Psychological support after a motor vehicle accident

After a car accident, medical appointments can quickly fill with questions about pain, scans and movement. Changes in sleep, mood or confidence deserve space in that conversation too. If you are struggling emotionally, a useful first step is to tell your GP what has changed and how it is affecting an ordinary day.

You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis. A few clear examples can help your doctor understand what support may be appropriate.

Notice what has changed

You might feel tense as a passenger, wake repeatedly, replay parts of the accident or find it harder to concentrate. Some people become irritable or withdraw from activities they usually enjoy. These experiences can occur after a frightening event, but they do not automatically mean you have post-traumatic stress disorder.

Speak with your GP if symptoms are distressing, worsening or affecting daily life. You can seek help early; you do not need to wait for physical treatment to finish. If symptoms continue over the following weeks, raise them even if you initially expected them to settle.

Prepare a short picture of your week

Before the appointment, consider writing down:

• What is difficult: sleeping, travelling, concentrating, socialising or managing usual responsibilities.
• When it happens: for example, before a journey or when something reminds you of the crash.
• What you have changed: cancelled plans, avoided trips or relied on someone else for tasks you previously managed.
• What you want help with: attending an appointment comfortably, sleeping more consistently or returning to an important routine.

Keep the notes brief. You can say that something is hard to discuss without writing a detailed account of the accident. Bring your current medication list and tell the GP about pain or other symptoms as well, so they can consider the broader picture.

Ask how psychological support could help

A psychologist can assess your concerns and discuss treatment suited to your symptoms and goals. Useful questions include: What would we work on first? How would we review progress? How could this fit with my other care?

If travel is difficult, ask whether telehealth is suitable. For driving concerns, discuss safety and a return-to-driving plan with your treating clinician. Do not drive if symptoms or medication affect your ability to do so safely.

Understand the CTP arrangements

Psychological treatment related to a motor accident may be funded through a NSW Compulsory Third Party claim when the scheme requirements are met. A treatment recommendation does not itself guarantee payment.

Ask the provider and insurer what applies to your initial assessment, what approval is needed for ongoing sessions and whether any costs could fall to you. Your GP can discuss clinical needs; the insurer confirms funding decisions. SIRA's guidance explains that an initial allied health assessment and ongoing treatment can have different approval requirements.

Choose support that fits your needs

You can discuss your preferred psychologist with your GP and insurer, including suitability and funding arrangements. One service to consider is Revamp Psychology's psychological support after a motor accident, which offers CTP psychology in NSW, including telehealth.

COH Rehab and Revamp Psychology are independent practices. You remain free to discuss other providers; contacting either practice does not commit you to using the other. The next step should reflect your needs and preferences.

General information only. Seek individual advice from your treating practitioner and insurer. For a medical emergency, call 000.