When Should I Refer to
Fife Injury Therapy?
Research indicates that even in cases where physical injuries are not severe, long-term psychological damage can occur. Therefore, early intervention via psychotherapy is crucial for restoring function and improving long-term mental health.
If your client is experiencing…
Anxiety, panic attacks, or driving phobias (common after auto accidents)
Clients may:
Avoid driving altogether
Only drive short distances or on “safe” roads
Feel panic when merging, braking, or at intersections
Become extremely tense as a passenger
Subtle Avoidance Behaviors
Not all avoidance is obvious, like “I won’t drive.”
It can look like:
Taking longer routes to avoid certain roads
Avoiding the time of day the accident happened
Skipping appointments or social activities
Reluctance to return to work (especially if driving is involved)
Depression, irritability, or withdrawal
Nightmares, flashbacks, or hyper vigilance
Chronic pain with a psychological component (e.g., pain catastrophizing)
Reduced ability to work or perform daily activities
Social withdrawal or isolation
Personality or behavioral changes
The Functional Impact of PTSD
PTSD in PI cases is best understood through how it affects daily life:
Difficulty commuting → impacts employment
Avoidance → limits independence
Emotional distress → affects relationships
Cognitive strain → reduces focus and productivity
Early referral is often ideal. It establishes a clean, credible timeline linking symptoms to the accident.
Early referral is recommended if your client…
Has a prior mental health history that can be scrutinized.
Had a traumatic mechanism of injury (e.g., violent collision, assault)
Had a significant life disruption (loss of work, strained relationships)