Counselling and Therapy Costs After a Car Accident in Ireland: What You Can Claim
Author: Gary Matthews, Principal Solicitor, Law Society of Ireland PC No. S8178 • 3rd Floor, Ormond Building, 31-36 Ormond Quay Upper, Dublin D07 • 01 903 6408 •
Private counselling after a car accident in Ireland costs between €60 and €150 per session in 2026, depending on the therapist's qualifications and modality. These costs are fully recoverable as Special Damages in a personal injury claim, provided the treatment is medically reasonable and the therapist holds recognised Irish accreditation. You'll need a GP referral, receipts for every session, and (for future therapy) a prognosis report from a consultant psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. Most claims begin at the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), where psychiatric damage now accounts for 14% of motor-liability awards, up from just 5% in 2021.
At a glance: Private therapy: €60 to €150/session. Claimable as Special Damages with GP referral + accredited therapist (PSI, IACP, ICP) + receipts. Tax relief at 20% via Revenue. Health insurance may cover 6 to 12 sessions. Sources: IRB (2025). Judicial Council Guidelines (2021). Revenue (2025).
Contents
What therapy costs can you claim after a car accident in Ireland?
Every reasonable out-of-pocket cost of treating psychological injury after a non-fault car accident is recoverable as a Special Damage under Irish tort law. Special Damages cover quantifiable financial losses (the actual invoices and receipts) and sit alongside General Damages, which compensate for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. The Judicial Council's Personal Injuries Guidelines (2021) set the brackets for General Damages only. They don't cap the therapy costs you can claim back.
Claimable therapy expenses in Ireland include:
- Weekly session fees for CBT, EMDR, trauma-focused psychotherapy, or general counselling
- Initial psychological or psychiatric assessment and diagnostic consultation
- The independent medico-legal psychiatric report your solicitor needs for the IRB submission (typically €300 to €500+)
- Prescription medication for accident-related anxiety, depression, or sleep disturbance
- Travel costs to therapy appointments, including mileage at civil-service rates, parking, or public transport
- Future therapy costs, calculated using a prognosis report from a consultant psychiatrist
A detail that catches many claimants off guard: the fee for the medico-legal psychiatric report is itself a recoverable Special Damage. Under Section 44 of the PIAB Act 2003, the Board has discretion to direct that the respondent pays fees and expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by the claimant in complying with the application process. This includes the cost of the medical report required for the IRB submission, including any applicable VAT.
Unlike in England and Wales, where claims can proceed directly to court, most personal injury claims in Ireland must first go through the Injuries Resolution Board before court proceedings can begin. This mandatory step affects how and when therapy costs are documented and submitted.
Ireland-specific note: Irish law does not require you to wait for HSE public services before seeking private therapy. You're legally entitled to pursue immediate private treatment to mitigate your suffering, and these costs form the basis of your Special Damages claim.
The duty to mitigate applies to therapy, not just earnings. Under Section 34(2)(b) of the Civil Liability Act 1961, a negligent or careless failure to mitigate damage is treated as contributory negligence in Ireland. In practice, this means that refusing recommended therapy can reduce your overall compensation. If your GP or psychiatrist recommends CBT or EMDR and you decline without good reason, an insurer can argue you failed to mitigate your psychological injury, and a court can reduce your General Damages award accordingly. Therapy isn't just an expense to recover. It's something Irish law expects you to pursue.
What does "reasonable and necessary" actually mean?
This is the legal test every therapy cost must pass to be recoverable in Ireland. "Reasonable" means the modality matches the diagnosis (CBT for anxiety, EMDR for PTSD), the therapist is appropriately qualified for the condition, and the session frequency follows standard clinical practice (typically weekly). "Necessary" means the treatment is medically required as a direct consequence of the accident, supported by a GP referral that links symptoms to the collision. Private therapy is considered necessary when HSE waiting lists make public treatment impractical for timely recovery.
How much does counselling and therapy cost in Ireland (2026)?
