McKinnon Psychology helps people recover from road accidents. We are a trusted CTP psychologist Sydney clients turn to, whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian. Our psychologists use EMDR and trauma-focused CBT, both top treatments backed by the Phoenix Australia PTSD Guidelines. Care is available in person in Edgecliff or online across Australia.
A car accident can shake more than your body. It can shake your sense of safety too. Many people feel this quietly, driving less, sleeping badly, or feeling on edge long after the cuts and bruises heal. If you are looking for a CTP psychologist Sydney drivers, riders, and pedestrians trust, you do not have to face this alone. Healing from a road accident is like rebuilding a bridge, plank by plank. It takes the right support, but it can be done.
Understanding CTP Claims and Road Trauma
CTP stands for Compulsory Third Party insurance, often called a Green Slip. It is not just for drivers. Many types of road accidents and road users can be covered, including:
- Drivers injured in a crash, including some at-fault drivers
- Passengers in a car, taxi, rideshare, or bus
- Pedestrians hit by a vehicle
- Cyclists in a collision with a vehicle
- Motorcyclists and pillion passengers
- People hurt by an unidentified or uninsured vehicle, through the Nominal Defendant scheme[3]
- Close family members of someone who died in a crash
A road accident is a sudden, frightening event. Your mind can stay on high alert long after the crash itself. Research suggests that around one in five people in a road accident will develop PTSD, short for post-traumatic stress disorder[4]. Many more feel anxious, low, or scared of driving. These reactions are common. They are not a sign of weakness. They are your mind’s way of trying to process a scary event. With the right support, most people see real improvement.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Car Accident Trauma
McKinnon Psychology helps people recover from road accidents across Sydney. Our team is led by Dr Anna McKinnon, a Registered Clinical Psychologist. We use proven therapies such as EMDR and trauma-focused CBT. Both stand among the top treatments for trauma and post-traumatic stress. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. These approaches are backed by the Phoenix Australia Guidelines[1]. They are also endorsed by the Australian Psychological Society[2]. We look at your whole life, not just your symptoms, including your emotions, your family, and your daily routine.
We build a plan just for you and never use a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people need just a few sessions to help with fear of driving. Other people need longer trauma therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, often called PTSD. Your psychologist will listen closely to your story first, then explain each step in plain, simple words.
We also look beyond symptoms alone. Sleep problems and day-to-day stress often go hand in hand with distress after a crash. Where helpful, we can liaise with your GP or treating doctor to support your full recovery. This reflects our core values as a whole-person practice, and it means your care plan fits your real life, not just a diagnosis.
CTP Psychologist Sydney: Care in Person or Online
Our Edgecliff clinic sits less than five minutes from Edgecliff Station, making us a convenient CTP psychologist Eastern Suburbs clients can easily reach. We also welcome clients from the North Shore, Inner West, South Sydney, and West Sydney. Street parking is often close by, and our clinic is fully accessible.
Some people cannot get to a clinic after a crash, due to pain, fear, or distance. Our online sessions bring the same proven care to your home over Zoom. We work as a CTP psychologist online Sydney clients trust, and we support people across regional New South Wales too. Our reach extends across the rest of Australia, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. Wherever you live, our team can be your CTP psychologist Australia-wide. Learn more about our telehealth psychology services.
Common Questions About CTP Psychologists in Sydney
What can I expect at McKinnon Psychology?
Your first visit runs for about fifty minutes. We will ask about the accident and how your life has changed since. Sessions can run weekly or every two weeks, depending on your needs and your CTP insurer.
What does a CTP psychologist do after a car accident?
A CTP psychologist checks and treats the mental impact of a road accident. This can include PTSD, anxiety, low mood, and fear of driving. Treatment can sometimes be funded through your CTP insurance claim. McKinnon Psychology can also write reports to support your claim.
What Kinds of accidents does a CTP claim cover?
CTP is not just for drivers in a two-car crash. It can cover passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. It can also cover people hurt by an unidentified or uninsured vehicle. Close family members of someone who died in a crash may also be able to claim.
Do I need a referral to see a CTP psychologist in Sydney?
In most cases, you do not need a GP referral to start psychological treatment. It helps to tell your CTP insurer about your claim before your first visit, so you can check what will be funded.
Are McKinnon Psychology’s psychologists SIRA-accredited CTP providers?
No. Our psychologists are not SIRA-accredited CTP providers, so we do not use the SIRA fee schedule. We see CTP clients at the standard McKinnon Psychology rate. Treatment and assessments must be pre-approved by your CTP insurer, with written approval sent through to our clinic before your first session. We will help you check all of this with your insurer before you begin.
Is EMDR good for treating car accident trauma?
Yes. EMDR is a top treatment for PTSD. It is backed by the Australian Guidelines for PTSD, along with trauma-focused CBT. Both therapies help your brain process hard memories, so over time these memories feel less intense.
Can I see a psychologist online if I live outside Sydney?
Yes. McKinnon Psychology offers a CTP psychologist online Sydney service that reaches across Australia, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. Online sessions use the same proven care as in-person visits.
Ready to Take a Step Forward?
You do not need to face this alone. Our friendly Administration Officers can walk you through the process, talk through your CTP claim and funding options, and find a time that works for you, in person in Edgecliff or online from anywhere in Australia. Call McKinnon Psychology today, or reach out through our contact page to book your first session.
Visit us in Edgecliff or Telehealth is available across Australia
Call on 02 9066 3070,
Email: admin@mckinnonpsychology.com.au
contact us to book your first appointment or learn more.
We are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Related support: Trauma Treatment Sydney · Anxiety Psychologist · Phobia Treatment Sydney
References
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- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex PTSD. National Health and Medical Research Council, 2020 (updated 2021). Available at: phoenixaustralia.org
- Australian Psychological Society (APS). Evidence-based psychological interventions in the treatment of mental disorders. Melbourne: APS. Available at: psychology.org.au
- State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) NSW. Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Green Slip insurance – who is covered, and the Nominal Defendant scheme for uninsured or unidentified vehicles. Available at: sira.nsw.gov.au
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of PTSD prevalence in road traffic accident survivors, 2024 (pooled prevalence approximately 20%). PMC12680517.
Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Dr Anna McKinnon