Be Grounded Counselling
ICBC Counselling Complete Guide
Who qualifies? How many sessions? Do you need a doctor's referral? This page answers it all — regardless of fault, you're entitled to this benefit.
Many people assume they'll have to pay for counselling out of pocket after an accident, or that the process is complicated. In reality, ICBC operates on a "no-fault" system — regardless of who caused the accident, as long as you have an active ICBC claim, you're entitled to counselling support.
12 sessions
Auto-approved within the
first 12 weeks
$0
Out-of-pocket cost in the first 12 weeks
0 referrals
Doctor's referrals needed in the first 12 weeks
Who Qualifies? How Many Sessions? Do You Need a Referral?
Who qualifies?
If you have an ICBC claim, you qualify
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As long as you were in an accident in BC and have reported it to ICBC with a Claim Number
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Regardless of fault, you're entitled to the counselling benefits under Accident Benefits
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Symptoms may include (but aren't limited to): anxiety, insomnia, intrusive memories of the accident, driving anxiety, and low mood
How many sessions?
12 sessions auto-approved in the first 12 weeks
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Within the first 12 weeks after the accident, ICBC automatically pre-approves up to 12 sessions of clinical counselling
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Each session runs about 50 minutes
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If you need further treatment after the 12 sessions, your counsellor can submit a request to ICBC for an extension
Need a referral?
No referral needed for the first 12 weeks
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Within the first 12 weeks: no doctor's referral or prior approval is needed — you can contact a registered counsellor directly
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After 12 weeks, extending your sessions generally requires a referral letter from a doctor or therapist
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Symptoms appearing some time after the accident? You can proactively contact your ICBC Adjuster to ask about applying
How do I start?
Getting started
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Confirm you already have your ICBC Claim Number
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Choose a registered ICBC counsellor or therapist (many bill ICBC directly, so you won't need to pay upfront)
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Start your sessions — your counsellor will help handle the paperwork and communication with ICBC
Common Questions
Q: My accident was months ago and I'm only now struggling emotionally — can I still apply?
A: Yes. Trauma responses can be delayed. As long as your ICBC claim is still active, you can contact your Adjuster to find out how to apply.
Q: Do I need to find my own counsellor, or will ICBC assign one?
A: You can choose any ICBC-approved registered counsellor or therapist yourself — it doesn't have to be one assigned by ICBC.
Q: Will counselling costs affect my other compensation?
A: No. Medical and counselling benefits under Accident Benefits are calculated separately from any future personal injury settlement, if applicable.
