A: The Medical Services Plan of B.C. covers treatment by a psychiatrist if a family doctor refers a patient. It does not cover psychological treatments.

Psychologists cannot prescribe drugs. Their techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy have been shown to complement the medications prescribed by physicians. Some psychologists specialize in treatment after trauma; others specialize in pain management techniques.

Check your extended health plan. Many of them cover some psychological treatments each calendar year. Some employers have “employee assistance” plans that will fund treatment by a psychologist.

With a recommendation from a family doctor, ICBC should pay for up to four sessions with a psychologist (if no extended health plan will cover this). ICBC may also fund additional sessions based on the treating psychologist’s recommendations.

Ask your family doctor if he or she can recommend a psychologist. You—not your family doctor—will have to arrange the initial appointment. Lawyers who do a lot of ICBC injury work may know the track records of some psychologists.