The short answer
If you were hurt — physically or emotionally — by a violent crime in Nevada, the state's Victims of Crime Program (VOCP) can pay for your counseling, even if you have no insurance. The crime generally must have been reported to law enforcement within 5 days, and you must apply within 2 years. Claims are limited to $35,000 in total benefits. Our clinicians work with victims of crime — call (702) 913-5498 and we'll help you understand whether VOCP may apply to your situation.
If you're in immediate danger, call 911. If you're safe but struggling with what happened, keep reading — most people have never heard of this program, and it exists specifically for you.
What is the Nevada Victims of Crime Program?
The Victims of Crime Program is a Nevada state compensation fund for victims of violent crime. It reimburses crime-related expenses that no other source covers — and mental health counseling is a covered expense, alongside medical and dental treatment, lost wages, funeral costs, and emergency relocation. Total benefits are capped at $35,000 per claim.
One thing to understand: VOCP is a payer of last resort. If you have insurance, your insurance is billed first and VOCP can cover eligible costs it doesn't pay. If you have no insurance, VOCP can pay for eligible counseling directly — which is what makes therapy effectively free for many victims.
Who qualifies
Based on the state's eligibility rules, you may qualify if:
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| A violent crime in Nevada | The crime involved physical injury, the threat of physical injury, or death. Family members of a deceased victim may also qualify. |
| Reported within 5 days | The crime was reported to police, child protective services, or another law enforcement agency within 5 days — unless you were physically or mentally unable to report it in that window. |
| Application within 2 years | You apply to VOCP within 2 years of the crime. Minor victims of sexual assault, molestation, or pornography have until age 21 to file. |
| Cooperation | You cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation and prosecution, and with the VOCP itself. |
| No involvement | You did not participate in committing the crime. |
How to get counseling paid for, step by step
- Make sure the crime is reported. If it hasn't been and you're within the window — or you were unable to report sooner — talk to law enforcement or an advocate first.
- Apply to the VOCP. The application and instructions are on the state's site. Victim advocates at police departments and district attorney offices can also help you complete it.
- Start working with a therapist. Call us at (702) 913-5498 and tell us you're a victim of crime with a VOCP claim (or that you're applying). We'll help you understand how billing works in your situation before you commit to anything.
Why this matters for trauma specifically
The effects of violent crime often show up weeks or months later — hypervigilance, nightmares, avoiding places or people, feeling numb or on edge. These are normal responses to abnormal events, and trauma-focused, evidence-based therapy helps. Cost is the reason many victims never start. In Nevada, for eligible victims, cost doesn't have to be the barrier.
Working with Seeds2Succeed as a victim of crime
Our clinical team includes Kara VanMeter, LCSW, who specializes in working with victims of crime and trauma, and our clinicians use evidence-based approaches tailored to each person. We see clients in person in Henderson and by telehealth anywhere in Nevada — which matters if you've relocated for safety or live outside Las Vegas. If you have insurance, we're in-network with 16 plans; see what therapy costs in Las Vegas for the full list and how billing works.
FAQs: free therapy for crime victims in Nevada
Is therapy really free for crime victims in Nevada?
It can be. Nevada's Victims of Crime Program pays for mental health counseling as a covered expense for eligible victims of violent crime, up to the program's $35,000 total claim limit. VOCP only pays costs not covered by another source — so if you have no insurance, eligible counseling can be paid by the program.
Who qualifies for Nevada victims of crime compensation?
Victims of violent crimes in Nevada involving physical injury, threat of physical injury, or death — and family members of deceased victims. The crime generally must be reported to law enforcement within 5 days, you must apply within 2 years, cooperate with the investigation and the program, and not have participated in the crime.
What are the VOCP deadlines?
Report the crime within 5 days; apply to the program within 2 years of the crime. The 5-day reporting rule has an exception if you were physically or mentally unable to report. Minor victims of sexual assault, molestation, or pornography have until age 21 to file an application.
Do I need health insurance to use VOCP?
No. VOCP is a payer of last resort: if you have insurance it gets billed first and VOCP can cover eligible remaining costs, and if you have no insurance the program can pay for eligible counseling directly.
What does VOCP cover besides counseling?
Medical and dental treatment, hospital and ambulance bills, lost wages, funeral and burial expenses, emergency shelter and relocation, and more. It cannot pay for lost or stolen property, property damage, or pain and suffering. Total benefits are limited to $35,000 per claim.
How do I apply to the Nevada Victims of Crime Program?
Through the application and instructions on the state's website at voc.nv.gov. Victim advocates at local police departments and district attorney offices can help you complete it, and when you call us we can point you in the right direction as part of getting started.
You didn't choose what happened. You can choose support.
One confidential call. We'll listen, explain how VOCP may apply to you, and match you with a clinician experienced in trauma.
Call (702) 913-5498Or email schedule@seeds2succeed.net · In-person in Henderson · Telehealth across Nevada
This page summarizes the Nevada Victims of Crime Program based on the state's published rules as of July 20, 2026, and is not legal advice. Eligibility and payment decisions are made solely by the VOCP. Program details can change — verify current rules at voc.nv.gov.