Understanding The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) & How To Access Counselling
Imagine being able to focus on healing from trauma without the added worry of financial strain. For victims of crime in British Columbia, the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) makes this possible by funding counselling and other support services. This program can cover up to 48 counselling sessions at no cost to eligible individuals, ensuring that help is available when you need it most. At Nimble Counselling, we take a supportive, trauma-informed approach to therapy and have guided many clients through the CVAP process. In this post, we’ll explain what CVAP is, who can access it, and how you can apply and get counselling through Nimble. Our goal is to answer your questions in a clear, caring way – so you or your loved ones can confidently take the next step toward healing.
What is the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)?
CVAP is a BC government program designed to help victims of violent crime, along with their families and witnesses, recover and heal . In essence, it provides financial assistance for services like counselling, medical treatment, lost income, and more to those impacted by crime . The focus is on reducing the burden of trauma-related expenses so that individuals can access support such as therapy without worrying about the cost.
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Who is eligible? You may qualify for CVAP if you have been physically, emotionally, or sexually harmed by a crime in British Columbia. This includes direct victims of a crime, as well as immediate family members of a victim (for example, a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of someone who was injured or killed) and even witnesses who saw a crime happen . In other words, CVAP recognizes that not only the person directly harmed, but also those closely affected by the incident, might need support. Importantly, you do not need a police report or charge to apply for CVAP – you can seek help even if the crime wasn’t formally reported to police . Eligibility is generally determined by the Crime Victim Assistance Program office, but if you believe you or your situation fits these categories, it’s worth applying.
What does CVAP cover for counselling? CVAP can fund a significant amount of therapy for those who qualify. For counselling support, the program currently covers up to:
48 hours of counselling for victims of crime.
36 hours for immediate family members of a victim (e.g. to help a parent, child, or partner cope with what happened).
12 hours for witnesses to the crime who were psychologically impacted by what they saw.
These are the standard maximums that CVAP will fund for counselling. They are generally fixed limits – the program cannot cover more sessions beyond these caps in most cases. (One exception is if the person was a minor (under 19) when the crime occurred: CVAP may approve additional hours of counselling beyond the usual maximum to ensure young victims get the support they need.)
In addition to regular counselling sessions, CVAP also recognizes that facing the legal process can be traumatizing. If your case goes to court, additional counselling for court support can be provided on top of the above limits. This includes up to 24 extra hours for victims during and shortly after the trial period, 18 extra hours for immediate family, and 12 extra hours for witnesses, specifically to help cope with the stress of legal proceedings. This court-related counselling is meant to support you through the trial and up to 18 months after the court case concludes.
Do I have to wait for approval to start counselling? Thankfully, no. CVAP offers an “interim counselling” benefit so you can begin getting help right away. As soon as your CVAP application is submitted and on record, you are eligible for up to 12 interim counselling sessions while you await a decision. You can start these sessions almost immediately, ensuring that you don’t have to put your healing on hold. (We’ll talk more about what happens if your application is still pending or not yet approved in a later section, but rest assured that CVAP has provisions to support you in the meantime.)
Overall, CVAP is there to remove financial barriers for those recovering from trauma. It’s about giving you the resources to access professional help – like trauma-focused therapy – as part of your recovery journey. Next, we’ll walk you through how to apply for CVAP and how to access counselling through Nimble using this program.
How to Apply for CVAP and Access Counselling Through Nimble
Applying for CVAP might feel daunting, especially when you’re already dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event. To make it easier, we’ve broken down the process into a few simple steps. Following these steps can help you get approved for CVAP counselling in BC and start therapy with minimal stress.
1. Check if you’re eligible. First, determine whether your situation qualifies for the Crime Victim Assistance Program. As mentioned, you are likely eligible if you were the victim of a violent crime in BC or you’re an immediate family member of a victim, or a witness who was emotionally affected . There is usually a time limit: you should apply within one year of the date of the crime in most cases . However, there are important exceptions – for instance, survivors of sexual assault or children who experienced or witnessed abuse can apply even if more than a year has passed . So even if some time has gone by, you may still be able to get support (CVAP can make exceptions for special circumstances). Remember, you do not need a police file number or charge to apply . If you aren’t sure about your eligibility, you can call the CVAP office or talk to a Victim Services worker for guidance. But in general, if you or your loved one were hurt by a crime, it’s worth submitting an application.