Private therapy sessions in Ireland range from €60 to €150 in 2026, depending on the therapist's qualifications, modality, and location. Dublin sessions tend to sit at the higher end. These are the real-world rates a car-accident claimant should expect, and document, for their Special Damages schedule.
| Therapist type | Session cost (2026) | Typical sessions (accident PTSD) | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accredited counsellor (IACP/ICP) | €60 to €90 | 8 to 16 | €480 to €1,440 |
| Psychotherapist (IAHIP/ICP) | €75 to €120 | 8 to 20 | €600 to €2,400 |
| CBT specialist | €85 to €140 | 8 to 16 | €680 to €2,240 |
| EMDR practitioner | €90 to €140 | 6 to 12 | €540 to €1,680 |
| Clinical/counselling psychologist (PSI) | €100 to €170 | 6 to 12 | €600 to €2,040 |
| Online therapy (accredited therapist) | €60 to €100 | 8 to 16 | €480 to €1,600 |
| Low-cost/trainee counsellor (supervised) | €25 to €50 | 12 to 20 | €300 to €1,000 |
| Consultant psychiatrist (initial assessment) | €200 to €350 | 2 to 4 reviews | €400 to €1,400 |
Sources: TherapyRoute (2026). Insight Matters. Feel Better Therapy (2026). WhatClinic. Remedy Clinic Dublin. BetterCare (2025). Rates verified March 2026.
One aspect the official IRB guidance doesn't cover: how quickly these costs accumulate. Here's a worked example of a realistic therapy-cost recovery for a moderate PTSD case in Ireland:
Worked example: Special Damages for therapy (moderate PTSD, Dublin 2026)
- 12 sessions of trauma-focused CBT at €100 per session = €1,200
- Travel to appointments: 12 return trips at €15 (mileage + parking) = €180
- Consultant psychiatrist initial assessment = €280
- Medico-legal psychiatric report for IRB = €400
- Prescribed medication (3 months of sertraline) = €45
- Total provable Special Damages = €2,105
This is separate from General Damages for pain and suffering. Every euro above is recoverable with receipts and a GP referral. Amounts are illustrative and will vary by case.
Therapy Cost Recovery Calculator
Estimate your total therapy costs and what you can recover through your claim, health insurance, and tax relief. Figures are illustrative and will vary by case.
This calculator provides estimates only. Actual costs and recovery depend on individual circumstances. Consult a solicitor for advice specific to your case.
This leads to the question of how to document every euro correctly, which is where the 3-Rule Recovery Evidence File comes in.
What types of therapy are used after car accidents in Ireland?
CBT and EMDR are the two evidence-based treatments most commonly used for car-accident trauma in Ireland, and both are well-recognised by the IRB and insurers when provided by accredited practitioners.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works by identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns linked to the accident. It's particularly effective for driving anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder, and mild-to-moderate PTSD. Most trauma-focused CBT protocols run 8 to 16 sessions. The HSE Mental Health Services (2025) recognises CBT as a front-line treatment for anxiety and trauma-related conditions.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) targets the traumatic memory directly using bilateral stimulation. A meta-analysis in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2015) found that EMDR can produce significant symptom reduction for PTSD after motor-vehicle accidents in as few as 2 to 3 sessions for single-incident trauma. EMDR Ireland and the World Health Organisation both endorse it as a first-line trauma treatment.
General psychotherapy and counselling suits claimants with adjustment disorder, low mood, or relationship difficulties following an accident. Sessions run weekly for 8 to 20 weeks depending on severity.
Driving-phobia treatment is a distinct category that many solicitors overlook. Vehophobia (a clinically recognised fear of driving after an accident) often requires specific exposure therapy or CBT adapted for driving anxiety. The cost of this treatment is separately claimable if documented.
