ICBC Changes to Counselling Access

Did you know that as of April 1st, 2019 ICBC has changed the way they manage coverage for psychological injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents? These changes make it easier for those injured to receive services quickly. However they also require customers to act fast to ensure they get the most out of their coverage.

ICBC Counselling

If you’ve been involved in an accident after April 1st, 2019 you are pre-approved for counselling for the first 12 weeks from the date of your accident. This means that you will not need to seek approval from your ICBC adjustor or your physician for counselling services.

This pre-approval period shrinks the longer you wait to book your first appointment, so it’s important to act fast.

If, for example, you begin counselling 10 weeks after the date of the accident, you will only have 2 weeks of pre-approved therapy.

It is possible that you will be approved for continued treatment after this initial 2 weeks, however this will have to be approved by ICBC.

Your coverage allows you to choose any therapist with a master’s degree who is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. All our counsellors at Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback have these credentials, at minimum.

You may qualify for further treatment after this 12-week window, however this requires approval from your ICBC adjustor.

If you missed the 12-week pre-approval window, you may still be eligible for ICBC-subsidized counselling. Simply contact us with your claim number and we can make the subsidy request for you, or if you prefer, you can contact your ICBC adjustor to request subsidy.

The following are some common symptoms people experience after their motor vehicle accident:
- Fear, anxiety, phobias,
- Depression, hopelessness,
- Guilt, shame,
- Social withdrawal,
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares,
- Avoiding people, places, or things,
- Irritability, anger,
- Confusion, difficulty focusing,
- Insomnia,
- Fatigue,
- Muscle tension,
- Sensitivity to startle

If you have been injured in an accident and would like to speak with one of our counsellors, we would love to help. You can book online at any of our three locations around the lower mainland. Our offices are easily accessed from Surrey, Langley, White Rock, North Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, and Coquitlam.

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