If you’re considering online therapy in BC, one of the first practical questions is usually about cost — and specifically, whether your extended health benefits will cover it.
The short answer is: it depends on your plan. But for most people with extended health benefits that include counselling, online therapy is covered in the same way as in-person sessions. Here’s what you need to know.
How extended health benefits work for counselling in BC
In BC, counselling services provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) are covered by many extended health benefit plans — but not all. Coverage varies significantly between providers and plans.
The key things that determine whether your sessions are covered:
The therapist’s credential. Most extended health plans that cover counselling specify which credentials they accept. In BC the most commonly accepted credential is the RCC (Registered Clinical Counsellor) through the BCACC. Some plans also accept Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs), psychologists, or social workers. Check your plan documents or call your provider to confirm which designations are covered.
Your specific plan. Even within the same insurance provider, different plans have different coverage. One employer’s Sun Life plan might cover RCCs while another’s doesn’t. The only reliable way to know is to check your own plan — either through your benefits portal, your plan documents, or by calling your provider directly.
Whether the session is in-person or online. Most extended health plans that cover counselling cover online sessions in the same way as in-person ones — the format doesn’t change the coverage. That said, it’s worth confirming with your provider, particularly if your plan was set up before online therapy became standard practice.
How to check your coverage
Before booking your first session, it’s worth taking a few minutes to confirm what your plan actually covers. Here’s how:
Check your benefits portal. Most employers provide online access to your benefits plan — search for “mental health,” “counselling,” or “psychological services” to see what’s listed.
Call your insurance provider directly. This is the most reliable option. Ask specifically: does my plan cover sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)? Does it cover online sessions? What is my annual maximum and have I used any of it?
Ask your therapist. Most therapists are familiar with the common insurance providers and can tell you whether their credential is typically accepted. They can also provide receipts in the format your insurance provider requires for reimbursement.
Common insurance providers in BC
The following extended health providers commonly cover RCC sessions in BC — though again, your specific plan determines your actual coverage:
- Sun Life Financial
- Manulife
- Great-West Life / Canada Life
- Green Shield Canada
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Desjardins
- Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance
If your employer uses one of these providers, check your specific plan — many include counselling coverage, and online sessions are typically treated the same as in-person ones.
What if counselling isn’t covered by my plan?
If your plan doesn’t include counselling coverage — or if you don’t have extended health benefits — there are still options worth knowing about.
CVAP (Crime Victim Assistance Program). If you have experienced a violent crime in BC, you may be eligible for funded counselling through CVAP. This covers both in-person and online sessions with registered counsellors.
EFAP (Employee and Family Assistance Programs). Many employers offer EFAPs separately from extended health benefits — these typically provide a set number of free counselling sessions per year. Check with your HR department or benefits administrator.
ICBC claims. If you have been in a motor vehicle accident in BC, counselling related to that accident may be covered through your ICBC claim.
Sliding scale fees. Some therapists offer reduced fees for clients who don’t have coverage or are experiencing financial hardship. It’s always worth asking directly — most therapists would rather work with you on fee than have cost be a barrier to getting support.
A note on direct billing
Some therapists in BC offer direct billing to insurance providers, which means you don’t have to pay upfront and submit for reimbursement yourself. Others require payment at the time of the session and provide a receipt for you to submit.
It’s worth asking any therapist you’re considering whether they direct bill — and if so, which providers they work with. If they don’t direct bill, the reimbursement process is usually straightforward: you pay, you receive a receipt, and you submit it to your insurance provider online or by mail.
How sessions are typically structured for insurance purposes
When you pay for a counselling session — in person or online — your therapist will provide a receipt that includes their name, credential, registration number, session date, session length, and the amount paid. This is what you submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement.
Keep these receipts organized throughout the year, particularly if you’re working toward an annual maximum. Most plans reset on January 1st or on your policy anniversary date.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (RCC-ACS) based in Squamish, BC. I offer online counselling across British Columbia for individuals working with anxiety, trauma, and relationship patterns. Sessions are available via secure video and receipts are provided for insurance reimbursement. If you have questions about whether your plan is likely to cover sessions, feel free to ask when you reach out. A free 15-minute consultation is available — reach out at jill@communicatingwell.com or book directly.
You might also find these useful: is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy? and online therapy in BC — how it works and what to expect.