2. Complete the CVAP application form. The next step is to fill out the official application. You can download the Crime Victim Assistance Program application forms from the BC government’s website (the forms are available for victims, immediate family, or witnesses, Link to Forms). There is now even an online application option, or you can print the forms and fill them out by hand – whatever is more comfortable. The form will ask for details about the crime (what happened and when), how it affected you (physically, emotionally, financially), and some personal information. If you need help with this, you’re not alone. You can reach out to a local Victim Services office or even ask us at Nimble for pointers on how to fill it in. The form might feel a bit lengthy, but take it one section at a time. Be as thorough and honest as you can about how the incident impacted you. Tip: If you have any supporting documents (like a police report, or a note from a doctor or counsellor), you can include those, but they’re not strictly required to apply. Don’t let paperwork overwhelm you – the goal is just to give the CVAP office a clear picture of why you need support.
3. Submit your application. Once your form is filled out and signed, you’ll need to send it in. You have a couple of options here: mail or email. The form instructions will include a mailing address (in Victoria, BC) where you can send the application. Alternatively, you can submit it electronically – CVAP now accepts signed applications by email. You can scan or digitally sign your application and email it to cvap@gov.bc.ca (This is often the fastest way.) Make sure to keep a copy of everything for your records. After sending it, you might get an acknowledgment from the CVAP office that they received your application, but if not, you can call the CVAP phone line (toll-free 1-866-660-3888) to confirm they have it. Now, take a deep breath – you’ve officially applied!
4. Wait for approval (and start interim counselling, if needed). After submission, the CVAP office will review your application and make a decision on whether to approve benefits. Processing times can vary – it might take a number of weeks to hear back. While you’re waiting, this is when that interim counselling benefit comes into play. As soon as your application is in the system, you are eligible for up to 12 counselling sessions right away. You do not have to wait for the final approval letter to begin therapy. If you’re feeling ready to talk to someone, you can go ahead and start counselling now (see the next step about connecting with Nimble). Many people find it helpful to get support as soon as possible, rather than sitting in limbo during the approval process. CVAP created the interim sessions specifically so you can access help “while information is gathered” for your claim. If you choose to use interim sessions, keep track of how many you use – because once your claim is approved, those sessions will count toward your total funded hours (for example, if you’re approved for 48 sessions as a victim and you already used 6 interim sessions, you would have 42 sessions remaining in your CVAP funding). We’ll make sure to monitor this with you. When the CVAP office reaches a decision, they will send you a letter (by mail, and sometimes email) indicating whether you’ve been approved and for what benefits. If approved for counselling, the letter will state how many hours you’re entitled to (and it will include a claim number and an expiry date for the benefits). If for some reason your application is denied, they will also inform you by letter – and they’ll explain appeal options. (It’s not common to be denied if you clearly meet the criteria, but it can happen if the incident doesn’t fall under the definition of a crime covered by the program, for example.) Important: Even if your claim is later denied, CVAP will still pay for any interim counselling sessions you accessed during the waiting period. You won’t be stuck with a surprise bill – those initial sessions are covered regardless of the outcome, which is a huge relief.
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5. Connect with a CVAP-approved counsellor (like Nimble Counselling). Whether you start counselling during the interim period or after receiving approval, you’ll need to see a counsellor who is registered with CVAP. Nimble Counselling is proud to be a CVAP-approved counselling provider, which means our therapists meet the qualifications and can bill the program directly for your sessions. To get started, simply reach out to us and let us know that you have a CVAP claim (or have applied for one). You can book an appointment with one of our counsellors, or if you’re not sure who might be the best fit, use our Match With a Therpist tool– we’re happy to help match you with someone who suits your needs. At Nimble, we take an individualized approach to make sure each client is paired with the right counsellor. If you have a preference (for example, if you’d feel more comfortable with a male or female counsellor, or someone with specific trauma expertise), let us know. We’ll explain how the billing works (essentially, we handle all the billing with CVAP directly, so you won’t have to pay out of pocket for the sessions covered by your approval). All you need to do is show up and focus on your healing. We’ll likely ask for your CVAP claim number and maybe a copy of your approval letter for our files, and then we take it from there. If your CVAP claim is still pending, we’ll note that and can begin with interim sessions. Rest assured, our team is experienced in working with CVAP clients – our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible so you can concentrate on therapy, not paperwork.
By following these steps, you can access CVAP counselling in BC relatively easily. Remember, you don’t have to navigate it alone – we’re here to help at each stage if you need. Next, we’ll discuss what it’s like to work with Nimble as a CVAP client and what you can expect from our counsellors.
