Finding a Therapist Who Accepts VCAP Funding in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Sexual Assault Survivors

Written By Katrina Carroll-Haskins

Accessing trauma-informed therapy shouldn’t depend on your ability to pay.
For many survivors of sexual assault, finding help is already overwhelming — and trying to understand insurance or financial options can make healing feel even further out of reach.

That’s why Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) exists. VCAP helps survivors access counseling and other crime-related services at little to no cost, even if they don’t have insurance.

In this post, I’ll explain what VCAP is, how it helps survivors, and share a growing list of therapists in Pennsylvania who accept VCAP funding — including myself and other local providers.

My hope is that this becomes a resource that survivors and their loved ones can return to when finding support feels difficult.

What Is VCAP?

The Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) is a statewide program that helps survivors of crime by reimbursing expenses related to their experience. For survivors of sexual assault, one of the most important benefits is coverage for counseling and therapy.

Key things to know about VCAP:

  • It is available to survivors of sexual assault even if the assault was never reported to police.

  • Therapy costs may be covered up to $5,000 for adults and up to $10,000 for survivors who were minors at the time of the abuse.

  • Survivors do not need health insurance to qualify.

  • VCAP reimburses therapists directly, which means little to no out-of-pocket cost for the survivor.

For many people, VCAP is the missing link that finally makes trauma therapy accessible.

Why VCAP Matters for Survivors

Survivors often delay seeking therapy because of barriers like:

  • Lack of insurance

  • High cost of private therapy

  • Fear of involving insurance companies

  • Difficulty navigating financial programs

VCAP helps remove these obstacles. It allows survivors to choose a therapist who specializes in trauma, sexual assault, or PTSD—without worrying about whether they can afford ongoing care.

By increasing access to qualified therapists, VCAP directly supports long-term healing, stability, and safety.

How to Use VCAP to Pay for Therapy

Using VCAP is more straightforward than many people expect. Here’s a simple overview of the process:

1. Complete the “Sexual Assault Counseling Claim Form”

This form is specific to counseling related to sexual assault. Survivors can complete it themselves, or a therapist can help.
Click here to download a PDF of the form →

2. Contact a therapist who accepts VCAP

The therapist submits bills directly to VCAP, meaning you shouldn’t need to pay upfront.

3. Begin therapy

Once approved, sessions can be covered for months or even years, depending on your needs and the available funding.

Here at Illuminated Pathways, I help survivors of sexual assault understand and access VCAP funding. I’m also part of a wider community of trauma-informed therapists — some of whom accept VCAP for other types of cases and situations.

Therapists in Pennsylvania Who Accept VCAP Funding

Below is a list of therapists and counseling practices in Pennsylvania who accept VCAP funding.
If you are a provider who accepts VCAP and would like to be included, please reach out — we want to keep this list growing.

 

  • Name, Credentials: Illuminated Pathways, Katrina Carroll-Haskins, PhD, ATR-BC, LAPC

  • City / Region: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Telehealth availability through the state of Pennsylvania)

  • Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, Sexual Assault Survivors, Relationship and Attachment Issues, Complex Trauma, Life Transitions, Grief

  • Website: www.illuminatedpathways.net

  • Confirmed VCAP Acceptance:

    • ✔ Yes — For survivors of sexual assault

 
 

  • Name, Credentials:

  • City / Region:

  • Specialties:

  • Website:

  • Confirmed VCAP Acceptance:

 
 

How to Choose the Right Therapist After Trauma

Finding a therapist who takes VCAP is just the first step. When choosing a provider, consider asking:

  • Do you specialize in trauma or sexual assault recovery?

  • Are you trained in modalities like EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, or somatic therapy?

  • What is your experience working with survivors?

  • How do you help clients feel safe during sessions?

Your therapist should make you feel supported, respected, and in control of your healing journey.

You Deserve Support — and You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Healing from sexual assault is deeply personal, but you should never have to navigate it without resources. VCAP exists to make therapy accessible and remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent survivors from getting care.

Whether you’re reaching out for the first time or returning to therapy after a pause, you deserve meaningful, compassionate support — and VCAP can help make that possible.

If you’re ready to start or resume therapy, consider reaching out to a provider on the list above. You are not alone, and help is available.

Katrina Carroll-Haskins https://illuminatedpathways.net