IVAC Quebec: Free Therapy for Crime Victims

Looking for an IVAC therapist in Quebec? If you've been a victim of a crime, you may be entitled to free therapy through IVAC (Indemnisation des Victimes d'Actes Criminels). This program, administered by the CNESST, helps crime victims find a covered IVAC psychologist or therapist at no cost since 1972.

What is IVAC?

IVAC is Quebec's crime victim compensation program. It provides financial assistance and rehabilitation services to people who have been victims of criminal offences affecting their physical or psychological integrity.

Key facts about IVAC:

• Benefits are tax-free
• No police report is required to apply
• Covers crimes committed in Quebec (and some committed outside Quebec for residents)
• Direct billing available - no upfront payment needed for therapy

Who is eligible?

IVAC covers several categories of people:

1. Direct victims - People who suffered physical or psychological harm from a criminal offence
2. Family members and relatives - Close family of victims who died or suffered serious harm
3. Witnesses to crimes - People who witnessed a criminal offence
4. Rescuers - People who were injured while helping a crime victim (acts of good citizenship)

What crimes are covered?

IVAC covers crimes that affect a person's physical or psychological integrity, including:

• Sexual assault and sexual violence
• Domestic violence and intimate partner violence
• Physical assault
• Criminal harassment (stalking)
• Childhood abuse
• Robbery with violence
• Attempted murder
• Hit-and-run accidents

Time limits for applying

There is no time limit for applying if you were a victim of:

• Domestic or intimate partner violence
• Sexual violence
• Childhood abuse (violence suffered as a minor)

For other crimes, you generally have 3 years from the date you became aware of the harm caused by the crime. However, IVAC can accept late applications in certain circumstances.

Mental health coverage

IVAC provides generous coverage for mental health services. Unlike most private insurance, IVAC offers direct billing - your therapist bills IVAC directly, so you don't need to pay upfront.

Coverage limits

Category	Sessions	Maximum rate
Direct victims	Based on rehabilitation plan	$94.50/hour
Relatives/significant persons	Up to 30 sessions	$94.50/hour
Significant persons (deceased victim)	7-14 sessions	$94.50/hour

The number of sessions for direct victims is determined by your rehabilitation plan and can be extended as needed.

Which professionals are covered?

For psychotherapy:

• Psychologists
• Psychotherapists licensed by the OPQ (Ordre des psychologues du Quebec)

For psychosocial intervention:

• Social workers
• Psychoeducators
• Occupational therapists
• Guidance counsellors
• Sexologists

IVAC-eligible mental health providers

How to apply for IVAC

1. Submit your application online at ivac.qc.ca or by mail
2. Provide required information:
   • Details about the crime (date, location, what happened)
   • Your Health Insurance Number (HIN)
   • Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
3. Wait for your file to be assigned to an IVAC agent
4. Work with your agent to develop a rehabilitation plan that includes mental health services

Contact IVAC

• Phone: 514-906-3019 (Montreal area) or 1-800-561-4822 (toll-free)
• Website: ivac.qc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to report the crime to police to apply?

No. You do not need to file a police report to apply for IVAC benefits. IVAC will conduct its own investigation to determine eligibility.

How is IVAC different from private insurance?

The biggest difference is direct billing. With IVAC, your mental health provider bills IVAC directly, so you don't need to pay anything upfront. With private insurance, you typically pay first and then submit a claim for reimbursement.

Can I use IVAC if I also have private insurance?

Yes. IVAC benefits are separate from private insurance. However, for certain services, IVAC may coordinate with your private coverage.

How long does the application process take?

Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your case. IVAC aims to process applications as quickly as possible, but it can take several weeks to months. You can start receiving services before your file is fully processed in urgent situations.

What if the crime happened years ago?

For domestic violence, sexual violence, or childhood abuse, there is no time limit to apply. For other crimes, you generally have 3 years from when you became aware of the harm, but exceptions can be made.

Additional resources

• IVAC Official Website
• Educaloi - Compensation for Crime Victims
• Quebec Government - Support for Crime Victims