Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) Counselling in Vancouver and BC
We work with the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) to provide government funded counselling to the victims of crime and in Vancouver and BC. If you or an immediate family member have been the victim or witness of crime, the CVAP program helps provide financial assistance to cover the costs of counselling with us.
Our therapists registered with CVAP are fully trained registered clinical counsellors (RCCs) and provide therapy that is client-centered and delivered with care and attention to each person’s unique context.
What is the Crime victim assistance program (CVAP)?
The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) is a government-funded program in British Columbia that helps cover the cost of counselling for people affected by violent crime, including victims, witnesses, and immediate family members.
You do not need to wait for charges or a conviction to apply. Depending on your situation, CVAP may cover part or all of your counselling costs, making it easier to access support and begin the recovery process.
Who is eligible for CVAP funding?
You may be eligible for CVAP if you were physically or psychologically affected by a violent crime that occurred in British Columbia. This includes victims, certain witnesses, and immediate family members.
Eligible situations can include experiences such as physical assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, or other forms of abuse. In most cases, you need to apply within a set time frame, though exceptions exist. You do not need to wait for charges or a conviction to apply.
How are CVAP counsellors qualified?
To provide CVAP-funded counselling, therapists must be approved providers with the program. This means they are registered clinical counsellors (RCCs) in good standing with a recognized professional body in British Columbia.
Approved therapists must meet CVAP’s standards for training, experience, and ethical practice, and agree to follow the program’s guidelines for treatment and billing. This ensures clients receive safe, professional, and trauma-informed care.
How to start CVAP counselling with us
If you’ve already been approved for CVAP funding, you can contact us directly to be matched with one of our registered counsellors and book a free 20 minute consultation.
If you haven’t applied yet, you can still reach out. We can help guide you through the process or connect you with a victim service worker who can assist with your application.
Once approved, CVAP will cover a portion of your session fees, making it easier to begin counselling and access support.
CVAP counselling offers support for
Accessing CVAP counselling in Vancouver and across BC
Our CVAP-registered counsellors offer sessions in person at our Kitsilano offices in Vancouver, as well as virtually for clients anywhere in British Columbia.
Virtual sessions are conducted securely and work just as well for trauma-focused counselling as in-person sessions.
We offer appointment times during the day, on weekday evenings, and on weekends.
Our CVAP approved Counsellors
Moha Chaturvedi, RCC, RP(Q)
Associate Counsellor
Moha has a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and specializes in treating trauma as well as sex therapy, relationship issues, eating disorders, and the challenges of immigration. She offers therapy in both English and Hindi.
Dhaniah Wijaya, RCC
Associate Counsellor
Dhaniah has a Master of Counselling Psychology from Adler University and believes in a holistic, client-centred, and strengths-based approach to counselling and an advocate of social justice. She offers therapy in English and Malay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about working with CVAP
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The number of sessions CVAP funds varies depending on your individual circumstances, the nature of the crime, and the assessment completed as part of your application.
There is no fixed number that applies to everyone. If you reach the limit of what CVAP covers and still feel you need support, we can discuss other options, including sliding-scale fees or coverage through extended health benefits, depending on your situation.
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Yes. CVAP extends eligibility beyond direct victims to include certain immediate family members and, in some cases, witnesses.
If someone close to you was the victim of a violent crime and you have been significantly affected, you may be eligible for funded counselling. Eligibility depends on the specifics of your relationship to the victim and the nature of the crime.
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No. The pace of what you share and when is something you control. In early sessions, the focus is usually on understanding how you are currently being affected and beginning to build a sense of safety and trust with your counsellor.
Many people are concerned that counselling will require them to recount details before they are ready, but that is not how trauma-informed therapy works. We follow your lead throughout the process.
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Yes. Our CVAP-registered counsellors offer virtual sessions to clients across British Columbia.
If you are based outside Vancouver or prefer to meet remotely, online counselling is available and can be arranged through our booking process.
In-person sessions are also available at our Kitsilano office for those who prefer to meet face to face.
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To provide CVAP-funded counselling, therapists must be approved providers with the program. This means they are registered clinical counsellors (RCCs) in good standing with a recognized professional body in British Columbia.