How practitioner type affects both cost and legal weight
Not all therapists carry the same authority in an Irish courtroom or IRB assessment. Understanding the hierarchy helps you choose the right level of care for your condition and your claim.
| Practitioner | Qualification | Typical cost | Legal weight in claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consultant psychiatrist | Medical doctor with specialist psychiatric training | €200 to €350 (initial) | Highest. Can diagnose, prescribe, and provide medico-legal reports accepted by all courts. |
| Clinical psychologist (PSI) | Doctorate-level, PSI-registered | €100 to €170 | High. Can diagnose and treat. Reports carry significant weight. |
| Counselling psychologist (PSI) | Doctorate-level, PSI-registered | €85 to €140 | High. Specialises in therapeutic treatment. Accepted by IRB. |
| Accredited psychotherapist (ICP/IAHIP) | Masters-level, professionally accredited | €75 to €120 | Moderate. Treatment notes accepted. Diagnosis typically needs a psychologist or psychiatrist. |
| Accredited counsellor (IACP) | Diploma or degree-level, IACP-accredited | €60 to €90 | Moderate for treatment records. May need supporting diagnosis from a higher-tier practitioner. |
| Trainee counsellor (supervised) | In training, supervised by accredited professional | €25 to €50 | Low. Receipts may be challenged unless supervision is documented. |
In our experience, claimants with moderate-to-severe PTSD benefit from starting with a psychologist or EMDR practitioner for treatment, then obtaining a separate consultant psychiatrist report for the IRB. This two-tier approach costs more upfront but produces the strongest evidence file.
Accreditation warning: Insurers will challenge invoices from unaccredited practitioners, including hypnotherapists, life coaches, or holistic therapists. To pass the "reasonable and necessary" legal test, your therapist should hold full accreditation with the PSI, IACP, ICP, or be CORU-registered.
If your symptoms are mild (driving nervousness, occasional sleep disturbance): An accredited counsellor at €60 to €90 per session for 8 to 12 weeks is usually sufficient. Total cost: €480 to €1,080.
If your symptoms are moderate to severe (flashbacks, avoidance, panic attacks): A clinical psychologist providing EMDR or trauma-focused CBT at €100 to €140 per session for 12 to 20 weeks is more appropriate. Total cost: €1,200 to €2,800. You'll also likely need a consultant psychiatrist's assessment.
Which therapist type suits your situation?
Answer one question to see a recommendation. This is general guidance only, not clinical advice.
How would you describe your symptoms since the accident?
The 3-Rule Recovery Evidence File
Three evidence pillars determine whether your therapy costs survive insurer scrutiny in Ireland. We call this the 3-Rule Recovery Evidence File because each rule produces a specific document that feeds directly into your Schedule of Special Damages.
Rule 1: Establish the medical nexus (GP referral)
You can't self-prescribe a course of therapy and expect automatic reimbursement. Report your symptoms (anxiety, sleep disturbance, flashbacks, driving avoidance) to your GP promptly after the accident. A formal GP referral to a psychologist or psychotherapist creates the causal link between the collision and the treatment. Without it, insurers will argue the therapy was unrelated to the crash.
The timing matters more than most guides suggest: a GP visit within 7 to 14 days of the accident creates the strongest medical nexus. A gap of several months gives insurers ammunition to dispute causation.
If symptoms appear immediately after the accident: See your GP within 7 to 14 days. Request a written referral to a named therapist. This is the strongest medical nexus.
If symptoms develop weeks or months later (delayed-onset PTSD): See your GP as soon as symptoms appear, even if it's 3 to 6 months after the crash. Delayed onset is clinically recognised and does not bar your claim. The 2-year limitation period runs from the "date of knowledge" (when you became aware of the condition), not the accident date. However, the longer the gap, the more important a consultant psychiatrist's report becomes to establish causation.
Rule 2: Choose an accredited therapist
Treatment must be provided by a therapist who holds full membership of a recognised Irish body:
- Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) for clinical and counselling psychologists
- Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), the largest counselling body
- Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP) for psychotherapists
- CORU, the statutory regulator for health and social care professionals
This accreditation requirement isn't optional. It also determines eligibility for health-insurance rebates and tax relief.
