and who require ongoing support during workplace or vocational transitions.
Workers can receive up to 10 sessions delivered over 4 months.
Services are provided by our network of contracted mental health professionals and programs across B.C., which includes registered clinical counsellors, and registered clinical social workers.
Becoming a provider
Experience in trauma-informed care, occupational rehabilitation, and an understanding of return-to-work principles are important for providers delivering Occupational Trauma Response services.
Providers must meet performance standards and service delivery requirements to participate in OTR. Contracts are typically established through a competitive bidding process and are awarded to qualified providers across B.C. Ongoing applications may be considered for underserved areas of B.C.
Our OTR contract comes up for bidding every few years. To become a provider, you need to apply when the bidding process begins.
You can sign up to be notified by email when we post new bid opportunities by registering with BC Bid. All the information you need, including how to submit your bid, will be available in the posted documents.
For more information on using BC Bid, see Doing business with WorkSafeBC.
Getting started
Once you have a contract, our Procurement Services department will assign you a unique payee number. You must include this number in all communications and invoicing.
Occupational Trauma Response services are only payable when authorized under a claim. We provide authorization in the form of a referral, which you will receive in the Provider Portal. The referral outlines the services that are approved for the injured worker.
Submitting reports and invoices
All the information you need to complete our required paperwork is available in the contract documents you sign with us.
OTR service providers can access our Provider Portal, where you can efficiently submit reports and invoices, check the payment status of your invoice, and receive referrals.
Need more information?
We want to make sure you have all the information you need to work with us as a health care provider. If you have questions, please contact us for help. You can also download a copy of our contact information.
| Question about: | Please contact: |
|---|---|
| Your existing contract and payee information | Procurement Services |
| Invoicing or billing | Payment Services |
| Information about a claim | Claims Call Centre |
| Understanding the terms of your contract and contracted clinical services | Health Care Programs |
