ICBC counselling in Surrey after a car crash
The crash is over. Your body might not know that yet.
Counselling for anxiety, trauma and stress after a motor vehicle crash. ICBC pre-approves counselling in the first 12 weeks, and you don't need a referral.
- 1Pick a timeBook a free 30-minute call online through Jane.
- 2Talk it throughBy phone or video. Ask anything, with no obligation.
- 3Decide in your own timeNo pressure to book a session afterwards.
Direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Canada Life, Green Shield, TELUS Health and most other extended health plans (coverage varies, so check yours) · Registered Clinical Counsellor, RCC #24906 · EMDR trained (EMDRIA) · EFT trained (ICEEFT)
You'll be talking with Sartaj Sandhu, RCC. I offer EMDR and trauma-focused counselling in English, Punjabi and Hindi, in person in Fleetwood, Surrey, and online anywhere in BC. More about me →
After a crash
"I walked away fine." And then the nightmares started.
Many people expect to feel better once the car is fixed and the bruises fade. Instead, the shock shows up later: in the driver's seat, at a certain intersection, in the middle of the night. That's a normal response to something frightening, and it can respond well to support.
Common after a crash
You might notice
- Fear of driving, or of being a passenger
- Replaying the crash, flashbacks or nightmares
- Jumping at sudden sounds or braking cars
- Trouble sleeping, irritability or low patience
- Low mood linked to pain, time off work or lost independence
- Guilt or anger about what happened, or about someone who was hurt
How I help
Feel safe on the road, and in your body, again.
Steady first. Grounding and calming skills you can use in the car and at night.
Process the memory. EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organization for trauma, and it's often a good fit for single events like a crash. You don't have to describe every detail.
Get back to life. Step by step, we work toward driving, commuting and the routines the crash interrupted.
How ICBC coverage works
Counselling is part of your ICBC recovery benefits.
Open your claim
- Report the crash to ICBC and get your claim number
- Under Enhanced Care, benefits apply whoever was at fault
Book a free consultation
- No doctor's referral or ICBC approval needed in the first 12 weeks
- Your ICBC claim number goes on your invoices once sessions start
Start sessions
- ICBC currently pre-approves up to 12 counselling sessions in the first 12 weeks
- You pay for each session and get an invoice to submit to ICBC for reimbursement
- More sessions may be approved later as part of your recovery plan
Coverage details are set by ICBC and can change. Check your claim with your ICBC recovery specialist or on icbc.com. Referred by ICBC for a driving-related requirement? See the Restore Program.
Common questions
About ICBC counselling
Do I need a referral from my doctor or ICBC?
No. In the first 12 weeks after a crash, ICBC pre-approves counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor. You'll need your ICBC claim number and your Personal Health Number (PHN).
Does it matter who was at fault?
No. Under ICBC's Enhanced Care coverage, care and recovery benefits are available whether or not you were at fault.
How many sessions does ICBC cover?
ICBC currently pre-approves up to 12 counselling sessions in the first 12 weeks after a crash. If you need more support after that, ICBC may approve further sessions as part of your recovery plan. Check with your ICBC recovery specialist for your claim.
Do you bill ICBC directly?
No. You pay for each session and receive an invoice you can submit to ICBC for reimbursement. ICBC reimburses up to its own set rate per session, so ask your ICBC recovery specialist what your claim covers.
It's been more than 12 weeks. Can I still get counselling?
Often, yes, but it usually needs ICBC's approval first. Talk to your ICBC recovery specialist, or book a free consultation and we'll work out the next step together.
Will ICBC see what I talk about?
What you share in sessions stays confidential. ICBC receives billing details and may ask for a progress report for longer treatment. I'll explain exactly what is shared and ask for your consent first.
Can sessions be online or in Punjabi?
Yes. Sessions can be in person in Surrey or online anywhere in BC, in English, Punjabi or Hindi.
Related
Other ways I can help
The sooner you start, the more your coverage helps.
A free 30-minute call to talk about the crash, your claim and what might help.