Rule 3: Build a complete Schedule of Special Damages
Under Section 10 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, claimants must provide full particulars of all Special Damages. For therapy costs, this means:
- A dated receipt for every session (showing therapist name, accreditation number, modality, and amount)
- Bank or card statements as backup proof of payment
- Pharmacy receipts for prescribed medication (anti-anxiety, antidepressant, or sleep medication)
- A mileage log or transport receipts for journeys to appointments
- A treatment summary letter from the therapist confirming diagnosis, dates, session count, and cost
Avoid unexplained gaps in treatment. If you attend 6 sessions, stop for 3 months, then restart, insurers will argue the gap proves you recovered and the later sessions were unnecessary. If you need to pause therapy (for financial reasons, work commitments, or a holiday), tell your therapist and have them note the reason in your file. A documented, explained gap is defensible. An unexplained one is not.
Once your 3-Rule Recovery Evidence File is complete, your solicitor compiles the receipts, treatment letter, and travel log into a formal Schedule of Special Damages. This is submitted alongside the medico-legal report as part of your IRB application. The Board then assesses the therapy costs as a distinct component of your overall claim.
Evidence Readiness Checker
Tick off each item as you gather your evidence. This follows the 3-Rule Recovery Evidence File structure.
0 of 9 items complete
Rule 1: Medical nexus
Rule 2: Accredited therapist
Rule 3: Schedule of Special Damages
At this point, you'll need to decide whether your injuries require a standalone medico-legal report or whether your treating therapist's records are sufficient on their own.
What a valid therapy receipt must contain
The IRB and insurers won't accept a vague Revolut transfer or a handwritten note. Each receipt in your 3-Rule Recovery Evidence File should show:
- Therapist's full name and professional title
- Accreditation body and membership number (for example, IACP Reg. No. 12345)
- Date and duration of each session (for example, "50 minutes, 12 March 2026")
- Therapy modality provided (CBT, EMDR, trauma-focused counselling)
- Amount charged and payment method
- Clinic name and address (or confirmation of online/video delivery)
Most accredited therapists provide receipts in this format automatically. If yours doesn't, ask for one before your next session. A complete receipt file is the single strongest piece of evidence in your Special Damages claim.
The cash-flow reality: paying now, recovering later
Personal injury settlements in Ireland are paid as a single lump sum at the end of the process, not in instalments. The average IRB assessment takes 9 to 12 months from application. If your therapy costs €100 per week, you'll have spent €4,000 to €5,000 before your claim is even assessed.
Three ways to bridge that gap while you wait:
- Health insurance rebates can cover 6 to 12 sessions immediately (see below)
- Tax relief at 20% returns €20 per €100 session, claimable in real time via Revenue myAccount
- Choosing a lower-cost therapist (an accredited counsellor at €70 rather than a psychologist at €140) can halve your weekly outlay without weakening your claim, provided the therapist is appropriately qualified for your condition
How are future therapy costs calculated in Ireland?
If you're still receiving therapy when your claim settles, future treatment costs must be calculated and included in the lump-sum compensation. Otherwise you'll be left paying out of pocket for years after the case closes.
The cost of proof
A standard GP note won't support a claim for serious psychological injury. The IRB and courts require an independent medico-legal psychiatric report from a consultant psychiatrist or senior clinical psychologist. This assessment typically costs €300 to €500+ in Ireland, and it's fully recoverable under Section 44 of the PIAB Act 20032, including any applicable VAT.
One detail that surprises clients: you may also need to attend a separate medical examination arranged by the respondent's insurer. This is not optional. The insurer's psychiatrist will assess your symptoms independently over 60 to 90 minutes, review your therapy records, and produce a report comparing their findings against your own expert's conclusions. Attend fully and honestly. Declining or failing to engage can be treated as a failure to cooperate and may weaken your claim. What the timeline estimates don't account for: the insurer's assessment often happens 6 to 12 months after your initial report, by which time your therapy records form the primary evidence they're evaluating.
Forecasting future therapy needs
A consultant psychiatrist's prognosis report will detail the anticipated duration, frequency, and annual cost of ongoing treatment. Future costs are then actuarially calculated and added to the settlement. For complex PTSD where a claimant requires, say, an additional 20 sessions of EMDR at €120 each, that's €2,400 in provable future Special Damages, separate from the General Damages for the trauma itself.
