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CTP Psychology NSW: Accessing Psychology After a Motor Accident

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW and are dealing with psychological effects, you may be entitled to psychology sessions through CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance. This guide explains how CTP psychology works in NSW, how it differs from workers compensation, and your options for telehealth.

What Is CTP Insurance in NSW?

CTP stands for Compulsory Third Party. Every registered motor vehicle in NSW is required to have CTP insurance. When a motor accident occurs in NSW, the CTP insurer of the at-fault vehicle is responsible for funding the treatment and care of injured people — including psychology.

NSW CTP is regulated by SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017. Licensed CTP insurers in NSW include NRMA Insurance, Allianz, GIO, QBE, and Suncorp. If the at-fault vehicle was unregistered or unidentified (e.g. a hit-and-run), the Nominal Defendant handles the claim.

When Is Psychology Covered Under CTP?

Psychology is covered under CTP as part of "treatment and care" for injuries causally linked to the motor accident. Psychological presentations commonly funded under CTP claims in NSW include:

• PTSD and acute stress response arising from the accident itself — particularly common after high-impact collisions or accidents involving serious injuries
• Anxiety and driving phobia — fear of driving, hypervigilance on roads, avoidance of vehicles or specific routes associated with the accident
• Depression and adjustment disorder — arising from the physical injury, chronic pain, loss of function, or inability to work
• Sleep disturbance — insomnia, nightmares, and sleep disruption associated with the accident trauma or pain
• Grief and loss — following serious injury with lasting functional impact, including loss of activities previously valued

The psychologist will document how each presentation is causally linked to the accident in their treatment records and reports. This documentation is important for the insurer's approval of ongoing sessions.

CTP vs Workers Compensation: What Is the Difference?

Both CTP and workers compensation in NSW are regulated by SIRA and involve funded psychology sessions, but they cover different types of injury events:

Journey-to-work accidents: If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident while travelling to or from work, the injury may potentially be covered under workers compensation rather than (or in addition to) CTP. This is a complex area of law — if you are unsure which scheme applies, a legal advice service (such as the Law Access NSW Hotline: 1300 888 529) can help clarify.

How to Access CTP Psychology in NSW

The typical pathway to access psychology under a NSW CTP claim is:

1. Lodge a CTP claim — contact the at-fault vehicle's CTP insurer (this information is usually on the vehicle's registration papers or exchanged at the accident scene). If you do not know which insurer, contact the Motor Accidents Authority (via SIRA) or the Nominal Defendant if the at-fault vehicle was unidentified.
2. See your GP — get a referral to a psychologist. Your GP will also document the accident-related psychological symptoms. Bring your claim number and any documentation from the accident.
3. Contact a SIRA-registered psychologist who has experience with motor accident injury presentations. Ask specifically whether they accept CTP insurance clients. Some practices accept both CTP and workers compensation; others specialise in one or the other.
4. Treatment request — your psychologist may submit a treatment request to the insurer for a course of funded sessions. The insurer must respond within a set timeframe.
5. Funded sessions begin — for approved treatment, the insurer pays the psychologist's fee directly. Your out-of-pocket cost for approved sessions is typically $0.

Telehealth for CTP Psychology

Telehealth psychology is available under NSW CTP claims. Video-based sessions may be particularly relevant for accident survivors who:

• Have sustained physical injuries that make travel difficult
• Are experiencing anxiety or avoidance around driving following the accident
• Live in areas with limited nearby psychology services
• Find it easier to attend from a familiar, comfortable environment

Confirm telehealth availability with the psychologist when you first contact them, and confirm with your insurer that telehealth sessions are approved under your claim.

Medicare as an Interim Option

If your CTP claim is under assessment, disputed, or if the liability pathway is unclear, Medicare (under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan) may be available as an interim pathway for psychology sessions. Medicare does not fund the same number or type of sessions as CTP, but provides up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year (approximately $98.95 per session with a registered psychologist, or $145.25 with a clinical psychologist, from 1 July 2025) while your claim is being resolved.

It is worth discussing this option with your GP and psychologist if there is any delay in CTP claim acceptance.

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• Psychological injury claims under NSW workers compensation
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• What does workers compensation psychology cost in NSW?
• What to do if your workers comp psychology claim is rejected or disputed
• What is a SIRA-approved psychologist? (FAQ)
• Find a workers compensation and SIRA-experienced psychologist