The WCB has published new Medical Treatment Guidelines for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder and Work-Related Depression and Depressive Disorders. These Guidelines include maximum duration limits for behavioral and psychological intervention. The Treatment Guidelines require re-evaluation in cases of delayed recovery every 6 to 12 weeks. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is recommended for a 12 to 16 week course of weekly treatment.
The Work-Related Depression and Depressive Disorders Guidelines allow a maximum duration for psychological intervention of 3 to 6 months. For PTSD, the maximum duration is 12 months.
The Guidelines provide that the time to produce affect is 2 to 8 weeks. The optimum duration is 6 weeks to 3 months for cases involving depression; and 3 to 6 months for cases involving PTSD.
Mental health counseling and treatment often extends beyond the maximum duration allowed by these Guidelines. Contact us to discuss how these guidelines apply to your cases.
– By William Pausley