Between assessment and settlement, the sticking point is usually the prognosis. If your expert says "24 more months of weekly therapy" and the insurer's expert says "6 months of fortnightly sessions," the final figure lands somewhere in between. That's exactly why a detailed, well-supported prognosis report matters.
If your prognosis is "full recovery expected within 6 months": Future costs are limited to the remaining sessions. The claim is relatively straightforward.
If your prognosis is "chronic, with ongoing treatment needed for 2+ years": An actuary calculates the present-day value of future annual therapy costs over the projected treatment period. This can add thousands to the Special Damages component.
Unlike the English system where pre-action protocols require early disclosure, in Ireland the Schedule of Special Damages is submitted through the IRB process, and future costs are typically supported by the medico-legal report rather than a separate pre-action exchange.
Can health insurance help cover therapy costs?
Most Irish health-insurance plans cover between 6 and 12 counselling sessions per year, provided the therapist holds accreditation with a recognised body. This reduces the immediate out-of-pocket burden while your claim is pending.
| Insurer | Typical cover | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| VHI Healthcare | Up to 6 sessions (solution-focused brief therapy) via Optum. Plan-dependent. | Therapist on approved list (IACP, ICP, PSI) |
| Laya Healthcare | Rebates for accredited therapists. 360 Care plans often include counselling. | Fully accredited IACP/ICP member |
| Irish Life Health | 50% rebate on up to 12 visits, capped at €1,000/year (4D Health 2 to 5, Better Select). | Accredited IACP/ICP or PSI member |
Always confirm your specific plan's cover directly with your insurer before starting therapy. Plans change annually.
In Ireland, health insurance does not replace the personal injury claim for therapy costs. Instead, it bridges the cash-flow gap while the claim is in progress, covering 6 to 12 sessions upfront. Any amount the insurer reimburses must then be deducted from the Special Damages schedule to prevent double recovery under Irish tort law.
Anti-double-recovery rule: Any amount your health insurer pays toward therapy must be disclosed to your solicitor. The insurer's rebate reduces your Special Damages claim by the same amount. You can't recover the same euro twice. For example, if therapy totals €1,200 and Laya reimburses €500, your Special Damages claim covers the remaining €700.
The next step is to understand how tax relief can further reduce your net cost while the claim is in progress.
How does tax relief work on counselling fees in Ireland?
Counselling and psychotherapy fees qualify for tax relief at 20% in Ireland under Section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, with no minimum threshold. You can claim relief from the first euro, and you can backdate claims up to four years.
To qualify, the therapist must be a qualified practitioner, or the treatment must be provided on referral from a GP for a diagnostic procedure. Claim via Revenue myAccount (Receipts Tracker) or submit a paper Med 1 form to your local Revenue office.
Keep every receipt. Revenue may request proof for up to six years after the claim, even though the four-year backdating window applies to the expenses themselves.
In practical terms, a car-accident claimant attending weekly therapy at €100 per session in Ireland can reclaim €20 per session through tax relief in real time via Revenue myAccount, reducing their net weekly outlay to €80 while the personal injury claim progresses through the IRB.
If your therapy costs are fully recovered through your PI settlement: You cannot also retain the 20% tax relief on those same costs. Discuss the timing with your solicitor and tax adviser.
If you paid for therapy out of pocket and haven't yet settled your claim: Claim the 20% tax relief now. If the settlement later reimburses those costs, the tax position may need adjustment. At €100/session over 12 weeks, that's €240 returned to you while you wait.
How do insurers challenge therapy costs in Ireland?
