Counselling For ICBC Clients

Telehealth Counselling in Surrey, North Vancouver and Burnaby for ICBC clients – 12 sessions

When most people think about motor vehicle accidents, they imagine a damaged vehicle and physical health concerns like concussions or soft-tissue injuries. Yet, after a car accident, it’s possible to go through many unexpected emotions like fear, anxiety, stress, sadness, anger and hopelessness. It’s not uncommon for someone injured in a car accident to experience trauma or psychological complications in addition to their pain symptoms. That’s why caring for your mental health through counselling is just as important as caring for your physical health after the crash.

Under ICBC’s new rules, you’re eligible for 12 counselling sessions any time within the first 12 weeks from the date of your motor vehicle accident. At Legacies Health Centre, we bill ICBC directly, so you don’t have to worry about paying for your counselling treatment out of pocket.

How can counselling help individuals involved in car accidents?

Counselling has many benefits for people who have been involved in a car crash. For example, counselling can help individuals:

• Manage symptoms of depression
• Learn strategies to cope with anxiety
• Reduce anxiety around driving
• Overcome insomnia and other sleep difficulties
• Deal with stress
• Cope with the stress of the claims process
• Manage pain 
• Heal from psychological trauma

People involved in car accidents may also experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as increased worry, anger, shock and guilt.

Counselling FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about clinical counselling.

How does counselling complement other treatment therapies?

Physical and mental health are intertwined. Coping with pain, uncertain recovery times and the claims process can create additional stress and strain after a car accident. By managing your mental health while you physically recover (chiropractic care, physiotherapy, kinesiology, massage therapy or acupuncture), you may experience a faster overall recovery. You can get back to living your life.

What if I need counselling for longer than 12 weeks?

The 12-week timeline is intended to help people access help on a shorter-term basis. It saves you time and energy since you don’t need to get a doctor’s referral. For longer-term care past the 12-week mark, ICBC may require you to get a referral from your physician. It’s a good idea to reach out to your claims adjuster to let them know about your treatment needs.

Are my counselling sessions confidential?

Yes, each of your counselling sessions is confidential. Our team is made up of Registered Clinical Counsellors, each of whom adheres to the ethical and confidentiality guidelines set out by the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. At times, your counsellor may need to report on the therapy strategies they’re using and your progress in counselling to ICBC to seek approval for further sessions. Please discuss any concerns with your clinical counsellor.

How long will it take to feel better?

Counselling is a very personal, individual process. Your counsellor will work with you to identify your goals and offer strategies to help you manage your symptoms. Some people report improvements in a few sessions. Of course, there are no guarantees of success with any therapy, and recovery timelines vary. Please discuss any concerns over your progress with your clinical counsellor.

How often should I see my counsellor?

That’s entirely up to your preferences, goals and how quickly you wish to recover. Usually, clients begin with weekly, 50-minute sessions and begin to taper their sessions as they make progress and their concerns start to resolve. For others, bi-weekly sessions work well. Please discuss your unique needs and preferences with your clinical counsellor during your first session.

Counselling after a car accident in Surrey, North Vancouver and Burnaby

At Legacies Health Centre, we offer clinical counselling services via Telehealth. The 50-minute sessions are delivered virtually or over the phone. This service is offered in partnership with our subsidiary company, Back in Motion. Contact us today to book an appointment. We bill ICBC directly to save you the trouble. We’re located at Nordel Crossing, Southpoint, North Vancouver and Market Crossing.

Jennifer Baker is a passionate advocate for her clients’ growth and success in life. She is honoured to work collaboratively with her clients, coming alongside them with support to grow and achieve their goals by harnessing their own innate strengths and resources. She believes that her clients are the experts in their own lives and views her role as their therapist as one of support and guidance.