Can I Use my Healthcare Benefits for Counselling?
It’s time. You’ve made the decision that you want to get some professional help for the things you’re facing because just talking to a friend isn’t cutting it any more. If you are like many people that we have seen, you know the importance of getting this help, and yet it’s a bit intimidating to think of how much this will cost. So you want to know if there might be some help through extended health care benefits , taxes or MSP.
Unfortunately counselling is not covered under our Medical Services Plan. There are options though. We want to help you discover what financial support you might have access to.
Start with knowing what you’re looking for
So as you set out on Google to find a counsellor that might be a good fit for you, what should you look for? It is important to do your research. The first thing you want to know is that there are different kinds of counsellors, which means so many different acronyms behind peoples’ names!
One thing that you need to be aware of, is that not all people who call themselves counsellors in BC have had formal education or training in counselling and psychotherapy. The types of counsellors that are typically covered by extended health care benefits are Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), Registered Social Workers (RSW), and Doctors of Psychology (PhD). Each of these organizations vets its members to ensure that they have had formal, post-graduate training and education.
If you have extended health care benefits, you will want to check what designation is covered under your plan. While both you and your friend might have a plan with Pacific Blue Cross, our friend might have an RCC covered, your company might have chosen to only have RSW’s covered.
How much will it cost?
The best place to start is to determine what kinds of cost you can expect from counselling. The fees for therapy in the Lower Mainland vary from $30-$200.
If you are relying on using extended health care benefits, it will be important to check the following:
What type of counselling professional is covered?
What is your yearly maximum? This can be listed in amounts such as $500 per year, or number of sessions that will be covered.
How do you submit costs, and what information needs to be on the invoice/receipt?
As we begin 2021, we are excited to hear that Pacific Blue Cross and the Chambers of Commerce have extended their basic coverage of counselling to include RCCs. So even if you thought you knew your coverage, it would be a good idea to double-check now.
How do I find a counsellor?
Once you have determined what is covered by your extended health care benefits, the next step is to find a counsellor that is a good fit for you. It may be helpful to know that a lot of counsellors will offer a free phone call, or a reduced rate for the first session. Please take this time to ask any questions you might have about them, and how they approach counselling so you can get a sense of whether you feel their personality/style is a good fit for you.
If you find a counsellor that sounds good in their description, but they do not have any time available in the timeframe you are hoping for, ask them for a referral. Quite often counsellors will refer to someone that works similarly to them.
Ask your friends!
Get some feedback on whether they’ve seen a counsellor, and what they liked or didn’t like about them.
Do a Google search for counsellors in your area, and then take a look at their websites to see if they sound/look like someone you would like to open up to.
Use a Therapist Directory
BCACC – Registered Clinical Counsellors
CCPA – Canadian Certified Counsellors
Psychology Today – Counsellors in BC will list their services here. Please note that there is no education/training requirement for listing with this organization.
Consider Your Needs
While it is important to determine whether you can afford counselling before you get started, it’s equally important to make sure that you find a good counsellor for you. You might find someone who is covered by your benefits, but if they aren’t a good fit for you, then you may end up paying money out of pocket to get the help you need anyway. Do yourself a favour and consider the following.
Consider this thought - counselling is an investment…not an expense – you are investing your time, energy and money. So while the financial side is something important to consider, there are other factors as well.
Here are some questions to consider as you’re doing you research.
As you are researching the websites and profiles, do they write like someone you’d like to talk to?
Is this counsellor located near you? While most counsellors are offering online therapy due to the pandemic, once you feel comfortable to see them in person will that be easy? If you live in Langley and your counsellor is in Abbotsford, will you want to make that drive?
When you use the free 15-minute phone consultation do you feel comfortable with how they talk and how they think they’d work with the issue you’re facing?
Do you like the way they look and the sound of their voice? It may sound weird, but as you are looking for a counsellor, it’s important to consider how comfortable you will be in the room with them.
How many sessions toes this counsellor recommend?
How frequently do you want to meet? How frequently does the counsellor suggest you meet?
We hope that this information has helped you as you begin your search for someone to help you meet your current mental and emotional needs.
As for the counselling team at Panorama Wellness Group, we have therapists associated three of the above-noted organizations – BCACC, CCPA and the College of Social Workers. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help you determine if we are the best fit for your investment. Contact us today to learn more by clicking the button below.
Contact us to find the right counsellor for you
Lisa Catallo is the Owner and Director of Panorama Wellness Group. She wears many different hats here. She is passionate about seeing people be connected, whether they are working as a therapist or client in our office. Lisa believes that boundaries are important for healthy and authentic relationships.
