1. Is This Guide for You?
This guide is written for people who have had a motor vehicle crash and are now noticing changes in how they feel, think, or function – even if the crash was “a while ago” or didn’t seem bad at the time.
You may recognize yourself if:
- You feel jumpy, on edge, or easily startled since the crash.
- You replay the crash in your head or avoid certain roads, intersections, or driving altogether.
- Your sleep, mood, concentration, or relationships have taken a hit.
- People around you say you’re “not quite yourself” anymore.
You do not need to have “hit rock bottom” for counselling to be appropriate. ICBC-covered counselling is meant to support recovery – not just crisis.
2. What Does ICBC Usually Cover for Counselling?
Coverage depends on the details of your claim, when the crash happened, and how your file is set up. In many cases, ICBC will fund trauma-focused counselling as part of your treatment plan, often with direct billing so you don’t pay out of pocket.
Typical pieces ICBC looks at
- Whether there is an open claim linked to your crash.
- Whether a healthcare provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner, etc.) has documented psychological symptoms.
- Whether counselling is part of the overall rehab plan (alongside physio, massage, chiro, etc.).
Want help checking your situation?
In a 15-minute consult we can usually tell you:
- Whether ICBC counselling is likely to be covered.
- What information your adjuster may still need.
- How direct billing would work at our clinic.
3. A Simple 24–48 Hour Action Plan
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, focus on the next 1–2 days only. You don’t have to solve everything at once. Here’s a straightforward sequence many clients follow:
Step 1: Make sure ICBC knows you’re struggling emotionally
If you haven’t already, contact your adjuster and use plain, honest language. For example:
“Since the crash I’ve been having trouble with sleep, anxiety, and feeling on edge. My doctor thinks counselling would help. Can you confirm what counselling support is available on my claim?”
Step 2: Talk to your doctor or primary care provider
Let them know how the crash has affected your mood, sleep, and functioning. If appropriate, they can document this and note that trauma-focused counselling is recommended as part of your recovery.
Step 3: Book a consult with a trauma-trained counsellor
In our clinic we focus specifically on crash-related trauma and work with ICBC on a daily basis. A short consult lets you ask questions, get a feel for fit, and understand next steps before committing.
4. What to Expect in Early Counselling Sessions
Early sessions are not about “reliving the crash” in graphic detail. They’re about stabilizing your nervous system, helping you feel less alone, and giving you tools that work in the real world.
Early focus often includes:
- Building safety and a sense of control in sessions.
- Understanding how trauma affects the brain and body.
- Learning simple regulation tools you can use between sessions.
- Mapping out your specific triggers (roads, sounds, images, body sensations).
As you feel more stable, sessions may move toward processing the trauma itself using approaches like EMDR or somatic-based work – always at your pace.
5. Common Questions
“What if the crash was my fault?”
Emotional impact doesn’t care about fault. Many people who were “at fault” still experience anxiety, shame, or intrusive memories. Counselling is about your nervous system and recovery, not about blame.
“Will this affect my ICBC settlement?”
Counselling itself is typically considered part of reasonable treatment. For specific legal questions, always talk with a lawyer – this guide is not a substitute for legal advice.
“Do I have to commit to long-term therapy?”
Not necessarily. Some people find a handful of focused sessions around a specific crash-related issue very helpful. Others choose longer-term work. You stay in the driver’s seat.