Clinically reviewed by Jonathan Wieser, MA MFT, RCC, RMFT, Approved Clinical Supervisor. Last reviewed: July 16, 2026.
One of the most common questions we hear before a first appointment is some version of: will my insurance cover this? It is a fair question, and the answer in BC is usually encouraging, with a few details worth checking first. This guide explains how coverage for Registered Clinical Counsellors works, how to check your plan in five minutes, and what your options are if you do not have coverage.
The Short Answer
Many extended health plans in BC cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), but coverage varies by plan. MSP does not cover RCC services. Before booking, check whether your plan lists RCCs as eligible providers, your per session and annual maximums, and whether your insurer requires a doctor’s note. Details on fees, insurance, and direct billing at Sojourn are on our fees page.
MSP vs Extended Health: What Public Coverage Includes
BC’s Medical Services Plan covers physician care, including psychiatrists with a referral, but it does not cover counselling with an RCC. For most people in BC, counselling coverage comes through extended health benefits: workplace plans, a spouse’s plan, student plans, or individually purchased plans.
Coverage at a Glance
| Coverage source | Covers RCC counselling? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MSP | No | Covers psychiatrists (with referral), not counsellors |
| Extended health benefits | Often, plan dependent | Check eligible provider list, maximums, and referral rules |
| ICBC | Yes, for accident related concerns | Counselling after a motor vehicle accident; book soon after the accident |
| CVAP | Yes, once approved | Crime Victim Assistance Program; some therapists are CVAP approved |
| No coverage | — | Low cost sessions with supervised interns are available |
How to Check Your Coverage in Five Minutes
- Find your benefits booklet or member portal. Search for “paramedical practitioners” or “mental health practitioners.”
- Look for the eligible provider list. You are looking for “Registered Clinical Counsellor,” “clinical counsellor,” or “RCC.” Some plans instead list psychologists or social workers only.
- Note your limits. Check the amount covered per session, the percentage reimbursed, and your annual maximum.
- Check referral requirements. Most plans do not require a doctor’s note for counselling, but some do before they will reimburse.
- When unsure, call your insurer. Ask directly: “Does my plan cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC?”
What If My Plan Only Lists Psychologists or Social Workers?
Call and ask. Some plans extend coverage to master’s level counsellors on request, and plans change at renewal, so it can be worth asking your plan administrator or HR about adding RCC coverage. If your plan will not cover an RCC, weigh the difference in session fees: counselling with an RCC often costs meaningfully less per session than the alternatives, which can matter more than partial reimbursement. Our guide to counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists in BC compares the options and their costs.
Direct Billing: How It Works at Sojourn
Direct billing means the clinic submits the claim to your insurer so you pay only the portion your plan does not cover. Sojourn direct bills a wide range of insurers through the TELUS eClaims system, including Manulife, Medavie Blue Cross, Green Shield, Canada Life (PSHCP), and many others. To use it, confirm your coverage with your insurer first, then provide your policy details before your session. You remain responsible for any balance your plan does not cover. If your insurer is not one Sojourn can bill directly, you are not out of luck — because our counsellors are Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and Registered Marriage and Family Therapists (RMFTs), many extended health plans still reimburse sessions when you submit your receipt. The full insurer list and steps are on our fees and insurance page.
Other Coverage Pathways
- ICBC: if you are experiencing anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulties, or intrusive thoughts after a motor vehicle accident, ICBC counselling may cover your sessions. Booking soon after the accident matters for your claim.
- CVAP: the Crime Victim Assistance Program can fund counselling for people affected by crime. Some Sojourn therapists are CVAP approved.
- No coverage: low cost counselling with supervised intern counsellors runs $0 to $60 per session, and the first intern session is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MSP cover counselling in BC?
No. MSP covers physician services, including psychiatry with a referral, but not counselling with an RCC. Counselling coverage in BC comes mainly through extended health benefits.
Do I need a referral to see a counsellor?
No referral is needed to book with an RCC. However, some extended health plans require a doctor’s note before they will reimburse counselling, so check your plan’s rules before your first session. Full details in our guide: Do you need a referral to see a counsellor in BC?
Does Sojourn offer direct billing?
Yes. Sojourn direct bills many insurers through TELUS eClaims, including Manulife, Medavie Blue Cross, Green Shield, and others. Confirm your coverage with your insurer first; you are responsible for any portion your plan does not cover. Even if your insurer is not one we bill directly, plans that cover RCC or RMFT services can reimburse you when you submit your receipt.
What does counselling cost without insurance?
At Sojourn, sessions with a Registered Clinical Counsellor are $160 to $175 for 50 minutes, sessions with RN and counselling associates are $120, and supervised intern counsellors offer sessions from $0 to $60. Current fees are always listed on our fees and insurance page and in JaneApp.
Are online counselling sessions covered the same way?
Usually yes. Most plans that cover RCC counselling cover secure video sessions the same as in person sessions, which means you can access online counselling across BC using your benefits. Confirm with your insurer if your plan is unclear.
Does the RCC credential matter for insurance?
Yes. Insurers reimburse based on the provider’s designation, and RCC is one of the most widely recognized counselling credentials in BC plans. You can read more about what a Registered Clinical Counsellor is and how to verify registration.
Ready to Use Your Benefits?
Once you have confirmed your coverage, you can view counsellor profiles and book online with a Registered Clinical Counsellor at Sojourn, in person in Surrey or online across BC. If you are unsure who to book with or have questions about direct billing, contact us and we can help.
This article is for general information. Coverage details are set by your insurer and plan; always confirm with your provider. This content does not replace professional, financial, or medical advice.
