ICBC Support
Support for healing after a motor vehicle accident
Support For Healing After A Motor Vehicle Accident
If you have been in a motor vehicle accident and have an ICBC claim, you should be entitled to counselling support. ICBC covers counselling for individuals experiencing psychological or emotional distress following a motor vehicle accident, with automatic pre-approval for 12 sessions within the first 12 weeks of the accident. These sessions are designed to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health impacts related to the accident. Sessions can be billed directly — no upfront costs required with an approved claim.
Following a motor vehicle accident, it is not uncommon to experience emotional distress as well as physical symptoms. This could look like disrupted sleep, anxiety, fear and other emotions related to the incident, but because we only have one system, work, interpersonal relationships, beliefs about oneself, confidence, and daily routines may all be affected. It is also possible for other emotions, issues, and past trauma to surface when the body is using all of its capacity for healing.
A non-exhaustive list of potential challenges
Walk & talk therapy is a way of taking the therapeutic benefit of talk therapy outside, combining it with fresh air and movement in the vicinity of the clinic.
A non-exhaustive list of potential challenges:
- Flashbacks from the accident or aftermath
- Trauma
- Disrupted sleep
- Fear of driving or being a passenger or being on the road
- Anxiety, panic attacks and stress
- Depression, hopelessness
- Dread of something happening
- Low self-esteem / lack of confidence
- Activation of past trauma
- Managing physical pain / discomfort
- Overwhelm
- Inability to get back to routines and daily functioning
- Inability to regulate emotions
Recovering after a Motor Vehicle Accident
Many clients feel overwhelmed and de-stabilized after what has happened and can have a tendency to shut down without support. They may also minimize the extent of their distress, and / or feel pressure get back to normal as soon as possible. Counselling is a safe space to check in with yourself and what you need.
I provide a trauma-informed, judgement-free space to work through what you’ve experienced and help you recover. I can help with pain management, processing trauma, exposure therapy, sleep disruptions, emotional regulation, return to work support, return to driving support, techniques for managing anxiety and triggers, as well as generally building capacity for mental health.
Navigating Your ICBC Coverage
ICBC sessions are fully covered with no referral needed. To fully support your holistic health, there are also a number of ICBC registered practitioners at the Local Health Integrative clinic so that you can get support for massage, acupuncture, chiropractor, and other disciplines in one place.
After you receive your claim number, you have 12 weeks to access 12 counselling sessions covered by ICBC. If you are unable to start right away, it is possible to ask for an extension. ICBC requests an intake form with treatment goals laid out, and from time to time they may request a progress report, but no information will not be shared without your consent.
Get started on your healing journey today
Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to set up a free 20-minute online consultation to see if we’re a good fit. If you can’t find a time that works for you, contact me directly.