Insurers actively seek to reduce Special Damages payouts for psychological treatment. Knowing the four most common challenges, and how to counter them, protects the full value of your claim.
| Insurer argument | Your response |
|---|---|
| "The number of sessions was excessive." | A detailed treatment letter from the therapist setting out the treatment plan, clinical rationale, and progress notes. A prognosis report from a consultant psychiatrist supports the recommended duration. |
| "The condition was pre-existing." | GP records showing no prior mental health treatment before the accident. If there was a pre-existing condition, your expert can distinguish between baseline symptoms and accident-related deterioration. |
| "Online therapy isn't a legitimate medical expense." | WHO and EMDR Ireland endorse online delivery. Provided the therapist holds Irish accreditation and sessions are conducted by video (not telephone only), online costs are fully recoverable. |
| "The therapist wasn't qualified." | Accreditation certificate confirming full membership of PSI, IACP, ICP, or CORU registration. Pre-accredited or trainee therapists may face challenges unless supervised by a fully accredited clinician. |
The difference between assessment and acceptance often comes down to documentation quality. A well-receipted, GP-referred, accredited-therapist treatment file following the 3-Rule Recovery Evidence File is far harder for an insurer to challenge than a loose collection of bank transfers to an unregistered counsellor.
Social media caution: Insurers and their solicitors routinely monitor claimants' public social media profiles during claims. Posting photos of physical activities, holidays, or celebrations that appear inconsistent with a claim for severe psychological injury (such as PTSD or driving phobia) can be used to challenge whether your therapy was necessary. This doesn't mean you should stop living your life, but be aware that your online activity may form part of the insurer's file.
Do you have to wait for HSE therapy before claiming?
No. Under Irish tort law, you're entitled to seek immediate private treatment to mitigate your suffering. HSE primary-care psychology waiting times currently exceed 12 to 18 months for adults in most regions. For children, the figures are significantly worse, with reports indicating waits exceeding several years in parts of Dublin.
The HSE's Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC) service offers free counselling to medical-card holders, but it's a demand-led service with limited capacity. CIPC is available only to adults with a medical card, requires a GP referral, and typically provides a maximum of 8 sessions per course (usually CBT-based). According to HSE Mental Health Services and Support (2025)3, free supports also exist through organisations like Aware, Pieta, and Turn2Me, though session limits typically apply. These services are valuable but rarely sufficient for moderate-to-severe accident-related PTSD, which often requires 12 to 20 sessions of specialist treatment.
Private therapy costs are the foundation of the Special Damages claim. Starting treatment promptly also produces stronger medical evidence of the accident's psychological impact. The Guidelines state that recovery timeline affects the General Damages bracket, but in practice, early treatment with documented progress creates a more persuasive evidence trail for both components of the claim.
What do the 2024 IRB statistics show about psychiatric damage claims?
Psychiatric damage now accounts for 14% of all motor-liability awards made by the Injuries Resolution Board, according to the IRB's Award Values Report for H2 2024. In 2021, that figure was just 5%.
This surge follows the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022, which removed the Board's discretion to decline wholly psychological claims. Before 2022, many PTSD-only cases were released directly to court. Now the IRB assesses them routinely, and the statistics reflect a mainstream shift in how psychological injury claims are processed in Ireland.
For claimants, this means pursuing compensation for anxiety, PTSD, or driving phobia after a car accident is no longer an edge case. It's a well-established part of the Irish claims landscape.
Active 2021 General Damages brackets for psychiatric damage
The 2021 Judicial Council Guidelines remain the active law in Ireland as of March 2026. A proposed 16.7% uplift was submitted to the Minister for Justice in February 2025. The Minister laid the draft amendments before the Oireachtas in September 2025 but did not bring a resolution seeking their approval. Without a vote, the proposed increase did not take effect. The current brackets for General Damages (pain and suffering, separate from therapy costs) are:
| Severity | Guideline range |
|---|---|
| Severe psychiatric damage | €80,000 to €170,000 |
| Moderately severe psychiatric damage | €40,000 to €80,000 |
| Moderate psychiatric damage | €15,000 to €40,000 |
| Minor psychiatric damage | €500 to €15,000 |
Source: Judicial Council Personal Injuries Guidelines (2021)1. These brackets cover General Damages only. Therapy costs are claimed on top as Special Damages.
What to consider next
What if my therapy costs exceed what the insurer considers "reasonable"?
The test isn't what the insurer considers reasonable. It's what the court would consider medically reasonable and necessary. Your treating therapist's clinical rationale and a supporting prognosis report from a consultant set the benchmark. If the insurer challenges the amount, the matter can be resolved at assessment or, if necessary, at trial.
