How to Access ICBC Funded Counselling After a Car Accident in British Columbia
Summary
After a car accident, it is common to feel “off” in ways that do not show up on an X-ray. You might notice anxiety spike when you get behind the wheel, trouble sleeping, a tight chest at intersections, or a sense that your nervous system is still bracing for impact.
If you have an ICBC claim number, you can access ICBC-funded counselling to support your recovery. Under Enhanced Care, people in British Columbia are pre-approved for treatment in the first 12 weeks after a crash (including counselling), and you do not need a doctor’s referral to begin.
At Nimble Counselling, we offer ICBC counselling in-person in Downtown Vancouver and online across BC, with direct billing so you can focus on healing rather than paperwork.
Ready to start your ICBC counselling journey? Book an session with one of our ICBC Approved Counsellors.
Step-by-step guide: how to access ICBC counselling at Nimble
Step 1: Open your ICBC claim and get your claim number
If you have not already, report your crash to ICBC to create a claim number. ICBC notes you will need your claim number to access pre-approved treatments.
Tip: Save your claim number somewhere easy to find. You will use it when you book and for direct billing.
Step 2: Know what you are pre-approved for (so you can start sooner)
For the first 12 weeks after your crash, ICBC Enhanced Care pre-approves counselling as part of early treatment coverage. You do not need a doctor’s referral or ICBC approval to begin, but you will need your ICBC claim number and (in many cases) your Personal Health Number (PHN).
ICBC’s published early access table lists 12 counselling sessions (50 minutes) covered at the standard rate for that period.
Step 3: Book your ICBC counselling session at Nimble
You can book directly with an ICBC-approved Nimble counsellor using Nimble’s online booking page, or you can start with a free consult if you want help choosing the right fit.
If you are deciding between formats:
In-person ICBC counselling in Vancouver: Downtown Vancouver office (Granville Street).
Online ICBC counselling in BC: Support from wherever you are in the province.
Step 4: Complete the ICBC intake (so we can direct bill)
After booking, complete Nimble’s ICBC intake form and include the details needed for ICBC billing (at minimum, your claim number and any other claim info requested).
Step 5: Attend sessions and let the process be simple
Nimble direct bills ICBC for eligible sessions, so you are not managing reimbursements session-by-session.
Step 6: If you need more support after the first 12 weeks
If it has been 12 weeks and you have not returned to your previous level of function, ICBC notes that health care providers can recommend an extension for additional treatments as needed.
Step 7: If you were at fault, you can still access counselling
ICBC states you have access to care and recovery benefits even if you were responsible (at fault) for the crash.
Need help finding the right fit? Use our Match With a Therapist Tool
FAQ / TLDR
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No. ICBC states you do not need a doctor’s referral to access pre-approved treatments in the first 12 weeks. You just need your claim number (and typically your PHN).
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ICBC’s early access table lists 12 counselling sessions within the first 12 weeks after a crash (50-minute sessions at the standard covered rate for that period).
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Your ICBC claim number (and, in many cases, your PHN).
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Yes. Nimble offers online ICBC counselling across British Columbia, and in-person sessions in Downtown Vancouver.
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No. Nimble’s ICBC counselling is set up for direct billing so you are not stuck coordinating reimbursements.
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You may still be able to access additional treatment through an extension. ICBC notes that health care providers can recommend benefit extensions for additional treatments if needed.
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You can still access care and recovery benefits, even if you were responsible for the crash.
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If it has been 12 weeks and you have not returned to your previous level of function, ICBC notes that health care providers can recommend an extension for additional treatments as needed.
