If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, you know the aftermath often involves more than just physical injuries.
Some people experience:
Anxiety or panic while driving or riding in a car
Fear of intersections, highways, or certain driving conditions
Flashbacks or distressing memories of the accident
Feeling on edge, hypervigilant, or easily startled
Avoiding driving or activities they previously enjoyed
Sleep difficulties or ongoing emotional distress
Sometimes these worries subside on their own, but other times the distress from the accent continues to persist even as injuries begin to heal. Whether it’s a large accident or a small fender bender, our brains might register these events as traumatic and continue to experience triggers after the accident happened.
If you are recovering from the emotional toll of a car accident in Oregon you might be wondering, could your auto insurance help cover therapy?
In many cases, PIP insurance will cover mental health treatment related to an auto accident, including therapy for accident-related anxiety and trauma.
Coverage depends on the individual claim and insurance policy, so it's important to verify benefits before beginning treatment.
What Is PIP Insurance in Oregon?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is is a type of coverage included in Oregon auto insurance policies. It is designed to cover certain expenses related to injuries from a motor vehicle accident, regardless of who was at fault. This means it will cover the cost of doctor’s appointments, chiropractic care, physical therapy, etc.
Oregon law requires a minimum level of PIP medical coverage and individual policies may provide more. PIP benefits have limits, and the available balance may be shared across different types of treatment.
But, what a lot of people don’t know is it will often cover mental health therapy costs as well.
Can PIP Insurance Cover Therapy After a Car Accident?
PIP provides coverage for reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to an accident. PIP will usually cover the cost of mental health treatment if the person is experiencing clinically significant psychological distress as a result of an auto accident. Symptoms may include nightmares, fear of driving, distressing intrusive memories, or avoidance of vehicles as a result of the accident.
Whether a specific therapy service is covered depends on the insurance policy, and should be checked prior to beginning mental health services.
Can EMDR Therapy Be Used After a Car Accident?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based form of therapy used to help people process traumatic or distressing experiences. EMDR can be beneficial for individuals who continue to experience distressing memories, anxiety, or triggers related to a car accident. There is also a specialized approach called the Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP), which was developed specifically for working with recent traumatic experiences.
EMDR involves using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), while a person focuses on aspects of a distressing memory or experience. The goal is to help reduce the emotional intensity associated with the memories, address current triggers, and develop more adaptive beliefs and responses moving forward.
What Does the PIP Process Look Like When Seeking Therapy?
If you are seeking mental health therapy as a result of an automobile accident, here are some recommended steps to follow:
Open a PIP claim with your auto insurance company, if one has not already been opened
Ask your insurance adjuster about your remaining PIP medical benefits and whether mental health therapy is eligible under your claim
Ask whether any referrals, authorizations, or additional documentation are required
Find a therapist who is willing and able to bill PIP (I offer this at my practice! You could also ask your doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor for referrals)
Confirm billing arrangements and coverage details with the therapist and insurance company before beginning treatment
Depending on your available PIP benefits and the specifics of your claim, therapy may be covered without additional out-of-pocket costs.
EMDR Therapy Through PIP in Oregon
If you are interested in using PIP to cover EMDR therapy for emotional distress related to a car accident in Oregon, you're welcome to reach out to schedule a free consultation.
I accept eligible PIP claims at my practice. If we determine we're a good fit for working together, I'll send you a form to gather additional information about your accident and insurance policy before beginning therapy. I also value collaboration with other healthcare providers involved in your recovery, including chiropractors and other providers who support people following auto accidents.
I have several years of experience using EMDR therapy to help clients process past trauma including car accidents and other distressing experiences. I offer convenient telehealth therapy throughout Oregon, with options for extended EMDR sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions About PIP and EMDR Therapy in Oregon
Does PIP cover mental health therapy in Oregon?
Yes, PIP may cover mental health treatment when it is considered a reasonable and necessary medical expense related to an auto accident. Coverage depends on your individual claim and insurance policy, so it's important to confirm benefits with your insurance adjuster before beginning therapy.
Can I use PIP for EMDR therapy?
EMDR may be considered as part of treatment for accident-related distress, including anxiety, driving fears, and distressing memories. However, coverage for a specific therapy service must be verified with your insurer.
Do I have to be at fault for the accident?
No. Oregon PIP is generally no-fault coverage, meaning eligibility does not depend on who caused the accident. However, the applicable policy and claim circumstances should still be confirmed with your insurance company.
Can I use PIP if I was a passenger?
Passengers may also have PIP coverage after an auto accident, but which policy applies depends on the circumstances of the accident and the insurance coverage involved. Contact the insurance company to determine which PIP benefits may be available to you.
How much does Oregon PIP insurance cover?
Oregon law requires auto insurance policies to include at least $15,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical benefits per injured person. These benefits cover eligible, reasonable, and necessary medical expenses incurred within two years of the accident.
Can I receive EMDR therapy if I was not diagnosed with PTSD?
Yes. You do not need a PTSD diagnosis to explore EMDR therapy after a car accident. Some people experience accident-related anxiety, driving fears, distressing memories, or other emotional reactions without meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
Finding an EMDR Therapist After a Car Accident in Oregon
The emotional effects of a car accident can be incredibly frustrating and disruptive to everyday life. Even if you know intellectually that you're safe, you may find that your body still responds as if you're in danger and need to be on high alert.
If you're experiencing anxiety, distressing memories, or fear related to a car accident, I offer EMDR therapy through telehealth for clients located throughout Oregon and accept PIP claims.
If you're interested in learning more about using PIP for therapy or whether EMDR might be a good fit, please feel free to reach out.