Home › Resources › Psychologist after a car accident
Can I see a psychologist after a car accident in NSW?
The short version: Yes. People injured in a car accident or motor vehicle accident in NSW can often access psychological treatment under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme, where treatment is reasonably necessary and approved. Your GP can help with the referral and approval, and where treatment is approved there are generally no out-of-pocket costs.
A car accident can leave marks that aren't visible. Even after the physical injuries have settled, or where there were few to begin with, many people find that the accident keeps affecting them: difficulty getting back behind the wheel, replaying the moment of impact, broken sleep, a shorter temper, or a low, flat mood that is hard to shake. These are common, understandable responses, and they can be treated.
What CTP covers
The NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme is the motor accidents scheme that can fund treatment and support for people injured in a motor vehicle accident. Psychological treatment can fall within this, covering the emotional and psychological impact of the accident, not just physical rehabilitation. Whether you were the driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, you may be able to access treatment under CTP.
For ongoing CTP treatment, the insurer considers whether the proposed psychology services are reasonable and necessary. SIRA provider approval is not required for CTP treatment; the psychologist should be appropriately qualified and registered, and must work within the CTP scheme requirements.
Common reasons people seek treatment after an accident
- Driving anxiety or travel anxiety, meaning fear or panic about driving or being a passenger
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares about the accident
- Heightened alertness, jumpiness, or feeling on edge in traffic
- Low mood, depression, irritability, or withdrawal
- Sleep disturbance
- Distress linked to ongoing pain or to the recovery and claims process itself
You don't need to have every one of these, and you don't need to have a major physical injury, to benefit from treatment.
How it usually works
SIRA advises that injured people will usually refer themselves to an allied health practitioner, although a GP or rehabilitation provider may also initiate the referral. Once you have a CTP claim number, one initial assessment session can generally occur without prior insurer approval. If ongoing treatment is recommended, an AHTR is usually submitted after the first treatment for the insurer to consider.
You can read more on the CTP Psychologist NSW page.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. People injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW may be able to access psychological treatment under the CTP scheme. With a CTP claim number, one initial allied health assessment can generally occur without prior insurer approval; ongoing treatment is then considered under the scheme's reasonable-and-necessary requirements.
If you have a CTP claim number, one initial allied health assessment can generally occur without prior insurer approval. Ongoing psychology treatment usually requires insurer approval after an AHTR is submitted following the first treatment.
Not necessarily. Psychological symptoms such as trauma responses, driving anxiety, low mood and sleep disturbance can occur after an accident with or without significant physical injury, and may be treatable under CTP. Speak with your GP about your situation.
Scheme information reviewed: 20 August 2026.
Related
Make an enquiry
To discuss a referral or whether this service is appropriate, call or email directly. All enquiries are handled personally.
This page is general information for people in NSW rather than personal or clinical advice. Eligibility and funding depend on your individual claim and insurer approval, so your treating doctor can confirm what applies to you. If you're in crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000.