TAC Counselling in Victoria: What You're Entitled to After a Transport Accident
After a Transport Accident, It's Not Just About Physical Recovery
When people think about recovering from a car accident, they often focus on physical injuries.
But for many people, the impact goes beyond that.
You might notice:
anxiety about driving or being a passenger in a car
trouble sleeping or having nightmares
feeling on edge, overwhelmed, or easily startled
low mood or emotional numbness
avoiding reminders of the accident
difficulty concentrating or feeling like yourself again
And it can feel confusing to ask:
"Am I actually allowed to get help for this?"
The answer is yes in many cases, you are.
If you've been injured in a transport accident in Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) may fund psychological support to help you recover emotionally, not just physically.
What Is TAC Counselling?
TAC counselling refers to mental health support funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) for people affected by transport accidents in Victoria.
Psychological support can help if you're experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties related to an accident.
This may include support for:
anxiety
depression
trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
adjustment difficulties after an accident
fear of driving or travelling in vehicles
emotional distress associated with injury and recovery
TAC may fund services provided by:
psychologists
psychiatrists
social workers
general practitioners (GPs)
where treatment is related to injuries sustained in the transport accident.
What Are You Entitled To Under TAC?
1. Early Access to Psychological Support
This is the part many people don't realise.
In many cases, TAC can fund mental health treatment within the first 90 days following a transport accident, without requiring prior approval.
This means you may be able to begin counselling sooner than you expect.
You'll generally need:
a TAC claim number
a referral from your GP or another treating health professional
Seeking support early can help reduce the longer-term impact of trauma and emotional distress.
2. Ongoing Psychology Sessions When Needed
If you require support beyond the initial period:
your psychologist may prepare a treatment plan
the plan outlines your treatment goals, progress, and recommended sessions
TAC reviews this information to determine approval for ongoing care
This process helps ensure treatment continues based on your individual recovery needs.
3. Support for a Range of Mental Health Challenges
TAC-funded counselling isn't only available for severe trauma.
Psychology support may help with:
fear of driving after an accident
anxiety or panic symptoms
emotional distress or feeling overwhelmed
adjusting to injuries or lifestyle changes
grief and loss related to the accident
existing mental health conditions that have worsened following the accident
Everyone responds differently after a traumatic event, and there is no "right" way to recover.
4. Flexible Options Including Telehealth
Depending on your circumstances, psychological support may be accessed:
in person
via telehealth (online appointments)
Telehealth can be particularly helpful if travel feels difficult following an accident or injury.
5. Support for Family Members in Some Circumstances
If a loved one has been seriously injured or died as a result of a transport accident, TAC may also provide counselling support for eligible immediate family members.
Signs You Might Benefit From TAC Counselling
You don't have to be experiencing severe distress to seek support.
You may benefit from speaking with a psychologist if you have noticed:
avoiding driving or travelling in cars
increased anxiety or panic symptoms
intrusive memories of the accident
changes in mood or increased irritability
sleep difficulties or nightmares
withdrawing from activities you previously enjoyed
finding it difficult to return to normal routines
feeling overwhelmed by the recovery process
If something doesn't feel quite right after an accident, it's worth talking to someone.
How to Access TAC Counselling
If you're unsure where to start, here's a simple guide:
1. Lodge a TAC Claim
If you haven't already, submit a TAC claim relating to your transport accident.
2. Visit Your GP
Your GP can:
assess how you're coping emotionally after the accident
provide a referral for psychological support
recommend treatment if appropriate
3. Book an Appointment With a Psychologist
Choose a psychologist experienced in supporting clients recovering from trauma, anxiety, and adjustment following accidents.
4. Provide Your TAC Claim Number
Let your treating psychologist know that you are a TAC client and provide your claim details.
You don't need to have everything figured out before seeking help.
A Common Hesitation
Many people think:
"Other people had worse accidents than me."
"I should be fine by now."
"It wasn't serious enough to affect me this much."
But psychological recovery doesn't work like that.
Two people can experience the same accident and have very different emotional responses.
If the accident is still affecting you (even in ways that seem small) that's enough reason to seek support.
How Better Together Therapy Can Help
At Better Together Therapy, we support TAC clients experiencing:
anxiety following transport accidents
trauma and PTSD symptoms
fear of driving or travelling in vehicles
emotional adjustment following injury
difficulties returning to usual routines and activities
We understand that navigating TAC processes can feel overwhelming.
Our team can support you by:
providing evidence-based psychological treatment
helping you understand the TAC process
communicating with your treating team when appropriate
focusing on your recovery and wellbeing, not just paperwork
You Don't Have to Push Through Alone
If you've been involved in a transport accident and something still doesn't feel quite right, support is available.
You don't need to wait until things become overwhelming before reaching out.
Recovery includes both physical and emotional healing and you're allowed to access support for both.
Frequently Asked Questions About TAC Counselling
Do I need a referral for TAC counselling?
Yes. You'll generally need a referral from your GP or another treating health professional to access TAC-funded psychological treatment.
Can I access counselling soon after an accident?
In many cases, yes.
TAC may fund mental health treatment within the first 90 days after an accident without requiring prior approval, provided:
you have a TAC claim number
treatment has been recommended by a healthcare professional
How many psychology sessions does TAC cover?
The number of sessions funded depends on your individual needs.
Some treatment may be available early in your recovery without approval.
Ongoing treatment generally involves submitting treatment plans to TAC outlining your progress and recommendations for continued care.
Your psychologist will guide this process with you.
What if I had a mental health condition before the accident?
You may still be eligible for TAC-funded treatment.
If the transport accident contributed to a worsening of an existing mental health condition, TAC may consider funding treatment depending on individual circumstances.
Will I have to pay for TAC psychology sessions?
At Better Together Therapy, we do not currently charge a gap fee for TAC-funded psychology sessions.
If your treatment has been approved by TAC, there are no out-of-pocket costs for your appointments.
If you're unsure whether your sessions will be covered, our team can help explain the process before you book.
What if I'm not sure whether I need counselling?
You don't need to be certain before seeking support.
If you've noticed changes in how you're feeling, thinking, or coping since your accident, speaking with a psychologist can help you understand what you're experiencing and what support may be beneficial.
Seeking help early can support your recovery and overall wellbeing.