Can I switch therapists mid-claim without weakening my case?
Yes, but document the reason clearly. A change due to a therapist retiring, or a clinical recommendation to move from counselling to EMDR, is perfectly legitimate. What weakens a claim is unexplained gaps in treatment or switching to an unaccredited practitioner. Keep a continuous, documented treatment trail.
What happens if my claim is rejected but I've already paid for therapy?
If the IRB declines to make an award, your solicitor can apply for authorisation to issue court proceedings. The therapy costs remain claimable in court provided they meet the "reasonable and necessary" test. You also retain eligibility for the 20% tax relief regardless of the claim outcome.
Common questions
Can I claim therapy costs if I wasn't physically injured?
Yes. In Ireland, if a recognised psychiatric illness (such as PTSD, adjustment disorder, or generalised anxiety) is diagnosed and linked to the accident, you can claim both General Damages and Special Damages for treatment costs, even without physical injury.
- Clinical diagnosis from a psychologist or psychiatrist is essential.
- GP referral establishes the medical nexus to the accident.
- The IRB has assessed wholly psychological claims since the 2022 Act.
Why it matters: Many claimants assume they need physical injuries to claim. They don't.
Next step: Psychological injury claims guide • IRB process (2025)
Can I claim for online therapy sessions?
Yes. Online therapy is fully claimable in Ireland provided the therapist holds Irish accreditation (PSI, IACP, ICP) and sessions are conducted by video.
- Ensure receipts specify "video consultation" and include the therapist's registration number.
- VHI, Laya, and Irish Life increasingly cover telehealth under the same terms as in-person visits.
Why it matters: Online sessions are cost-effective, eliminate travel costs, and are widely accepted by the IRB.
Next step: Tax relief on therapy (Citizens Information)
Do I need a GP referral before starting therapy?
In Ireland, you can self-refer to a private therapist at any time. However, for claim purposes a formal GP referral is strongly recommended because it creates the medical nexus between the accident and your treatment.
- Visit your GP within 7 to 14 days of the accident.
- Describe specific symptoms: sleep disturbance, anxiety, flashbacks, driving avoidance.
- Ask for a written referral letter addressed to a named psychologist or therapist.
Why it matters: A documented referral is your strongest defence against insurer challenges to causation.
Next step: When to see a GP after a car accident
How many therapy sessions can I claim for?
There's no fixed limit under Irish law. The test is whether the treatment is medically reasonable and necessary for your recovery.
- For mild-to-moderate accident-related anxiety, 8 to 16 sessions of CBT is typical.
- Complex PTSD may require 20+ sessions over 12 to 18 months.
- In our experience, insurers rarely challenge therapy under 12 sessions if the therapist is accredited and the referral is documented.
Why it matters: The "reasonable and necessary" test depends on evidence, not arbitrary caps.
Next step: Compensation guide • Judicial Council Guidelines (2021)
Can I get tax relief on therapy I pay for during my claim?
Yes. In Ireland, counselling and psychotherapy fees qualify for 20% tax relief as health expenses under Section 469 TCA 1997.
- Claim via Revenue myAccount (Receipts Tracker) or a paper Med 1 form. You can backdate up to four years.
- Relief applies to the amount you paid yourself, after any health-insurance rebate.
- At €100/session, 20% relief returns €20 per session, or €240 over a 12-week course.
Why it matters: Tax relief reduces your net cost now, while the claim is still in progress.
Next step: Citizens Information: medical expenses tax relief
Will my health insurance cover therapy after a car accident?
Most VHI, Laya, and Irish Life plans cover between 6 and 12 counselling or psychotherapy sessions per year, provided the therapist is accredited.
- Any insurance rebate must be disclosed to your solicitor. It reduces the Special Damages claim by the same amount.
- Some plans require a GP referral or restrict cover to specific accreditation bodies.
Why it matters: Insurance cover reduces the immediate cash-flow pressure while your claim progresses.
Next step: Contact your insurer to confirm cover before starting therapy.
