Supporting Your ICBC Recovery: Therapy for Car Accident Survivors
Being in a car accident can change life in an instant. While the physical injuries may be the most visible, the emotional and psychological impact is often just as significant—and sometimes even longer-lasting. Many people are surprised at how much mental health support they need after a collision, and may not even think about it in the beginning if you are dealing with physical pain and injuries. That’s where therapy can make a real difference in your ICBC recovery journey.
Understanding Mental Trauma After a Car Accident
It’s common to experience shock, stress, and ongoing emotional challenges after a crash. Mental trauma after a car accident can look different for each person. Some people replay the event in their minds and struggle to feel safe driving again. Others may notice irritability, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping. These reactions are normal responses to an abnormal event, but they don’t have to become permanent.
Example: One client shared that every time she approached an intersection, her heart would race, and she’d grip the steering wheel until her knuckles turned white. Through counselling, she learned grounding strategies that helped her calm her body and gradually regain confidence on the road.
PTSD from a Car Accident
For some individuals, the stress of the accident develops into PTSD from a car accident. This might include flashbacks, nightmares, or intense fear when encountering reminders of the crash. PTSD is not a sign of weakness—it is your body and mind’s way of protecting you after trauma. The good news is that therapy can help you process these experiences in a safe and supportive way, so they no longer control your daily life.
Example: A young man who came to us had been avoiding driving altogether for months because of panic attacks. With therapy support, he was able to process the trauma and slowly reintroduce short, supported drives until he could get back to commuting on his own. In addition to learning coping strategies for his driving anxiety he also did EMDR therapy for driving anxiety and found that he was eventually able to return to driving with minimal anxiety.
Depression After a Car Accident
While anxiety and PTSD are common, many people also struggle with depression after a car accident. Feelings of hopelessness, lack of motivation, and withdrawal from activities can appear weeks or months after the incident. Depression may also be connected to changes in lifestyle—such as not being able to work, exercise, or participate in hobbies in the same way as before. This is also a common experience when chronic pain and long-lasting injuries are involved. Counselling provides a space to talk openly about these feelings and regain a sense of hope and direction.
Example: One client described how, after their accident, they felt like life was “on pause.” They couldn’t return to the sports they loved and began feeling isolated from friends. In therapy, we worked on rebuilding daily routines, reconnecting with social supports, and finding new ways to experience joy while their physical healing continued.
Therapy Services for Accident Victims
At Haven Wellness Collective, we offer therapy services for accident victims that are tailored to your unique recovery. Whether you’re dealing with ongoing anxiety, grief over lost abilities, or changes in your relationships, therapy can help you rebuild resilience and move forward. Our team is experienced in working with ICBC clients, providing both practical coping tools and deeper trauma processing approaches like EMDR and OEI at our Kitsilano clinica and online.
ICBC Accident Therapy and Direct Billing
If you’ve been in an accident, you may be eligible for ICBC accident therapy sessions that are covered directly through your claim. This means you can access counselling without having to worry about upfront costs. Our counsellors provide ICBC accident therapy in Vancouver and online, making it easier to fit therapy into your recovery plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about ICBC Accident Therapy
How many ICBC counselling sessions do I get?
ICBC currently pre-approves 12 counselling sessions within the first 12 weeks after your accident. If you need more support after that, your therapist can request additional sessions from ICBC on your behalf. You are also eligible for 25 physiotherapy sessions within the first 12 weeks after your accident. If your injuries prevent you from getting to a physio clinic near you, you can also be eligible for home physiotherapy for injury recovery and rehabilitation.
Do I need a doctor’s referral for ICBC accident therapy?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with us, and we’ll confirm your ICBC claim details to get started.
Is ICBC accident therapy fully covered?
Yes, for approved sessions ICBC is billed directly, meaning you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
What if it’s been months (or even years) since my accident?
It’s never too late to start therapy. Many people don’t realize the full emotional impact of their accident until much later. Even if time has passed, therapy can help you address ongoing PTSD, anxiety, or depression related to your accident. If your claim is still open or you have never accessed mental health support or physio support after your accident there is a process that you can go through to still get your sessions covered.
Can I do ICBC recovery therapy online?
Yes. Our therapists offer both in-person sessions in Vancouver and secure online counselling, so you can choose the option that works best for your recovery.
Taking the Next Step in Your Recovery
Healing from a car accident takes time, and it often requires more than just physical rehabilitation. Prioritizing your mental health is just as important. If you’re struggling with PTSD from a car accident, depression, or emotional challenges related to your crash, therapy can support you every step of the way.
At Haven Wellness Collective, we’re here to walk alongside you in your ICBC recovery—helping you rebuild not only your body, but also your peace of mind.