Nimble Counselling’s Role as a CVAP-Approved Provider
Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision, especially when you’re dealing with trauma from a crime. It’s important to find someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Nimble Counselling is an approved provider for CVAP, and we’ve intentionally built our practice to support clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, and life challenges in a holistic and compassionate way. Here’s what you can expect when you work with Nimble through CVAP:
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Trauma-Informed, Holistic Care: Our team of therapists operates through a trauma-informed lens, which means we prioritize your sense of safety, choice, and empowerment in every session. We understand the impacts of trauma on both mind and body. In fact, Nimble’s counsellors emphasize the mind–body connection and holistic care in therapy. This could include gentle techniques to help with anxiety in your body (like breath work or grounding exercises) alongside talk therapy to process your thoughts and feelings. We know that recovering from a violent incident isn’t just about “talking it out” – it’s about healing on all levels, at your own pace.
Qualified and Compassionate Counsellors: Our counsellors at Nimble are Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) or equivalent, which means they have the professional credentials required by CVAP and extensive training in counselling. But beyond the credentials, our team is warm, caring, and truly passionate about helping people heal. We regularly work with individuals who have experienced trauma and loss, and we bring both expertise and empathy to those sessions. Many clients have told us they feel heard and supported in our sessions – which is exactly our aim. You can expect your Nimble therapist to be non-judgmental, patient, and supportive of your unique journey.
Personalized Matching: One of the things we pride ourselves on is personalized matching. When you reach out to Nimble, we don’t just assign you the next available person. We take into account what you’re looking for and who might be the best fit. For example, if you’re seeking trauma therapy in Vancouver for a recent assault and you prefer to speak with someone experienced in PTSD, we’ll match you with a counsellor who has that specialization. If you’re an immediate family member grieving a loss, we might connect you with a therapist who specializes in grief and family dynamics. This individualized approach ensures that you work with someone who really “gets” what you’re going through. And if for any reason you don’t feel it’s a good match, we can always explore switching you to a different counsellor – your comfort is our priority.
Accessible Counselling (In-Person or Online): We strive to make counselling as accessible as possible. Our office is located in downtown Vancouver (Granville and Robson), which is convenient if you prefer in-person sessions in the city. We’ve created a quiet, welcoming space where you can feel at ease during your visits. However, we know that not everyone can or wants to travel to an office, especially if you’re outside the Lower Mainland or if you find it easier to do therapy from the comfort of your home. That’s why we offer online counselling across BC. CVAP covers virtual sessions just as it does in-person ones, so you have the freedom to choose. All you need is a private space and an internet connection, and we’ll arrange secure video sessions (or phone sessions if you prefer). This flexibility means that whether you’re in Vancouver or elsewhere in British Columbia, you can access Nimble’s trauma therapy services in the way that works best for you.
Trauma-Focused Therapies and Approaches: At Nimble, we have counsellors trained in various therapeutic approaches that are effective for trauma and anxiety. Depending on your needs, your counsellor might use methods like Somatic Therapy (which works with bodily sensations to release trauma), Cognitive-Behavioral strategies for managing anxiety, or simply provide a safe space for you to share and process your story. We tailor our approach to you. Our goal is not only to help you cope with symptoms (like nightmares, panic attacks, or depression) but also to work through the trauma so it has less power over your life. Your therapy will move at your pace – we’ll check in with you about what feels helpful and what doesn’t, ensuring that you feel in control of your healing process.
Coordination and Support with CVAP Paperwork: Being a CVAP-approved provider means we’re familiar with the CVAP administrative side as well. We will take care of billing CVAP directly for your sessions, so you don’t have to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Our aim is for you to feel supported, both emotionally and practically, throughout the counselling process.
In short, Nimble Counselling is here to make accessing Crime Victim Assistance counselling as smooth and beneficial as possible. You get the therapeutic support you need, and we handle the logistics. We feel truly honoured to support clients through CVAP – it’s one way we can lighten the load for someone who’s been through a lot. Next, let’s address a couple of common concerns you might have about CVAP counselling and the process.
Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
It’s completely normal to have questions about CVAP and how everything works. Below, we address two of the questions we hear most often: “What if my application is still pending?” and “What if I run out of sessions?” If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out – but hopefully you’ll find some reassurance in the answers here.
Q: What if my CVAP application is still pending? Can I start counselling?
