ICBC Accident Counselling: Free Mental Health Support

Most people don’t know this, but if you've been in a car accident in British Columbia, ICBC will cover the cost of counselling from a mental health professional. That's 12 sessions, fully paid for, with no doctor’s referral required.

It doesn’t matter if it was a small tap or a major collision, if you were the driver, a passenger, or even at fault — you still qualify.

Why do so many people hesitate to get help?
Because we’re conditioned to minimize our pain. “It wasn’t that bad.” “I’ll get over it.” But here’s the truth: Your nervous system remembers the accident - even if you try to forget.

What Happens When You Don’t Get Help: 

After an accident, your mind and body can stay in a state of tension for weeks, months or even years. You might:

• Feel tense or panicked while driving
• Avoid certain roads
• Feeling on edge or hyperaware of other drivers' mistakes
• Get startled more easily
• Have trouble sleeping
• Replay the accident in your mind

These are common, but not harmless. Left untreated, they can turn into long-term patterns of anxiety and chronic stress. Your brain starts to link driving with danger — and the longer that feeling sticks around, the harder it gets to feel truly relaxed and in control again.

Why Counselling Works: Why It Works Better Now, Not Later: 

Counselling helps you interrupt that fear pattern and rewire your brain to feel safe again. When you act early, you give your mind a chance to heal before the fear becomes embedded.

Counselling isn’t about talking for the sake of it. It’s about reclaiming control, resetting your stress response, and restoring a sense of calm confidence behind the wheel and in your life.

The Facts: ICBC Counselling Coverage in BC

• ICBC automatically approves 12 counselling sessions within 12 weeks of your accident.
• You don’t need pre-approval or a doctor’s referral to get started 
• Your session fees are covered by ICBC.
• You are eligible even if you were at fault in the accident.
• If needed, more sessions can be requested after the initial 12 sessions. 

It’s Easy to Get Started

All you need is your ICBC claim number. No paperwork or hassle on your end.

Let’s Be Honest — You’d Never Tell a Friend to Just “Suck It Up”

If a friend told you they still feel nervous every time they get in a car, or that they’ve been having trouble sleeping after a crash, would you tell them to ignore it?

Of course not. You’d say: “Talk to someone. It’s covered. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

So why not give yourself the same advice?

If you’ve recently been in a motor vehicle accident, don’t wait — find an ICBC counsellor today and start your path to recovery. At Journey Therapy, an ICBC-approved counsellor is ready to support you with trauma-informed care - virtually, so you can access therapy from anywhere in British Columbia. Book your appointment today and take the next step toward feeling safe and grounded again.

https://journey-therapy.ca/icbc-counselling/