MVA psychological services · Ontario

The collision ended.

Your nervous system may still be there.

Psychological assessment and treatment for driving anxiety, trauma symptoms, sleep disruption, pain-related distress, low mood, and changes in daily functioning after a motor vehicle accident.

After the impact

Recovery is not only physical.

You may look physically recovered and still feel unsafe in a vehicle. Pain may affect sleep, mood, concentration, and patience. Avoiding driving may bring short-term relief while making the fear stronger over time.

These reactions are real. They can also be assessed and treated.

“I keep seeing it happen.”“I avoid the road where it happened.”“My pain controls the whole day.”“I am not myself anymore.”
Common concerns

An accident can affect several systems at once.

Symptoms often interact. Poor sleep can worsen pain and concentration; avoidance can strengthen fear; loss of function can contribute to depression.

01

Fear & trauma

  • Driving or passenger anxiety
  • Panic and physical alarm
  • Intrusive memories
  • Nightmares and triggers
  • Hypervigilance
02

Mood & sleep

  • Low mood or loss of interest
  • Irritability and anger
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Fatigue and reduced motivation
  • Guilt or helplessness
03

Pain & function

  • Pain-related distress
  • Reduced activity tolerance
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Problems with household tasks
  • Barriers returning to work
How to begin

A clearer route through the claim.

Processes vary by insurer and claim. This overview explains the usual starting sequence without promising approval or coverage.

  1. 1
    Contact the practice

    Briefly describe the accident, current concerns, and whether you are seeking assessment, treatment, or both.

  2. 2
    Share claim information

    When available: insurer, claim number, adjuster contact, legal representative, existing approvals, referrals, and relevant reports.

  3. 3
    Clarify the proposed service

    We determine the appropriate clinical pathway and what documentation or plan may be required.

  4. 4
    Plan submission or booking

    An OCF-18 may be prepared and submitted where required. Services proceed according to clinical appropriateness, consent, and applicable authorization.

Helpful before we speak

What information should I gather?

□ Date of the accident□ Claim number□ Insurer and adjuster□ Lawyer or legal representative, if any□ Existing treatment plans or approvals□ Relevant medical or assessment reports
Understand what is happening

Plain-language MVA resources.

Educational information can make symptoms less confusing and help you prepare for assessment or treatment.

MVA questions

Before you contact us.

Coverage and authorization are individual. Your consultation can address the details of your situation.

Can symptoms begin or worsen after the accident?

Yes. Some reactions are immediate, while others become clearer after the initial crisis settles or when a person tries to resume driving, work, or usual activities.

Do I need insurer approval first?

It depends on the claim and service. An OCF-18 may be submitted when required. Submission does not guarantee approval, and coverage varies by insurer and claim status.

Can appointments be completed online?

Many assessment and treatment appointments can be provided securely online to clients located in Ontario. Suitability is considered individually.

Can my lawyer or clinic make the referral?

Yes. Clients, lawyers, healthcare providers, and rehabilitation clinics may contact the practice. Services still require the client’s informed consent.

Your route can become clearer

Tell us where you are in the process.

Start with a brief consultation about your symptoms, claim, and current treatment. We will explain the most appropriate next step.

Coverage and approval vary by insurer and claim. Information on this page is general and does not guarantee insurance funding, diagnosis, or a particular outcome.