A: Yes, you can start counselling even if your application hasn’t been approved yet. Thanks to CVAP’s interim counselling provision, you’re allowed up to 12 sessions before an approval comes through. That means as soon as you’ve submitted your application, you can book a therapist and begin your healing work right away. At Nimble, we often encourage individuals not to wait – the sooner you get support, the better you may start to feel. We will simply note that your CVAP claim is in progress. During this interim period, CVAP will cover the costs of those sessions just as if you were already approved. If your application is eventually approved, those interim sessions will count toward your total funded hours (so they’re essentially part of your 48, 36, or 12 hours). If, in the unlikely scenario, your application is denied, CVAP will still pay for the counselling you accessed during the wait. You would not be on the hook financially – CVAP essentially grants those initial sessions in good faith. This setup is meant to ensure you don’t lose momentum or delay getting help due to red tape. So by all means, if you’re needing support, go ahead and start counselling with us at Nimble as soon as you’re ready. We’ll worry about the paperwork; you can focus on yourself.
Q: What if I use up all my sessions? What happens when I run out of the hours CVAP covers?
A: This is a great question, because it’s wise to think ahead about your care. As noted earlier, CVAP has maximum limits (48 hours for victims, 36 for family, 12 for witnesses) for counselling. These limits are set by law and cannot be extended for adult claimants (the program isn’t authorized to fund beyond those hours in most cases). If you were under 19 when the crime happened, there’s some flexibility to approve more sessions, but for adults, it’s a firm cap. So, what do you do if you’re approaching that limit and still feel you need help? Here’s how we handle it at Nimble:
Open Communication: Your counsellor will keep track of how many CVAP-funded sessions you have left, and we’ll give you a heads-up as you get close to the maximum. We won’t spring a “last session” on you out of nowhere.
Planning Together: As you approach the final sessions, we’ll talk about a plan. Some clients find that 48 sessions (for example) were enough to get them to a much better place emotionally. Others feel they’d like to continue therapy beyond what CVAP covers. If you want to keep going, we’ll discuss options. That might mean transitioning to another funding source if available (some people have extended health benefits through work that could cover further counselling, or there might be other community resources). Or it could mean continuing with the same counsellor on a self-pay basis. We know paying privately for therapy can be a financial strain for many, so we can also talk about adjusting the frequency of sessions (maybe moving to bi-weekly or monthly check-ins) to make it more affordable, or using our sliding scale or intern counsellor options if appropriate. The bottom line is, running out of CVAP sessions doesn’t have to mean the end of your support. We’ll do our best to create a transition plan that feels comfortable for you.
Court Support Extension: Also, consider whether you might qualify for the additional court support hours we mentioned earlier. If your case is going to trial or you’re involved in court proceedings, let us know – you could be eligible for those extra 24 (or 18/12) hours of counselling related to the court process. Those are separate from the regular maximum and can provide more breathing room if you need ongoing support through a legal battle.
Closure and Beyond: If you do decide to conclude therapy once your CVAP-funded sessions are finished, your counsellor will ensure that your last few sessions are focused on consolidating what you’ve learned and preparing you to continue your healing journey on your own. We might review coping tools, highlight the progress you’ve made, and make sure you have a solid plan for self-care and support after sessions end. Ending therapy can be a positive step, especially if you’ve gained what you needed from it. And remember, you’re always welcome to come back to Nimble in the future (even for a booster session or a new issue) – once a client, we consider you part of the Nimble community, and we’ll be here if you need us again.
In summary, while CVAP counselling benefits do have limits, we’ll work with you to make the most of every session and navigate what comes next. Many clients find relief and improvement well before their sessions are used up. But if you need more support, we’ll have an honest conversation about how to keep you supported, whether through extended benefits, community resources, or affordable options we can provide. You won’t be left stranded.
Start Your Healing Journey with Nimble Counselling
We hope this overview of CVAP and how to access trauma therapy in Vancouver (and across BC) through Nimble Counselling has been helpful and reassuring. If you or someone you care about has been affected by crime, please know that support is available – you don’t have to go through it alone. CVAP is a wonderful resource to ease the financial burden, and Nimble is here to provide the compassionate counselling care that can help you heal.
Taking the step to start counselling can feel significant, but it’s a brave and self-compassionate choice. When you’re ready, we invite you to reach out to Nimble Counselling. You can book an appointment with one of our trauma-informed counsellors, or if you’d prefer to talk first, you can schedule a free phone consultation to ask questions and see how we can help. We’re more than happy to guide you through the CVAP process, discuss your unique situation, or simply listen to what you’re going through.
Your wellbeing is our priority. At Nimble, our mission is to help you navigate life’s challenges with support and understanding. You have already survived the hardest part – now, let us help you find healing and hope moving forward. Contact us today (or whenever you feel ready) to take that next step. We’re here to walk alongside you on your healing journey, every step of the way.
You are not alone, and recovery is possible. Let’s take that next step together.
