Healing from the effects of a motor vehicle accident, reclaiming daily life.
You’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident and are looking for supportive counselling covered through ICBC to help with the emotional impact of the experience.
A car accident can affect more than just your body. Many people experience anxiety, fear, frustration, low mood, or a loss of confidence afterward. You may feel on edge while driving, struggle with sleep, or feel emotionally overwhelmed as you adjust to injuries and life changes. ICBC counselling provides funded mental health support to help you cope and recover emotionally.
You may be eligible for counselling funded through ICBC’s Part 7 psychological support benefits. Whether you are working with a lawyer or adjuster on your claim, or simply need professional emotional support, ICBC counselling can help you move forward in your healing journey.
Afsah Ahmad is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and an approved ICBC Registered Service Provider. At Cognizance Counselling, we offer direct billing for eligible services, meaning no upfront fees are required, so you can focus fully on your recovery.
Even when injuries are considered “minor,” the emotional effects can be significant. In therapy, we explore how the accident has affected your sense of safety, independence, work life, and relationships. Sessions are focused on helping you process the experience, manage stress, and regain a sense of control and stability.
ICBC funded counselling is available to individuals with an open ICBC injury claim resulting from a motor vehicle accident. Early access to emotional support can positively influence your recovery journey. This support may be helpful if:
- You experience anxiety, intrusive memories,
- Hypervigilance related to the accident
- You feel emotionally overwhelmed, numb, or disconnected
- You struggle with sleep, concentration.
- Relationship difficulties after the accident
ICBC counselling focuses on emotional stabilization, trauma recovery, and rebuilding resilience. Therapy helps you understand common post-accident responses and develop effective coping strategies to support your ongoing recovery. Many clients find that with counselling, symptoms such as anxiety, mood disturbances, and sleep difficulties lessen over time. Therapy helps restore confidence, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
Through ICBC counselling, you can
Recovering from a motor vehicle accident can be challenging, affecting many aspects of your life. With extensive experience supporting post-accident clients, Afsah Ahmad at Cognizance Counselling provides compassionate, trauma-informed care designed to meet your unique needs.
We work collaboratively with you and your care team, helping you regain your strength and return to your life with confidence.
Q. What do I need for my first ICBC counselling session?
A. To book your first appointment under an Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) claim, you will need to provide:
Your personal information (full name, date of birth, etc.)
The date of your motor vehicle accident
Your ICBC claim number
The name of your ICBC adjuster, or your lawyer’s/occupational therapist’s contact information
If your accident occurred more than 12 weeks ago, a referral from your doctor is required to confirm that ICBC-funded counselling is appropriate for your recovery.
Once we receive the necessary information, we can assist with arranging ICBC funding. Appointments can often begin within a week of contacting us.
Q. How do I apply for ICBC counselling?
A. To access funded counselling, your ICBC adjuster must approve counselling services as part of your claim. Once approved, you will receive a claim number that allows for direct billing of counselling sessions.
If you have questions or need assistance navigating the ICBC counselling process, support is available to guide you through the next steps.
Q. Do I need a doctor’s referral for ICBC counselling?
A. In many cases, counselling may be pre-approved within the initial treatment period following a motor vehicle accident. However, if your accident occurred more than 12 weeks ago, ICBC typically requires a doctor’s referral to confirm that counselling is medically necessary for your recovery.
Q. How many counselling sessions does ICBC cover?
A. ICBC generally provides coverage for a set number of pre-approved counselling sessions following a motor vehicle accident. Additional sessions may be approved if recommended by your treating professional and authorized by your ICBC adjuster.
Q. What if my ICBC claim has not yet been approved?
A. You may still contact us to discuss your situation. We can help you understand the approval process, communicate with your adjuster if needed, and explore next steps while your claim is being reviewed.