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:
- Direct victims - People who suffered physical or psychological harm from a criminal offence
- Family members and relatives - Close family of victims who died or suffered serious harm
- Witnesses to crimes - People who witnessed a criminal offence
- 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 and Post-Traumatic Stress
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the conditions most frequently covered by IVAC. If you are suffering from PTSD following a criminal act, IVAC can cover:
- Psychotherapy with a licensed psychologist or psychotherapist
- Psychosocial intervention with a social worker or psychoeducator
- Medication prescribed for PTSD treatment
- Compensation for permanent impairment if PTSD persists
Direct victims receive a personalized rehabilitation plan that can include an unlimited number of therapy sessions for as long as clinically needed.
IVAC Compensation and Indemnification
Beyond therapy coverage, IVAC provides financial compensation to crime victims. The amount depends on the nature and severity of the harm.
Types of compensation
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Income replacement | Up to 90% of net income if you're unable to work due to the crime |
| Permanent impairment | Lump sum based on the severity of lasting physical or psychological injuries (including PTSD) |
| Rehabilitation expenses | Therapy, medication, and other treatment costs |
| Final indemnification | A settlement amount once your condition has stabilized and the full extent of impairment is known |
How amounts are determined
IVAC does not publish a fixed schedule of compensation amounts. Each case is assessed individually based on:
- The severity and permanence of physical and psychological injuries
- The impact on your ability to work and carry out daily activities
- Medical and expert assessments included in your file
Your assigned IVAC agent works with you to determine what compensation applies to your situation. If you disagree with a decision, you can request a review or file an appeal with the Tribunal administratif du Quebec (TAQ).
Lifetime benefits
In cases of severe, permanent impairment, IVAC benefits can continue for life. This includes ongoing therapy coverage, income replacement, and compensation adjustments if your condition changes.
IVAC-eligible mental health providers
How to apply for IVAC
- Submit your application online at ivac.qc.ca or by mail
- Provide required information:
- Details about the crime (date, location, what happened)
- Your Health Insurance Number (HIN)
- Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Wait for your file to be assigned to an IVAC agent
- 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.
What is IVAC compensation for PTSD?
IVAC covers therapy, medication, and can provide a lump sum for permanent psychological impairment caused by a criminal act. Direct victims receive a personalized rehabilitation plan with no fixed session limit. The compensation amount for PTSD depends on the severity and permanence of symptoms as assessed by medical professionals.
How much does IVAC pay in compensation?
Compensation amounts vary by case. IVAC provides income replacement (up to 90% of net income), lump sums for permanent impairment, and coverage for rehabilitation expenses. There is no published fixed schedule; each file is assessed individually based on the severity of harm and its impact on daily life.
Additional resources
About the authors
Anas Shakra
Co-founder and lead engineer at Promptd. Trained as a software engineer at McGill and Concordia, on a mission to make mental health care easier to access across Canada.
Viktoriya Manova
Co-founder of Promptd and PhD candidate in Counselling Psychology at McGill University. She is a published researcher at the McGill Mindfulness Research Lab, a SSHRC doctoral scholar, and has completed clinical training in both private practice and hospital settings. Her research and hands-on experience with clients shape the way Promptd approaches mental health content and provider information.
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