CTP Psychologist NSW, Support After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Quick answer: People injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW may be able to access psychological treatment under the CTP scheme, including for trauma symptoms, travel and driving anxiety, sleep disturbance, low mood, and pain-related distress. Revamp Psychology provides CTP psychological treatment across NSW by telehealth, with in-person appointments available in Strathfield.
A motor vehicle accident can affect more than the body. Many people recovering from a car accident in New South Wales experience psychological symptoms alongside or after their physical injuries. These can include anxiety about driving or travelling, intrusive memories, disturbed sleep, low mood or depression, and difficulty adjusting. Revamp Psychology provides psychological treatment for people recovering from motor vehicle accidents under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme, delivered via telehealth across NSW, with in-person appointments available in Strathfield.
The practice is led by Matt Semsar, a Registered Psychologist (AHPRA: PSY0002620326) who works exclusively within the injury and compensation context. Matt is also a SIRA-approved provider (No. 24705) for NSW Workers Compensation. SIRA provider approval is not required to deliver treatment in the CTP scheme. Whether you are searching for a car accident psychologist, an MVA psychologist, or psychological treatment after a motor accident in NSW, this is the practice's core area of focus.
If you would like to discuss whether this service is appropriate for your situation, you are welcome to get in touch.
Common psychological effects after a motor vehicle accident
Psychological symptoms after a car accident are common and understandable. People often describe:
Fear, tension, or avoidance when driving, being a passenger, or returning to the road, sometimes long after physical injuries have settled.
Intrusive memories or images of the accident, heightened alertness, being easily startled, and distress when reminded of what happened.
Difficulty falling or staying asleep, vivid or distressing dreams, and fatigue that slows physical recovery.
Depression, sadness, irritability, loss of confidence, and difficulty adjusting to the disruption an accident causes to work and everyday life.
The psychological impact of persistent or ongoing pain, including fear of movement, reduced activity, and difficulty adjusting.
Stress associated with time off work, changed routines, uncertainty about recovery, and navigating the claims process.
Psychological treatment under the NSW CTP scheme
The NSW CTP scheme (administered under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, for accidents on or after 1 December 2017) is designed around early support and recovery. It is a no-fault scheme in its early stages, which means people can generally access support to recover regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
Psychological treatment under CTP is available where symptoms are related to the accident, whether the primary injury was physical, psychological, or both. Treatment is tailored to the individual and may address trauma symptoms, travel and driving anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulties, pain-related distress, and the disruption that an accident causes to work and daily life.
Because the details of the scheme (including session arrangements, timeframes, and what is funded) are set by the scheme and your insurer and can change over time, the most reliable course is to confirm your current entitlements with your CTP insurer or with CTP Assist on 1300 656 919. We are also happy to help you understand how treatment fits within the process.
How treatment under CTP usually works
Once you have a CTP claim number, you can contact an allied health provider directly. SIRA advises that injured people usually refer themselves, although a GP or rehabilitation provider may also initiate the referral.
One initial allied health assessment session can generally occur without prior insurer approval once you have a CTP claim number.
If ongoing psychological treatment is recommended, most CTP insurers require an Allied Health Treatment Request (AHTR) after the first treatment. The insurer then considers whether the proposed treatment is reasonable and necessary.
Once ongoing treatment is approved, therapy proceeds with progress reviewed and further approval requested where clinically appropriate.
SIRA approval is not required for a psychologist to deliver treatment in the NSW CTP scheme. The provider must still be appropriately qualified and comply with the relevant CTP requirements.
Clinical approach
Treatment is evidence-based and adapted to the individual's injury, symptoms, and stage of recovery. Where clinically appropriate, approaches may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), trauma-focused therapy and EMDR, and pain management strategies.
Accident-related trauma and travel anxiety often respond well to structured, evidence-based therapy. Where trauma is a central feature, trauma-focused therapy and EMDR may be incorporated. Where persistent pain is a barrier to recovery, pain management psychology may be included as part of a broader treatment plan.
Telehealth across NSW
Revamp Psychology provides psychological treatment via telehealth across all of New South Wales, including Sydney and the greater metropolitan area, as well as regional and rural areas. For many people recovering from a motor vehicle accident (particularly where driving or travel is difficult) telehealth removes a real barrier to accessing support.
Referrals and enquiries
Referrals are accepted from general practitioners, medical specialists, insurers, rehabilitation providers, allied health providers, and via self-referral where appropriate under scheme guidelines. If you are unsure whether psychological treatment under CTP is appropriate for your situation, you are welcome to contact us or discuss it with your treating doctor.
For information on psychological treatment for injured workers, see the WorkCover page.
Common questions
Yes. People injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW may be able to access psychological treatment under the CTP scheme. Treatment can address the psychological impact of an accident as well as physical injury.
For the standard initial-assessment pathway, you need a CTP claim number. Once you have one, an initial allied health assessment of one treatment session can generally occur without prior insurer approval. Other early-intervention arrangements can differ, so check with the insurer or CTP Assist if your claim has not yet been lodged.
SIRA advises that injured people will usually refer themselves to an allied health practitioner, although a GP or rehabilitation provider may also initiate a referral. If you want to see a particular psychologist, contact the provider and your insurer to confirm the ongoing treatment arrangements.
Yes. Psychological symptoms after a motor vehicle accident, including travel or driving anxiety, intrusive memories, sleep disturbance, and reduced confidence, are common and can persist after physical injuries have settled. Psychological treatment under CTP can address these symptoms where they are related to the accident.
Yes. Revamp Psychology provides sessions via telehealth across all of New South Wales, including regional and rural areas. You do not need to travel to access treatment.
Helpful resources
These short guides may help if you are recovering from a car accident:
Make an enquiry
To discuss a referral or whether this service is appropriate, call or email us directly. All enquiries are handled personally.