One of the most common questions I hear is: “Will my insurance cover counselling with you?”
The answer depends on your provider and the wording of your plan. At Mindful Mage Counselling, I hold two designations:
Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) with the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT)
Because of this, my services are recognised by a wide range of insurance companies in Canada.
Many benefit plans reimburse sessions with a CCC. In Calgary, this often includes:
Alberta Blue Cross (coverage depends on plan wording)
Sun Life (I am listed as a provider through the Lumino Health directory)
Not every plan automatically includes CCCs, but if your policy covers counselling or psychotherapy, you may be eligible for reimbursement.
Some providers also recognise counsellors with RTC designations:
Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP): covers RTC, MTC, RCS.
ClaimSecure: covers RTC's. Please ensure your policy (“the client’s”) covers "counsellors", if the policy states "clinical counsellors" you (“the client”) will not be covered. Claimsecure distinguishes between therapeutic and clinical counsellors.
Equitable Life of Canada: accepts all ACCT designations
Pacific Blue Cross: covers RTC, MTC, RCS if plan wording includes “clinical counsellor.”
Other providers (Canada Life, Manulife, ComPsych) may approve RTC coverage on a case-by-case basis.
Insurance can be confusing, but here’s a step-by-step guide:
Identify your insurance provider
The most common in Canada include: Sun Life, Canada Life, Manulife, Desjardins, Green Shield, Blue Cross, iA Financial, and others.
Check your benefits booklet or online portal
Look under Mental Health, Counselling, Psychotherapy, or Paramedical Services.
🔍 Pay attention to:
Which designations are listed (psychologist, social worker, CCC, RTC, etc.)
Your annual coverage amount (e.g., $500–$1,000 per year)
Any per-session limits or deductibles
Identify the therapist designations your plan covers
My designations: CCC and RTC. Look specifically for these terms.
If wording is unclear, call your provider
Give them your plan number and ask directly:
“Does my plan cover counselling with a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) or Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC)?”
Pay for your session and get reimbursed
After each session, you’ll receive a detailed receipt with my designation, registration number, and all the info your insurance company requires. Upload it to your provider’s portal, and reimbursement follows.
Because Alberta does not regulate counselling provincially, insurance coverage varies. Holding both CCC and RTC designations means I meet high professional standards and maximise your potential coverage.
Still, every plan is different. Some cover psychologists or social workers only, while others include CCCs and RTCs. If you’re unsure, I can help you check during a free consultation.
Do all insurance plans cover CCC or RTC services?
No. Many do, but it depends on your plan’s wording. Always check for “counselling” or “psychotherapy” under covered services.
What if my plan doesn’t list CCC or RTC?
You can request coverage directly. Both CCPA and ACCT support clients in advocating with providers. Sometimes insurers will reimburse once clarified.
Can I still claim counselling if not covered?
Yes. Counselling may be claimed as a medical expense on your income taxes, even if not reimbursed by your plan. Always double check with the current CRA rules and regulations as this can change yearly.
Will you provide receipts for reimbursement?
Yes. All receipts include my professional designation(s), registration number, and practice details.
Not sure if your plan covers counselling with me? Let’s go through it together. During your free 20-minute consultation, I can help you review your benefits and answer any questions.
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