Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) Covered Counselling

Compassionate Support for Victims of Crime—No Upfront Cost

If you’ve experienced a crime or traumatic event, you may be eligible for fully funded counselling through BC’s Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). If you have been affected by a crime, you and your family members may be entitled to financial assistance for counselling services through the CVAP. Strength in Heart Counselling is an approved CVAP service provider in BC which means that victims of crime can apply to have their counselling sessions paid for by CVAP. We’re dedicated to helping people heal, regain their strength, and move forward—at their own pace, in their own way.

What is CVAP Covered Counselling?

The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) provides financial support for counselling services to victims, immediate family members, and some witnesses of violent crime in British Columbia. If you’ve been affected by crime, CVAP can cover the cost of professional counselling so you can focus on your recovery.

You may be eligible for:

• Up to 48 counselling sessions (with possible extensions if needed)

• No upfront costs—CVAP is billed directly

• Individual, couples, or family counselling

• Services for victims, immediate family, and witnesses

How We Support You

Our trauma-informed, client-centered team is here to help you process and recover from the effects of crime, including:

• Trauma, anxiety, and PTSD

• Grief and loss

• Depression and emotional distress

• Relationship challenges and family impacts

• Sleep issues, fear, and adjustment difficulties

We offer in-person sessions at our Victoria and virtual online counselling across BC for your safety and convenience.

How to Start CVAP Counselling

1. Apply for CVAP: Complete a CVAP application (we can help guide you through this process if needed).

2. Get Your Approval: Once approved, you’ll receive a claim number and a pre-authorized number of sessions.

3. Contact Us: Reach out with your CVAP claim number and approval letter.

4. Book Your First Session: We’ll match you with a counsellor who fits your needs and begin your healing journey together.

5. No Upfront Payment: We bill CVAP directly—no financial barriers to care.

Why Choose Strength in Heart Counselling?

• Experienced, Compassionate Team: Registered and student counsellors trained in trauma, crisis, and recovery.

• Flexible Options: In-person and virtual appointments, including evenings and weekends.

• Holistic, Client-Centered Approach: We tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals.

• Safe, Welcoming Spaces: Confidential, supportive environments in Victoria and Cowichan Valley.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Contact us today to book your CVAP covered counselling session.
Let us help you find hope, resilience, and healing—one step at a time.

More about Applying for CVAP Benefits in BC

If you would like 24 hour information, support or referral to a local victim service worker, please call VictimLinkBC.

Application forms can also be found at this link.

In most cases, the application must be received within one year from the date the crime took place. You do not have to wait for charges to be laid or for the offender to be conviction before applying for benefits.

Extensions to the one-year time limit are made in the following situations:

• The applicant is under 19. In this case, the victim has until they turn 20 to apply. Minors can apply on their own or a parent or guardian can apply on their behalf

• The crime is a sexual offence that occurred after July 1, 1972. In this case, the victim (including minors) can apply at any time. The victim’s immediate family members must apply within one year of the date the crime took place or when the crime became known to them

• The program provides an extension because the applicant could not, for a variety of reasons, reasonably have been expected to complete an application within one year