Is Counselling Covered by ICBC?

Yes. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in British Columbia, counselling may be covered through your ICBC injury claim. Counselling can support your emotional recovery and help you manage the psychological effects that may arise after an accident.

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How many counselling sessions does ICBC cover?

ICBC currently pre-authorizes up to 12 counselling sessions, including the initial appointment, when they are completed within the first 12 weeks following the accident. You do not need a physician’s referral or separate approval from ICBC to begin these pre-authorized sessions. You will need an active ICBC claim number and your Personal Health Number.

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If you continue to experience accident-related symptoms after the initial sessions or beyond the first 12 weeks, your counsellor may submit a treatment plan requesting additional sessions. Further coverage is subject to ICBC’s review and approval and may be provided when clinically appropriate.

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Will I have to pay out of pocket?

We direct bill ICBC for eligible and authorized counselling sessions. This means ICBC pays the counsellor directly, and you do not need to pay upfront for covered standard sessions. Coverage depends on having an active claim and available authorization. Clients may remain responsible for fees related to late cancellations, missed appointments, or sessions that have not been authorized by ICBC.

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What concerns can ICBC counselling help with?

A motor vehicle accident can affect much more than your physical health. Even when physical injuries begin to improve, you may continue to experience anxiety, fear, sleep difficulties, pain-related distress, or changes in your relationships and daily functioning.

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ICBC counselling may help with concerns such as:

• Anxiety or panic following the accident

• Fear of driving or travelling as a passenger

• Post-traumatic stress symptoms

• Flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive memories

• Feeling constantly alert, tense or unsafe

• Sleep disturbances

• Depression, sadness or loss of motivation

• Chronic pain and the emotional impact of physical injuries

• Difficulty adjusting to changes in work, independence or daily activities

• Irritability, emotional overwhelm or difficulty concentrating

• Relationship strain resulting from the accident and recovery process

• Loss of confidence returning to driving, work or regular activities

Treatment is personalized according to your symptoms, recovery goals and individual circumstances.

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Are virtual counselling sessions covered?

Yes. We provide secure video counselling sessions that may be directly billed to ICBC when eligible and authorized. Virtual counselling can be especially helpful if your injuries make travelling difficult, you experience anxiety about driving, or you live in a rural or remote area of British Columbia. It also allows you to receive support from the comfort and privacy of your own home.​