Counselling and psychology coverage in BC: who pays, and how to check a practitioner

Navigating the costs of counselling and psychology services in British Columbia can be confusing. Many people wonder if their provincial health plan, the Medical Services Plan (MSP), covers these services. Understanding how MSP works, what private insurance might cover, and the different professional titles for mental health practitioners in BC can help you make informed decisions about your care.

Understanding how counselling and psychology are paid for in BC

In British Columbia, the provincial Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides coverage for a range of health services. However, it's important to understand which specific services are included and which are not, especially when it comes to mental health support like counselling and psychology.

What the Medical Services Plan (MSP) covers

MSP is British Columbia's provincial health insurance program [1]. It is designed to pay for required medical services [1]. This includes services that are medically necessary and provided by physicians and midwives [1]. MSP also covers diagnostic services, such as X-rays [1]. Certain dental and oral surgeries performed in a hospital, medically required eye examinations, and some orthodontic services are also covered [1].

However, standard counselling and psychology services provided by private practitioners are not listed as medical benefits covered by MSP [1].

MSP Supplementary Benefits: what they are and who qualifies

Beyond the main medical benefits, MSP also offers "supplementary benefits" [1]. These benefits provide partial payment for certain services from other health care practitioners, not physicians or midwives [1, 2].

The services covered by MSP supplementary benefits include: * Acupuncture [2] * Chiropractic care [2] * Massage therapy [2] * Naturopathy [2] * Physical therapy [2] * Non-surgical podiatry [2]

It's important to note that counselling and psychology services are not included in this list of MSP supplementary benefits [2].

Eligibility for MSP supplementary benefits is usually based on income [2]. You may qualify if your adjusted net income from the previous year is less than $42,000 [2]. This amount is calculated after deductions for factors like your age, family size, disability, and certain income types [2]. You must also be enrolled in MSP and be a BC resident for at least the last 12 months [2].

Other groups may also be eligible for supplementary benefits, including: * Recipients of Income Assistance [2] * Convention refugees [2] * Individuals in B.C. Correctional Facilities [2] * Individuals enrolled in MSP through the At Home Program [2] * Residents of long-term care facilities who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) [2] * Individuals enrolled in MSP as Mental Health Clients [2] * First Nations individuals with valid B.C. Medical Plan coverage through the First Nations Health Authority [2]

For those who qualify, MSP contributes $23 per visit for a combined annual limit of 10 visits across all listed supplementary benefit services [2]. MSP does not cover supplementary benefits received outside of British Columbia [2].

Many practitioners who offer supplementary benefits choose to "opt-out" of MSP [2]. This means they can charge patients more than the fee set by MSP [2]. If a practitioner has opted out, they must tell you before your treatment how much MSP will reimburse and how much you will need to pay in addition to the MSP fee [2].

How most people pay for counselling and psychology in BC

Since MSP does not cover private counselling or psychology services, most people in British Columbia pay for these services in one of three ways: 1. Out-of-pocket: Individuals pay the full cost of sessions themselves. 2. Extended health benefits: Many employers or private insurance plans offer extended health benefits that include coverage for counselling or psychology. The amount covered, the types of practitioners accepted, and any annual limits vary widely by plan. 3. Specific funded programs: Some programs, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs) or certain community mental health initiatives, may offer limited sessions or financial support for counselling.

To learn more about the general costs of therapy across Canada, you can read our national guide to what therapy costs.

Understanding professional titles and credentials in BC

When seeking mental health support, you might encounter different titles like "psychologist" or "clinical counsellor." These titles often reflect different educational backgrounds, scopes of practice, and regulatory or certification bodies. Understanding these differences is important, especially when checking for insurance coverage.

Psychologists and their regulation

In British Columbia, psychologists are regulated professionals. This means their practice is overseen by a provincial regulatory body that sets standards for education, training, ethics, and professional conduct. As of 2024, psychologists in BC are regulated by the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) [3].

The CHCPBC ensures that psychologists meet specific requirements to practice and that they adhere to professional standards designed to protect the public [3]. If you want to verify if a psychologist is registered and in good standing, you can check the CHCPBC website [3].

Clinical counsellors and their certification

Many clinical counsellors in British Columbia use the designation Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). This designation is certified by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) [4].

It is important to understand that the BCACC is a professional association, not a regulatory college [4]. A professional association supports its members through professional development, advocacy, and setting standards for its members. While the BCACC certifies RCCs and has a code of ethics for its members, it is different from a regulatory college like the CHCPBC, which is established by provincial law to regulate a profession and protect the public.

If you are considering working with a clinical counsellor who uses the RCC designation, you can verify their certification by checking the BCACC website [4].

Why credentials matter for insurance coverage

The distinction between how different mental health professionals are regulated or certified can have a direct impact on your insurance coverage. Private extended health benefit plans often have specific rules about which credentials they will reimburse.

For example, some insurance plans may cover services provided by a registered psychologist but not by a clinical counsellor, or vice-versa, depending on the specific terms of the policy. This mismatch between a practitioner's credentials and an insurer's reimbursement rules is a common reason why claims for counselling services might be denied.

Because of this, it is always recommended to confirm with your insurance provider before you begin therapy what specific professional designations and credentials they cover.

How to check a practitioner's credentials

Verifying a practitioner's credentials is a good step to ensure you are receiving care from a qualified professional and to help determine if your services might be covered by insurance.

For psychologists

To check the registration of a psychologist in British Columbia, you should visit the website of the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) [3]. Their website typically provides a public registry or search tool where you can confirm a psychologist's registration status.

For Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs)

If you are looking to verify the certification of a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia, you can do so through the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) website [4]. The BCACC website usually offers a directory or search function to confirm an RCC's certification status.

What this means for you

When seeking counselling or psychology services in British Columbia, understanding your payment options and a practitioner's credentials can help you navigate the process.

• MSP does not cover private counselling or psychology. Remember that the Medical Services Plan primarily covers medically necessary services from physicians and midwives, and its supplementary benefits cover a specific list of other health care practitioners that does not include counselling or psychology [1, 2].
• Private insurance is key. If you have extended health benefits, contact your insurance provider before starting therapy. Ask them directly which professional designations (e.g., Registered Psychologist, Registered Clinical Counsellor) they cover, what percentage of costs they reimburse, and any annual limits.
• Verify credentials. Always check a practitioner's registration or certification with their respective body. For psychologists, this is the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) [3]. For Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), this is the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) [4].
• Ask about fees. Discuss fees and payment options with your chosen practitioner early on to avoid surprises.

A licensed mental health professional can assess your specific situation and help you understand which type of support might be best for you. If you are looking for counselling services, you can explore counselling clinics in Vancouver or counselling clinics in Victoria.

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