The short answer
In BC, MSP usually doesn't cover private counselling. But many extended health plans do cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), often up to a yearly amount. So if you have benefits through work, school or a partner's plan, there's a good chance some of your sessions are covered. You just need to check what your plan says.
Let's be honest: insurance language can feel like it was written to make your eyes glaze over. And if you have ADHD, "call your insurance company" can sit on your to-do list for months.
So here's the plain version. What MSP covers. How to check your extended health plan in five minutes. Other ways to pay. And what counselling usually costs in BC.
Does MSP cover counselling in BC?
Usually not, if you're seeing a counsellor in private practice. Here's how it breaks down:
Covered by MSP: your family doctor, a psychiatrist (with a referral), and counselling through a public mental health team, hospital program or health authority clinic.
Usually not covered by MSP: private Registered Clinical Counsellors and psychologists. That's where extended health benefits come in.
The public options are free, but they often have waitlists or a referral process, and you don't always get to choose who you see. Private counselling is usually faster, and you pick the person. Both are valid. It depends on your budget, your timing and what you need.
One more thing: you don't need a doctor's referral to see a counsellor. You can book directly. (Some insurance plans do ask for a referral before they'll pay, so check that too. More on that below.)
Extended health benefits: how to check your plan
Most counselling in BC is paid through extended health benefits. Many plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs), and more employers have been adding them over the last few years. But every plan is different. Some cover RCCs and psychologists together under one yearly amount. Some only cover psychologists. Some cover a lot. Some cover a few sessions.
So here's my five-minute plan. Log in to your insurer's app or website (or call them), and ask:
Which counsellors are covered? Look for "Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)" or "Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)." I hold both.
How much per year? And is it shared with psychologists or social workers?
Is there a limit per session?
Do online sessions count? Most plans cover virtual counselling the same way, but it's worth asking.
Do I need a doctor's referral for the claim?
Can my counsellor bill you directly?
Write the answers down somewhere you'll actually find them again. Your notes app counts. A sticky note on your laptop counts.
What direct billing means
With direct billing, your counsellor sends the claim to your insurer for you. You only pay the part your plan doesn't cover, instead of paying the full fee and waiting to be paid back. If you've ever had a stack of receipts you meant to submit… three months ago… you can see why this helps.
I offer direct billing with many extended health plans. Tell me who your insurer is when you book, and I'll let you know if I can bill them directly. If I can't, you'll get a receipt after each session to submit yourself.
Other ways to pay (and free or low-cost options)
No extended health plan? Or it ran out in March? Here are other doors worth knocking on:
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP or EAP). Many workplaces offer a few free, confidential sessions. HR can tell you if you have one.
A partner's or parent's plan. If you're listed as a dependant, you may be covered there too.
Student plans. Many college and university plans include some counselling.
Sliding scale. Some counsellors lower their fee based on income. It's always okay to ask.
Public services. Counselling through a hospital, a health authority or a public mental health clinic is covered by MSP. These often need a referral and can have a wait.
Foundry. Free services for young people aged 12 to 24.
First Nations Health Authority. The FNHA Mental Health Benefit covers counselling for eligible First Nations people in BC, with a provider registered with the program.
Not sure where to start? HeretoHelp's Information & Referrals team can suggest options in your community.
Can I claim counselling on my taxes?
This one surprises people. Right now, the Canada Revenue Agency doesn't list clinical counsellors in BC as authorized practitioners for the medical expense tax credit. Psychologists and social workers are on the list. That could change once counselling is regulated in BC. For now, check with a tax professional about your situation.
Good news on the other side: since 2025, RCCs in BC don't charge GST on counselling. So the fee you see is the fee you pay.
How much does counselling cost in BC?
The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) publishes a fee guide. For 2026, its recommended ranges for a 50-minute individual session in private practice are:
Less experienced RCC: $140 to $155
More experienced RCC: $155 to $175
Specialized services: $175 to $225
These are guidelines, not rules, so fees vary from counsellor to counsellor.
My fees
You'll find my current fees for individual, couples and parenting sessions on my Contact page. I also offer a free 15-minute consultation before you book, so we can see if we're a good fit.
All sessions are online, anywhere in BC, in English or Farsi. Online also means no commute, no parking and no rushing out the door. (If you have ADHD, you know that "leaving the house on time" can be the hardest part of the whole appointment.)
FAQ
Is counselling covered by MSP in BC?
Private counselling usually isn't covered by MSP. Counselling through a hospital, a health authority or a public mental health program is covered, but it often needs a referral and may have a wait.
Does extended health insurance cover a Registered Clinical Counsellor?
Many BC plans do, but not all. Check your plan for "Registered Clinical Counsellor" or "RCC," the yearly maximum, and whether it's shared with psychologists.
Is online counselling covered by insurance?
Most extended health plans cover online counselling the same way as in-person sessions. Ask your insurer to confirm before your first session.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see a counsellor in BC?
No. You can book a counsellor directly. Some insurance plans ask for a referral before they'll pay a claim, so check your plan.
Can I claim counselling on my taxes in BC?
Right now, the Canada Revenue Agency doesn't list clinical counsellors in BC for the medical expense tax credit. Psychologists and social workers are listed. Ask a tax professional about your situation.
Money shouldn't be the mystery part
Starting counselling is already a big step. Not knowing what it'll cost shouldn't be the thing that stops you. So check your plan, write down the answers, and ask questions. Even 5% clearer counts.
If you'd like to talk it through, I offer online counselling across BC, in English or Farsi, for adults with ADHD, people living with BPD, couples and parents. You can book a free 15-minute consultation, and bring your insurance questions with you.
Still on a waitlist for an ADHD assessment? You don't need a diagnosis to start. Here's how to get an adult ADHD diagnosis in BC.
This article is general information, not financial or tax advice. Plans and rules change, so always check with your insurer. If you're in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8.
