Affordable Mental Health Support

BC Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) Autism Funding Program

Navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism can be both rewarding and challenging. From specialized therapies to educational support, the financial burden can be significant. However, you're not alone. Government funding programs are available to help offset these costs, making quality care more accessible.

The BC MCFD offers Autism Funding for up to $22,000/yr for children under 6 and up to $6,000/yr for children 6-18. Counselling services can be included in this funding and we have experienced and caring counsellors ready to support your family.

Program details including assessment requirements, funding limits, and applications can all be found on the BC MCFD's Autism Funding page.

Once you have your assessment and approval, we are here ready to support your family, please visit our Neurodiversity page for more information.

BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (PSSG) Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP)

What does being the victim, family member, or witness of a crime feel like for you?

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): "I keep reliving the traumatic event and I avoid anything that reminds me of it."
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks: "I have sudden attacks of fear where my heart races, I can't breathe, and I feel like I'm going to lose control."
• Depression: "I feel sad all the time and I've lost interest in things I used to enjoy."
• Fear of Recurrence or Hypervigilance: "I'm constantly on edge, always looking over my shoulder, and afraid it's going to happen again."
• Sleep Disturbances and Nightmares: "I can't sleep at night because of the nightmares or I wake up feeling exhausted."
• Grief and Loss: "I'm struggling with the loss of [loved one or significant life change] and I don't know how to move forward."
• Anger Management Issues: "I get really angry and irritable, especially when I'm reminded of the crime."
• Emotional Numbness or Detachment: "I feel disconnected from my emotions and like I'm just going through the motions."

There are many ways a crime can affect your life. If you have been physically or psychologically hurt as a result of a violent crime that occurred in British Columbia, you may be eligible for benefits to support your recovery.

The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) provides a range of benefits to assist victims, immediate family members of victims and certain witnesses in coping with the effects of violent crime, where same or similar benefits are not available from another source.

Among the many Benefits offered under this program are Counselling Services for victims (48 hours), immediate family members (36 hours), and witnesses (12 hours) of crime. Please note that while CVAP covers most of the cost of counselling services, it offers a fixed rate subsidy, so depending on the rate of the counsellor you choose to work with, there may be a portion of the fee that you will need to pay directly.

Start by completing the Application Form, and once approved, we will be able to support you as an Approved Provider and will bill the program directly on your behalf so you are not out of pocket for the subsidized portion.

Applications should be made within one year of the date of the crime, and you do not need to wait until charges are filed to be enrolled in the program and start receiving benefits to help you get better.

Here are helpful contact numbers for the CVAP program:

Telephone: (604) 660-3888 (Lower Mainland) | 1-(866) 660-3888 (Toll-Free)

Email: [email protected]

Mailing: PO Box 5550 Station Terminal, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1H1

How does involvement in an automotive accident feel for you?

• Fear of Driving: "I'm terrified to get behind the wheel again."
• Flashbacks: "I keep reliving the accident over and over in my mind."
• Nightmares about the Accident: "I have nightmares about the accident that wake me up, feeling terrified."
• Panic Attacks: "I have sudden attacks of fear where my heart races, I can't breathe, and I feel like I'm going to lose control."
• Refusal to Talk or Think About the Accident: "I don't want to talk about it or think about it. It's too painful."
• Inability to Remember the Accident, Forgetfulness: "I can't remember certain details of the accident, and I'm more forgetful than usual."
• Excessive Guilt About the Accident: "I feel so guilty about what happened, even if it wasn't my fault."
• Loss of Interest in Work, School, or Other Activities: "I've lost interest in things I used to enjoy."
• Tendency to Startle Easily, Jumpiness: "I'm easily startled and jumpy, especially when I hear loud noises."
• Angry Outbursts: "I find myself getting angry and irritable more often than usual."

Enhanced Care means you’re pre-approved

Since May 2021, Enhanced Care covers everyone for 12 weeks after their crash no matter who was responsible. That means you don’t have to wait to start your pre-approved treatments. All you need is your ICBC claim number, which is created when you submit your claim. Although you are pre-approved for 12 counselling sessions, you may also be eligible for more than this if you need continued support.

We are an Approved Partner with ICBC, so you are able to access care once you have made your claim and we can direct bill on your behalf so you are not out of pocket.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us, or you can visit ICBC to find all the information on the Enhanced Care Program.