If you have been affected by a violent crime in British Columbia, you may be eligible for counselling that is fully or almost fully funded through the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). I have been a registered CVAP counsellor since 2014 and have supported approximately 50 people through the program.

Counselling is offered virtually – by secure video through Jane or by telephone – to adults living anywhere in British Columbia. If your sessions are approved, I bill CVAP directly on your behalf, so there is no paperwork for you to manage between appointments.

What is the Crime Victim Assistance Program?

CVAP is a Province of British Columbia program that funds counselling and other supports for people who have been injured as the result of a violent crime committed in BC. It also extends to immediate family members in certain circumstances.

Funding covers counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). I hold RCC #12205 with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, which is the professional designation required to provide counselling through the program. CVAP does not issue public provider numbers to clients, so if you are checking whether a counsellor is eligible, the RCC registration is what matters.

Who qualifies for counselling covered by CVAP

According to CVAP, applicants may qualify for counselling funding if they have sustained a physical or psychological injury as the result of an eligible violent crime committed in British Columbia. Eligible offences generally include:

• Physical violence and assaults – general physical assault, assault causing bodily harm, and aggravated assault
• Sexual violence – sexual assault, historical sexual abuse, and childhood sexual exploitation
• Domestic and intimate partner violence – relationship abuse, family violence, and children who witnessed domestic abuse in the home
• Threats and harassment – criminal harassment (stalking), uttering threats, and human trafficking
• Severe offences – armed robbery, kidnapping, hijacking, and homicide (eligible for immediate family members)

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, CVAP can answer that directly at 1-866-660-3888 or .

How to start counselling – three pathways

You do not always need an approved claim before your first session. According to CVAP, there are three ways to begin, depending on your comfort level and financial situation.

Option 1 – Start now, apply later

You can book an appointment immediately with any Registered Clinical Counsellor who accepts CVAP clients, pay out of pocket to begin, then apply and request reimbursement for past sessions once you are approved. This is the fastest route to support, though you carry the initial financial risk if the claim is ultimately denied.

Option 2 – Use interim sessions while you wait

Once your application is submitted, it is officially on record. A final decision can take several months, so CVAP offers an interim counselling benefit of up to 12 sessions. This lets you begin healing right away instead of waiting for formal approval.

Option 3 – Wait for full approval

You can submit your paperwork on your own or with the help of a community program, wait for your CVAP claim number and coverage letter, and then contact a counsellor. This pathway avoids out-of-pocket costs entirely, because direct billing can start from your very first session.

Help with the CVAP application

I am happy to answer general questions about how CVAP counselling works and how it fits with my practice.

For questions about your eligibility, application, or claim status, you will need to contact CVAP directly at 1-866-660-3888 or .

If you would like hands-on assistance completing a CVAP application, VictimLink BC can connect you with a local victim service worker at 1-800-563-0808.

Fees and billing

Session length	60 minutes
My fee	$150
Covered by CVAP	$135
Your co-payment	$15 per session

If your sessions are approved: I bill CVAP directly on your behalf through their secure direct billing system.

If your sessions are not yet approved: you pay for appointments upfront and submit your receipts to CVAP for reimbursement once your application is approved, as outlined in the CVAP guidelines.

How many sessions will CVAP fund?

The number of funded sessions is determined by CVAP and varies depending on each person’s circumstances. In my experience, approvals have ranged from roughly 12 to 48 one-hour counselling sessions.

What happens when funded sessions run out

I do not offer reduced rates at this time. As your funded sessions come to an end, I encourage you to contact your CVAP case manager to find out whether you may be eligible for additional sessions. In some cases, CVAP will ask me to submit a follow-up report supporting the need for continued counselling before more sessions can be approved.

My approach to working with trauma survivors

I primarily use EMDR and the Flash Technique when working with trauma. Both are evidence-informed approaches designed to reduce the emotional charge of distressing memories. Depending on what you need, I may also draw on Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, mindfulness, and person-centred counselling.

Throughout my career I have worked with survivors of violent crime, sexual assault, domestic violence, childhood abuse, workplace trauma, and other traumatic experiences. My aim is to provide a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space where you can work toward healing at a pace that feels right for you.

I have also worked with clients referred through BC Victim Services, RCMP Victim Services, and CVAP, so the process is familiar territory.

Who I work with

• Adults only. I do not currently work with children or youth.
• Historical trauma is welcome. If the crime happened years or decades ago, that does not make it any less valid. Many of the people I work with are survivors of childhood abuse.
• Complex PTSD, dissociation, and multiple traumas. I have experience in these areas, and treatment is always tailored to you, with careful attention to safety, stabilization, and pacing.
• Indigenous clients. I welcome clients from Indigenous communities. Although I am no longer registered with the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), I have completed San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety training and Advanced Indigenous Cultural Safety: From Bystander to Ally training, and I work to provide culturally safe, respectful, trauma-informed care.
• Clients with an open police or court file. An ongoing investigation or court proceeding is not a barrier. Our work focuses on supporting your emotional wellbeing and recovery throughout the process.

Practical details

Format: Virtual only – secure video through Jane, or telephone.

Where I can see you: Anywhere in British Columbia.

Wait time: In most cases I can offer new clients an appointment within about one week, depending on availability.

Crisis support: My practice runs on scheduled appointments and I do not provide crisis or after-hours support. If you are in immediate danger or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency department, or call 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline. VictimLink BC is available 24/7 at 1-800-563-0808.

Start with a free 15-minute call

Looking for a counsellor can be stressful, and finding the right fit matters a great deal. I offer a no-fee 15-minute phone call to potential new clients. It is a chance to talk about the areas you would like support with and ask any questions you have about my approach or about counselling in general.

There is no obligation and no cost.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an open file with Victim Services before contacting you?
No. You can contact me first. Many clients begin counselling before their claim is decided, either by paying out of pocket and seeking reimbursement later, or by using CVAP’s interim benefit of up to 12 sessions once an application has been submitted.

Are you a registered CVAP counsellor?
Yes, since 2014. CVAP does not issue public provider numbers, so the relevant credential is my RCC registration with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, RCC #12205.

Is CVAP counselling free?
Almost. CVAP currently covers $135 of my $150 session fee, leaving a $15 co-payment per session.

Can you help me apply for CVAP?
I can answer general questions about how the counselling side works. For application help, VictimLink BC (1-800-563-0808) can connect you with a victim service worker, and CVAP can be reached directly at 1-866-660-3888.

Do you offer in-person sessions?
No. All sessions are virtual, by secure video or phone, which means I can work with adults anywhere in BC.

What if the crime happened a long time ago?
Historical crimes may still qualify, and delayed help-seeking is very common. CVAP can confirm eligibility for your specific situation.

Please note: CVAP policies, eligibility criteria, funding limits, and reimbursement guidelines are set by the Province of British Columbia and may change over time. For the most current information, please refer to the official Crime Victim Assistance Program resources.