Counselling Costs and Extended Benefits in BC: What to Check

Cost is one of the most common reasons people delay counselling, and a fair amount of the confusion around it is avoidable.

Here's what's worth checking before you book.

Extended Health Benefits

Many employer benefit plans in British Columbia cover counselling, and a good number of people don't realise theirs does.

Three things to confirm with your provider:

Which designations are covered. Plans vary — some cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), some only Registered Psychologists, some include Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC) or Registered Social Workers. This is the detail that most often catches people out, so check it before your first session rather than after.

The annual maximum. Plans commonly specify a dollar amount per year rather than a number of sessions, so it's worth working out roughly how many sessions that covers.

Whether direct billing is available. Some practices can bill your insurer directly; otherwise you'll pay and submit a receipt. Ask when you book.

Employee and Family Assistance Programs

If your employer offers an EFAP, it typically provides a set number of sessions at no cost. These are usually short-term and delivered through the program's own network, which means less choice of counsellor, but they're a reasonable entry point and they don't draw on your extended benefits.

Other Routes

Crime Victim Assistance in BC may fund counselling for people affected by certain crimes. If you have an active ICBC claim, counselling may be covered. Some people are eligible through First Nations Health Authority programs or through Veterans Affairs.

Sliding scale spots are offered by many practices, including ours, in limited numbers. It's a reasonable thing to ask about, and asking isn't an imposition.

Things Worth Asking Any Practice

What the session fee is, and whether it differs for individual, couples or family sessions. Whether GST applies. What the cancellation policy is and how much notice is required. Whether a receipt suitable for insurance is provided, including the registration number your insurer will want.

On Value

Counselling is a real expense and it's reasonable to weigh it carefully. It's also worth noting that fees generally reflect a master's-level qualification, registration requirements and ongoing supervision, and that the session fee covers preparation and documentation as well as the hour itself.

If cost is the barrier, say so when you enquire. There are more options than most people expect, and it's a conversation we're used to having.

If you're in Vernon, BC, reach out to book a free consultation.