Does Workers’ Comp Cover Mental Health Conditions?

Mental-health claims are especially state-specific. Florida law says stress, fright, or excitement alone is not an accidental injury and sets conditions for mental or nervous injury associated with a compensable physical injury. New York, by contrast, amended its law effective June 2025 for certain diagnoses tied to extraordinary work-related stress and distinct work events. These examples show why no nationwide yes-or-no answer is reliable.

For a particular claim, check the current statute and workers’ compensation board guidance in the employee’s state, including medical-evidence and causation requirements. Report the claim promptly and let the claims administrator assess it under that jurisdiction’s rules. Do not use one state’s threshold or diagnosis list to forecast a claim in another state. The employee’s work location, medical evidence, timing, and statutory definitions may all affect the decision.