Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) for Counseling Services

  • VCAP in the state of Pennsylvania aims to provide financial assistance to those who have experienced a sexual assault or other violent crime. This program reimburses individuals for care costs associated with their healing process in relation to the crime. This program works to alleviate the financial burden that can ensue after a sexual trauma.

  • There are several steps to getting set up with VCAP services.

    • The client fills out the Sexual Assault Counseling Claim Form

    • This can be done during your intake session or directly following the intake session

    • Once the form is completed, it is sent to VCAP by the client

    • Once received, a VCAP representative will follow up with the client and with me. They will verify all of your information, and work with you throughout the process.

    • I will submit invoices and a simple mental health status form which outlines how we will work through your past experiences.

    • VCAP will then verify all of the information that both the client and I have provided

    • Once everything is verified, the claim is processed by VCAP

    • The provider receives the reimbursement for the services provided through VCAP

    • VCAP will contact both the client and clinician when reimbursement is sent.

    Ongoing Reimbursement and Support

    • As you move through your treatment program, I will submit for reimbursement once per month.

    • Should VCAP be a resource you choose to utilize, I will continue to support you through the submission process of each claim.

  • Program Information

    VCAP Manual

    Compensation Guide for VCAP Providers

    • For our purposes, VCAP may cover the costs of counseling in relation to the crime.

    • Other expenses may be covered include out of pocket medical expenses, Loss of earnings, Relocation Expenses, and other expenses depending on the nature of the crime.

  • You are eligible to apply for VCAP services if you meet the following criteria:

    1. The crime occurred in Pennsylvania

    2. Direct victims of sexual assault

    3. The Crime was reported to law enforcement within 72 hours of the crime (not applicable for sexual assault)

  • Yes-

    • A direct victim of a sexual assault who was 18 years older at the time of the crime is eligible for up to $5000. (Approximately 35 sessions)

    • A direct victim who was sexually assaulted who at the time of the crime was 17 years or younger is eligible for up to $10,000 (Approximately 75 sessions)

    Other Limitations:

    • VCAP is the "Payor of Last Resort". This means that if you do have health insurance, the claim must be submitted to your insurance company and denied or partially paid.

    • I am an Out of Network provider (Self-Pay only)-if you have an insurance plan that has Out of Network Benefits, we must submit to your insurance company prior to VCAP

    • If you have an insurance that does NOT have OON Benefits, we will still have to submit this to your insurance for a denial and then to VCAP

    • If you have PA Medicaid, we will just need to provide proof of your eligibility.

  • Working with insurance can be overwhelming. I am here to support you through this process. If I don't have the answer to your question, I will certainly work to find it with you.

    To learn more about the VCAP program, click here.