Does MSP cover therapy costs?
Unfortunately, therapists are not recognized under MSP costs.
Is there a waitlist?
We try to make sure that a therapist sees clients in a timely manner. However, there are times when we are full, and clients will be placed on a waitlist. Contact our office for an update on wait list times.
What is the fee for counsellors?
Although we are a non-profit society, our therapists are not funded by the government, and registered clinical counsellors are at a rate of $100 per session. A sliding scale limited to a set minimum may be negotiated based on current income.
What if I can’t afford the minimum rate for a registered clinical counsellor?
There are Master’s level practicum clinicians supervised by a registered clinical counsellor who will be able to see you below the minimum rate of a therapist. While many of our clients are experiencing financial difficulties, we do ask that some contributions be made even at a lowered cost.
Are there any programs that will fund therapy?
Some provincial programs provide compensation for victims of crime towards their recovery. Please get in touch with our office for more details.
Will my insurance cover the costs of therapy?
Insurance plans vary, and you will have to contact your company to check if costs will be covered. Please specify that you are planning to see a Registered Clinical Counsellor.
Do I need a referral to join the agency?
No, a referral is not required to access our services.
How long does a survivor usually stay in therapy?
Every new client will receive up to 26 sessions with a therapist. These sessions can be utilized at the therapist and client’s discretion. After those sessions have expired, the client can opt to return to the waitlist to access another 26 sessions with the agency. Sessions are typically on a weekly basis or as indicated by the needs of the individual.
How can I report the incident to the police?
We can call non-emergency with you, or you can do it alone. They will ask you for brief details about the crime. An officer will be assigned to your file and contact you to schedule a meeting. They will take a statement from you. This is often audio/video recorded at the station.
In most cases, like historical sexual assault, you have the option to report without an investigation/charges. If you are given a choice, you can request that they investigate. If you decide to report without an investigation, your statement is stored on the offender’s file. For example, you may be contacted in the future if other victims come forward with similar reports. You can refuse to participate in any further investigations at this point. In report with an investigation, the police officers will follow up on any evidence/leads you have presented to them. They will contact you to tell you when the investigation is concluded. The officers decide whether enough evidence exists to present the investigation to the Crown. The case is dismissed if the Crown decides there is not enough evidence. There will be a trial if the Crown decides there is enough evidence. This is a criminal proceeding, meaning the Crown represents you as the victim. You do not require a lawyer. Crown may ask you to take the stand to testify or write a Victim Impact Statement. You will be in contact with the officers and Crown to guide you through the process.
What is going on with my court case?
Check for your case on the Court Services Online, and connect with a court support worker for consistent updates:
Vancouver Provincial Court:
- Nicole Lai – Nicole.Lai@gov.bc.ca (236 455-4101)
- Huy Nguyen – Huy.Nguyen@gov.bc.ca (236-455-1419)
- Madeline McPherson – Madeline.McPherson@gov.bc.ca (236-455-1898)
Downtown Community Court:
- Deborah Acor – Deborah.Acor@gov.bc.ca (778-572-3276)
Surrey Provincial Court:
- Michelle Trigardi – Michelle.Trigardi@gov.bc.ca (604 572-2229)
- Azarria Khan – Azarria.Khan@gov.bc.ca (604 572-2231)
First Nations Court (North Van and New West):
- Catherine Mills – Catherine.Mills@gov.bc.ca (604-572-2229)
Port Coquitlam Provincial Court:
- Tanya Cacic – Tanya.Cacic@gov.bc.ca (604-927-2250)
How do I access legal services?
Legal Aid may provide a lawyer to represent a client if the client meets Legal Aid’s financial guidelines here. The issues that are being dealt with are “serious family problems” as outlined by Legal Aid (see here for a list of serious family problems). In this client’s case, he may be eligible on the basis that he is unable to represent himself due to the existence of family violence.
Seek help from Duty Counsel (a lawyer at the court who provides advice and legal information and can guide the client in filling out court forms). Information about duty counsel lawyers is at this link.
Seek advice from a Legal Aid family advice lawyer. The client could schedule an appointment with a legal advice lawyer who can provide advice (but not represent the client). In the Lower Mainland, advice lawyers are available in the New Westminster and Vancouver court locations. You can find info on family advice lawyers here.
Contact the Family LawLine for free legal advice over the phone. To be eligible, the client must meet a financial eligibility test. Information about this service can be found here.
Contact Access Pro Bono for a free 30-minute appointment with a summary advice lawyer. Info on Access Pro Bono and how to access their services are here.
Get help completing legal forms here.
How do I access housing?
Consult the Shelter List for emergency/immediate housing
Speak with an advocate at Carnegie Community Centre
Phone: 604-665-2220
401 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2T7
Contact BC Subsidized Housing: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-housing/subsidized-housing
Is there a question that you would like to ask? Please email us at victimservices@bc-malesurvivors.com or call our office at 604-682-6482.