British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA)
British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA)
The British Columbia Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA) is a non-profit society established to provide therapeutic services for males who have been sexually abused at some time in their lives. As specifically outlined in our constitution, our purposes are to: * Provide treatment and support services to male survivors of sexual abuse and support significant-others and relatives of the survivors. * Acquire and develop educational material concerning sexual abuse of males. * Gather statistics for dissemination to professionals and the community at large. * Assist in establishing within British Columbia new agencies dealing with male survivors of sexual abuse by providing training opportunities, whenever possible, to interested personnel. * Ensure clear, consistent communication in dealing with other involved agencies or professionals in order to guarantee comprehensive case management. * Consult with community and government groups in the areas of prevention, treatment, therapy, and other matters relating to sexual abuse of males.
You May Also Consider (Sponsored)
Quick Start Online Therapy: Tell Us a Little About Yourself and Get Matched With a Therapist Right for You
Take a simple guided quiz and let us know your preferences. Get matched to an online therapist right for you. Convenient and affordable online therapy from your phone, tablet or computer.
Have you been in therapy before?
Services Offered
Individual Therapy Individual therapy is available for male survivors of sexual abuse. Sessions are typically on a weekly basis, or as indicated by the needs of the individual.
Before therapy can begin, two short 'intake' sessions are held: the 1st is with one of our Victim Services Workers and the purpose of the meeting is to answer a few administrative questions (see below) and to determine a payment plan. The 2nd is with the assigned therapist and is only an introductory meeting which allows the client to determine if the therapist is a comfortable fit and for the therapist to assess the client's needs and personal style.
Group Therapy Group therapy is available at our Vancouver office for male survivors of sexual abuse and runs for in 12-week cycles. Clients may participate in as many cycles of a group as they feel is necessary. Before a survivor attends his first group session, we would prefer that he has a few Individual Therapy sessions with one of our therapists - this is to ensure that the survivor is actually ready for a group setting.
Fees and Payment
Fees for therapy: * Individual sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor: $85 per hour.
* Group sessions: $35 per week - with a commitment that you'll attend all sessions in that round.
* Master's level practicum student (supervised by a registered clinical counsellor): $45 per hour
For those who qualify, funding may be available through: * the provincial government where the abuse occurred. Most provinces have a Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP), each with it's own qualifying criteria. Our Victim Services Workers are available to help you apply. * in BC by the Residential Historical Abuse Program (RHAP) which is administered by the regional Health Authority where the survivor now resides. Our Victim Services Workers are available to help you apply. * the survivor's (or spouse's) EAP or extended health coverage. Note that these plans will typically only support psychologists or social workers - the Society's therapists are Clinical Counsellors. As each employer's plan is unique, it is up to the employee to verify their ability to submit claims to their plan. * others may qualify for therapy on a sliding scale basis, with therapy to be provided by one of our Practicum Students (supervised by a Therapist). Note that there is a waiting list for this service.
Services Offered To: Adults
Special Groups: Bilingual LGBTQ
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.