Insurance Coverage for Counselling Therapy
Am I covered for Counselling Therapy?
How to know if your insurance carrier will reimburse your counseling – psychotherapy expenses.
Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) or (CCC) can be covered by many Extended Health Benefit Plans, however, this depends on the package your employer or company purchased from the insurance company such as Blue Cross, Sun Life, Great-West Life, Manulife & Green Shield… The details are outlined in the policy purchased.
Tips to find if you are covered for counselling therapy under your plan.
1- Check your insurance plan documents: The first thing to do is to check your insurance plan documents to see if counselling therapy is covered under your current plan;
2- Contact your insurance provider: Contact your insurance provider and find out if they cover counselling therapy under your plan. Ask if your insurance plan covers Registered Clinical Counsellor Fees;
3- Request information on the yearly maximum for counselling expense reimbursement; the deductible or the per cent of coverage for each visit. Ask your insurance provider what type of counselling therapy is covered and if there are any limits or restrictions associated with the coverage.
4. Look for pre-approval: Find out if you need to get pre-approval from the insurance company prior to seeking counselling therapy.
5. Find out about costs: Ask your insurance provider about the costs associated with counselling therapy and find out if you are responsible for any out-of-pocket expenses.
6. Talk to your doctor: Speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner about counselling therapy and see if they can help you determine if your plan covers the cost of counselling therapy.
Pacific Blue Cross Extended Health Benefit Coverage Information
BC Teachers Counselling Coverage
Counselling Coverage for ICBC Claimants
Crown Corporations
Counselling Coverage for Government of Canada Employees
Crown Corporations
Counselling Coverage for Coke Canada Employees
Extented Access to Counselling & Flexibility
Will counselling be regulated in BC soon?
At this time, there is no indication that counseling will be regulated in British Columbia. However, the provincial government has recently announced the development of the Health Professions Network, which aims to provide a structure for developing standards and oversight of health professionals, including counselors. It is possible that in the future, counseling may be regulated in the province.
What Should I do if my Extended Health Plan does not Cover BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) but covers Registered Psychologists or Social Workers?
Many clients make a written request to employers, through the HR department, to have the insurance company adjustment the plan to include BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellors.
Feel free to copy the following wording below to help you submit your request.
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to request a review of our current extended health policy in order to suggest a revision and modification of the counselling services that are covered. I understand that our current plan states that counselling treatments will only be covered if received by Registered Psychologists or and Social Workers. I am also aware that, although Registered Clinical Counsellors do not qualify for our plan, that many other health insurance plans DO permit psychological and counselling treatments to be conducted by Registered Clinical Counsellors. A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is a fully qualified mental health professional with a minimum of a Master’s degree in counselling, and (2) a registered member of the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors; website: bc-counsellors.org. This association maintains high ethical standards of practice for Registered members.
I have also been informed that fees for Registered Clinical Counsellors usually 20% less per hourly session compared to that of fees for Registered Psychologists. By amending the benefit schedule of our plan, it appears that it would not make any difference to our healthcare provider, nor be of any additional cost to my employer, but would, on the other hand, give more options to those covered under the plan. I am currently seeking treatment by a Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in my particular concerns. I am satisfied with the help I am receiving. For this reason, I would like to request that the fees for my counselling therapy with a Registered Clinical Counsellor be reimbursed by my current plan. I would appreciate your consideration and prompt attention to this matter as this reimbursement is essential to continuing my counselling treatment.
Sincerely,
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