Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
Free Trauma Counselling Through CVAP in Coquitlam, Vancouver & Lower Mainland
Experiencing violence, abuse, or a serious crime can deeply impact your sense of safety, identity, and connection to the world. The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) exists to reduce financial barriers for survivors who are affected by violent crime. Survivors of Crime can access counselling and other supports without any additional personal cost.
At Marula Counselling, we offer CVAP‑approved free trauma counselling for Adults, Youth & Children across Coquitlam, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland. Our approach is grounded in trauma‑informed, anti‑oppressive, and consent‑based care.
Why choose CVAP?
Who is Eligable?
What does it Cover?
CVAP is a provincial program through the BC Ministry of Justice that provides financial assistance to people who have been physically or psychologically harmed by violent crime.
CVAP may cover the cost of counselling and other recovery‑related services so you can focus on healing rather than navigating financial stress.
Important to know:
-
You do not need a conviction for the crime
-
You do not need charges to be laid
-
You can apply even if the crime happened years ago (exceptions apply)
You may be eligible if you are:
-
A person directly harmed by a violent crime
-
An immediate family member of someone injured or killed by a violent crime
-
A witness who experienced psychological harm after seeing a violent crime
-
Eligibility is assessed by CVAP, not by the counsellor.
-
Examples of who is a victim of crime (not limited to):
= Sexual assault or sexual violence
= Physical assault
= Domestic or intimate partner violence
= Criminal harassment or threats
= Human trafficking or exploitation
If approved, CVAP may fund:
-
Individual trauma counselling
-
Support for PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and emotional distress
-
Therapy related to navigating the justice or legal system
Coverage is typically approved in blocks of sessions (Typically 48 sessions at onset). Additional sessions may be requested if clinically appropriate.
We will clearly review session limits, extensions, and expectations with you so there are no surprises.
Our Approach to CVAP Counselling
At Marula Counselling, CVAP clients are offered the same depth, respect, and clinical care as all other clients. You are never expected to share more than you are ready to.
Our work may include:
-
Trauma‑informed and nervous‑system‑aware therapy
-
EMDR and trauma‑focused approaches (when appropriate)
-
Support with shame, self‑blame, and identity disruption
-
Rebuilding safety, boundaries, and agency
-
Care that honours culture, lived experience, and systemic realities
If you or an immediate family member have been a victim or witness to violence, including physical and sexual abuse in BC, you may be eligible to have your counselling cost fully covered.
Step 1:
Apply to CVAP
Complete the CVAP application form through the Government of BC. Yes, we can help with the application process; at no cost. Please contact us directly.
Step 2:
Receive a Claim Number
Once submitted, CVAP assigns a claim number and reviews eligibility.
Step 3:
Approval for Counselling
If approved, CVAP will outline what counselling benefits are covered.
Step 4:
Begin Counselling
We coordinate care once approval is confirmed. In some cases, sessions may begin while approval is pending.
- 01
- 02
- 03
- 04