What if I can't afford private therapy during my claim?
Several lower-cost and free options exist in Ireland that can bridge the gap while your claim is in progress.
- HSE Counselling in Primary Care (CIPC): free for medical-card holders, GP referral needed, typically 8 sessions of CBT.
- MyMind: reduced-rate sessions from €30 for students, unemployed, or those on low income.
- Aware, Pieta, Turn2Me: free counselling services, though session limits usually apply.
- Tax relief at 20%: claimable in real time via Revenue myAccount, even while the PI claim is pending.
- Health insurance: check whether your plan covers 6 to 12 sessions without a separate excess.
Why it matters: Financial barriers should not prevent you from starting treatment. Prompt therapy strengthens both your recovery and your evidence.
Next step: HSE: free and low-cost therapy options
Can I claim for therapy I started before instructing a solicitor?
Yes. In Ireland, the date you instructed a solicitor does not affect whether therapy costs are recoverable. If you started counselling for accident-related symptoms before seeking legal advice, those costs are still claimable as Special Damages.
- Ensure the therapy was for accident-related symptoms, not an unrelated condition.
- Gather receipts and a treatment summary letter retrospectively if you don't already have them.
- Your solicitor can include pre-instruction therapy costs in the Schedule of Special Damages without difficulty.
Why it matters: Many people start therapy immediately after a crash and only contact a solicitor later. Early treatment is not a problem for your claim.
Next step: Car accident claim process Ireland
Can I claim therapy costs for my child after a car accident?
Yes. In Ireland, children who develop anxiety, behavioural changes, or trauma responses after a car accident are entitled to treatment.
- Play therapy and child psychology sessions typically cost €80 to €150 per session in Ireland.
- A child psychologist accredited with PSI is the strongest credential for claims purposes.
- The two-year limitation period for children doesn't begin until they turn 18, but early treatment produces better outcomes and stronger evidence.
Why it matters: Children's therapy costs are often overlooked in settlement calculations.
Next step: Car accident claims Ireland: full guide
Do I have to wait for HSE therapy before claiming?
No. Under Irish tort law, you're entitled to seek immediate private treatment to mitigate your suffering.
- HSE adult psychology waits currently exceed 12 to 18 months in most regions.
- The HSE's CIPC service is free for medical-card holders, but capacity is limited.
- Free supports through Aware, Pieta, and Turn2Me exist but often have session caps.
Why it matters: Delaying treatment weakens both your recovery and your evidence.
Next step: HSE: free and low-cost therapy options
References
- Personal Injuries Guidelines, Judicial Council (2021)
- Guidelines on Legal Costs under Section 44, PIAB Act 2003, Injuries Resolution Board
- Mental Health Services and Support, HSE (2025)
- EMDR therapy for PTSD after motor vehicle accidents: meta-analytic evidence, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (2015)
- Section 10, Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, Irish Statute Book
- Tax Relief on Medical Expenses, Citizens Information (2025)
- Personal Injuries Award Values Report H2 2024, Injuries Resolution Board (2025)
- Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022, Irish Statute Book
- Section 34, Civil Liability Act 1961 (Contributory Negligence and Mitigation), Irish Statute Book
Resources
- Making a claim, Injuries Resolution Board (2025)
- Find a Psychologist, Psychological Society of Ireland
- Find a Counsellor, Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Claiming medical expenses tax relief, Revenue/Citizens Information
- Free and low-cost talk therapy in Ireland, HSE (2025)
Related guides from this site: Psychological injury claims after a car accident • Car accident compensation Ireland • Medical expenses in your claim • Receipts and expense log • Physiotherapy costs in injury claims • Car accident claim process Ireland
Next in this series
Future Medical Costs and Prognosis in Injury Claims (Ireland)
This page is legal information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts. Gary Matthews Solicitors is regulated by the Law Society of Ireland.
Gary Matthews Solicitors
Medical negligence solicitors, Dublin
We help people every day of the week (weekends and bank holidays included) that have either been injured or harmed as a result of an accident or have suffered from negligence or malpractice.
Contact us at our Dublin office to get started with your claim today
