L&I Therapy: Address the Internal Injury

Physical vs Psychological

Although physical injuries at work are easily reported and diagnosed, the emotional toll on the individual worker is often overlooked. But this is the plain truth: Workplace injuries affect more than the body. In fact, they often leave lasting emotional and psychological effects that can complicate full rehabilitation.

Through our past clients recovering from workplace injuries, we understand what you are going through. Many injured workers are pressured to "tough it out" or just "brush off" the pain and get back to work, but we at Daniels-Brown Counseling urge our clients to fully assess both their body and mind before returning to the jobsite. Research has shown that "individuals with a workplace injury had a worse mental-health trajectory … compared with those injured outside the workplace” (Wightman et al., 2025). We can attest that longevity and job satisfaction are best maintained when workers address the psychological impact of a workplace injury.

At Daniels-Brown Counseling, we specialize in L&I mental health therapy for Washington workers. We work in tandem with doctors, physical therapists, and chiropractors to support injured workers who may be struggling with the emotional side of a workplace injury.

Beyond Physical Recovery: The Mental Health Impact of L&I Injuries

Every year, millions of Americans experience workplace injuries, and Washington is no exception. In fact, Washington state reported 81,600 workplace injuries alone in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But although the physical injuries are evident, the internal injuries are more difficult to see.

While most injury treatment focuses on physical recovery, many injured workers experience lingering emotional effects long after the body begins to heal.

These can include:

Anger, guilt, anxiety, or emotional numbness
Identity crisis ("Who am I without my job?)
Sleep disturbances and flashbacks
Difficulty returning to work
Strained relationships due to extreme stress

These symptoms often stem from the trauma related to the injury event, and without the proper attention can worsen exponentially. Addressing the emotional side of healing is essential for full rehabilitation.

What is L&I Therapy?

L&I therapy (also known as Behavioral Health under Labor & Industries) is mental health counseling designed for Washington workers injured on the job. It helps them process trauma, manage anxiety or depression, and rebuild confidence during or after physical recovery.

At Daniels-Brown Counseling, we are an approved L&I mental health provider in Washington, offering remote behavioral health therapy to clients across the state — including Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Olympia, Yakima, Vancouver, and surrounding areas.

We make therapy accessible so workers can get the care they need without pesky travel barriers or schedule conflicts.

Breaking the Silence of Mental Health in Male-Dominated Fields

At Daniels-Brown Counseling, we understand that many of the workers we serve come from industries where toughness and self-reliance are part of the job description. Construction, manufacturing, logging, and first-response professions often come from a culture where emotional strength is equated with silence. Asking for help can feel like weakness even when the injury runs deeper than the physical.

But true healing is more than fixing broken bones. Studies show that men are significantly less likely to seek mental health care than women, even when experiencing the same symptoms of stress or depression. This hesitation often stems from deeply rooted social norms. After a workplace injury, this silence can become isolating. It can welcome more pain, frustration, or a sense of lost purpose that quietly builds into anxiety, depression, or anger.

Our therapists meet clients exactly where they are without pressure or judgment. Sometimes that starts with a simple conversation about sleep, pain management, or motivation to return to work. From there, we help clients recognize that emotional healing is part of physical recovery, not separate from it.

We’ve seen time and again that when workers feel safe enough to talk about the injury event they recover faster, reconnect with others, and rebuild confidence in their ability to work again. The goal isn’t to change who they are; it’s to give them tools to face the fear that comes with returning to a previously unsafe environment.

Why Providers Refer to Us

Healthcare providers often recognize when something beyond the physical injury is affecting recovery. We collaborate with:

Physicians
Physical therapists
Chiropractors
Case managers
Attorneys handling L&I claims
Vocational counselors
Any other referring provider

Our goal is to make the referral process simple and the therapy effective. We provide informed care that complements medical treatment and accelerates overall recovery outcomes. We aim to get workers past any emotional barriers and get them feeling even better than ever before.

Our Approach

We offer:

Evidence-based therapy for trauma, depression, anxiety, and adjustment after injury
Compassionate therapists experienced with L&I and workplace trauma cases
Telehealth sessions available statewide (remote therapy)
Coordination with providers to support the full recovery process

We meet injured workers where they are with empathy, respect, and no judgment.

Partner with Us

If you’re a doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor, attorney, vocational counselor, or any other referring provider in Washington looking for trusted L&I behavioral health therapy providers, Daniels-Brown Counseling is here to help.

We’re currently accepting new L&I clients for remote sessions across the state.