BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
At this time, unfortunately, Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) are not included in the basic MSP coverage that most people have. The clinical community is currently working towards having our services included. For more information please visit the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors website and FACTBC.
Extended Medical Insurance/Benefits
If you are buying extended insurance or if you work for a company that provided extended medical benefits then you may have coverage. If you have purchased this directly with the insurance company then please inquire about coverage because typically RCC and CCC are covered in their psychological support type services section.
If you are working for an employer that provides extended health benefits then you will either need to check with your Human Resources Department or call your insurance broker to get clarity around psychological services. The coverage is based on the plan that the employer purchased into which may or may not include counselling with an RCC and/or CCC. Typically the coverage is a dollar amount that may or may not cover the entire treatment process. If they are concerned about the designation/registration, please let me know and we can explore further options to access this coverage.
Some examples (and not limited to): Equitable Life, Great-West Life, Manulife, Pacific Blue Cross, and Sun Life Financial.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP/EAP)
**Currently being updated**
Student Coverages
University of British Columbia (UBC): Current UBC students are enrolled in the Health Coverage from Alma Mater Society of UBC and UBC Graduate Student Society which covers psychological services. For more information please visit their program website: AMS GSS Health Coverage
Douglas College: Current students are enrolled in the Students’ Union Benefits Plan which covers “Supplemental Health” that includes psychological services from RCC. For more information please visit their program website: Douglas Students’ Union Benefits Plan
Disability/Return to Work Disabilities
Some clients who are on disability through the BC Government have reported that there is a subsidy that can be applied for to get psychotherapy covered. We can discuss this in session as I do not have all the information about this option.
If you are covered with an insurance company who is working towards getting you back to work, then there may be covered with the premise that you are using therapy to help you return to work. We will need to discuss this option further as there are risks and benefits with this option that would be in your best interest to know first before therapy starts.
Due to professional limitations I am unable to advocate directly with any third party organizations on any client’s behalf. Should you want to explore any of these options, please let me know and we can discuss this and determine the best course of action.