Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) Counselling
Healing Support for Victims of Crime. Pre-Approved Counselling Sessions. DIRECT BILLING AVAILABLE.
- Services Provided in All of BC
Violent crime can leave deep emotional and psychological wounds. You don’t have to carry this alone.
Our team of Registered Clinical Counsellors and Social Workers at Well Beings Counselling are CVAP‑approved providers offering direct billing and compassionate, trauma‑informed therapy.
Have You Been Affected by a Crime?
Every year, many people in British Columbia experience violent crime. Survivors often describe:
- Fear and hyper‑vigilance – feeling unsafe in public or at home.
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares.
- Anxiety, panic attacks or difficulty sleeping.
- Depression, guilt, shame or feelings of isolation.
- Trouble concentrating or returning to regular routines.
If you relate to any of these, you’re not alone. CVAP provides financial help so you can focus on healing rather than worrying about the cost of counselling
What Is the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)?
The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) is a B.C. government initiative offering financial support to victims of violent crime, their immediate family members, and witnesses. This support helps you access counselling and other services without worrying about cost. Victims, family members, and witnesses may receive funding to offset medical, counselling, and related expenses. This means you can begin healing without the burden of paying out of pocket.
Victims, immediate family members and certain witnesses can receive support such as:
- Counselling services to process trauma, rebuild emotional well‑being and move forward.
- Medical and dental services, prescription drugs and protective measures.
- Replacement of damaged eyeglasses, clothing and disability aids; childcare and homemaker services; disability aids and related expenses; income support or lost earning capacity and vocational services.
- For immediate family members, assistance may include counselling, prescription expenses, transportation to attend counselling, funeral expenses and bereavement leave.
- Witnesses may be eligible for counselling, prescription expenses and transportation.
Funding is designed to help offset financial losses and provide recovery support when similar benefits are not available from another source.
How Does CVAP Counselling Work?
The process is straightforward, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Step 1: Apply to CVAP
Visit the official CVAP website or contact a Victim Services worker to obtain the application form. We can help you gather the necessary documents and fill out the form correctly.
Step 2: Get Connected
Once your application is approved, you’ll be matched with one of our registered clinical counsellors who specializes in trauma and recovery. Our team has extensive experience working with survivors of crime.
Step 3: Start Your Sessions
Together, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan. Sessions may involve approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), or Narrative Therapy.
These evidence-based techniques are designed to help you process trauma, regain emotional balance, and move forward confidently.
How many counselling sessions does CVAP cover?
CVAP approves counselling hours, not a fixed number of sessions. That gives you the flexibility to choose 30, 60, 75, 90, or 120-minute appointments based on your needs.
Typical approvals
- Victims: up to 48 hours
- Immediate family members: up to 36 hours
- Witnesses: up to 12 hours
- Court-support add-on (if needed): up to +24 hours (victims), +18 hours (family), +12 hours (witnesses)
- While your claim is pending: up to 12 one-hour sessions to avoid delays (these count toward your total once approved)
What this means for you
You’re not locked into “one-hour only.” We’ll build a schedule that fits your goals and energy. Most clients prefer 50 minutes for steady progress, while 90 minutes can help when we’re processing tougher material.
What results can I expect?
Most clients report better sleep, fewer intrusive memories, more sense of safety, and renewed confidence.
Common treatment goals
- Reduce hyperarousal (panic, startle, irritability)
- Process traumatic memories safely and gradually
- Restore daily functioning at home, school, or work
- Strengthen boundaries and safety plans
- Prepare for court or justice-related events if needed
Approaches we use (matched to your needs)
- CBT for trigger management and avoidance reduction
- EMDR / trauma-focused processing
- ACT to build psychological flexibility and values-based action
- IFS / parts-informed work for shame and self-blame
- Somatic strategies for grounding and body safety cues
- EFT (when relational repair is part of healing)
Why Choose Well Beings Counselling?
- Experienced CVAP‑approved providers – our counsellors are registered with CVAP and have extensive experience supporting victims of crime.
- Direct billing – we handle the paperwork and bill CVAP directly, so you don’t have to pay up front.
- Accessible therapy across B.C. – sessions are available in‑person at our clinics (including Port Coquitlam, Vancouver, Coquitlam, Burnaby and Kelowna) and online throughout British Columbia.
- Compassionate, inclusive care – we create a safe, culturally sensitive environment for people of all backgrounds and identities.
- Flexible appointment times – including evenings and weekends to fit your schedule.
Get matched with a counsellor that fits your needs.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
If you’ve been affected by a crime, you deserve the highest level of care. We’re here to help you through every step—from applying for CVAP to providing effective, compassionate counselling.
Ready to Get Started?
🌟 Book a free consultation:
- In-person sessions in BC
- Secure online sessions across Canada
- Call: (604) 305-0104
- Book Online: wellbeingscounselling.ca/book-online
- Email: info@wellbeingscounselling.ca
Need Immediate Help?
If you are in crisis or at risk of harm:
- Call the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- Visit the nearest emergency department
- Contact local crisis resources or VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808
Frequently Asked Questions
No. CVAP covers the approved sessions, and we handle billing directly. If your counsellor’s fee exceeds the CVAP reimbursement rate, a small top-up might apply.
Coverage typically ranges from 12 to 48 sessions. Additional sessions may be available if you need court support. Your specific allocation will depend on your approved application.
We provide affordable private counselling and low-cost options so that everyone can access the support they need.
Eligibility is not dependent on charges or convictions. Survivors of crime can apply without filing a police report.
