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Insurance Resources

Mental health benefits that recognize counsellors/counselling therapists/psychotherapists
as eligible providers are essential for the overall well-being of Canadians.

Resources for Insurers

As the leading national bilingual Association representing the collective voice of more than 11,000 professional counsellors and psychotherapists, we know that critical investments in areas related to mental health and mental illness are vital for the overall health and wellness of all Canadians.

When it comes to health insurance benefits, research indicates that comprehensive mental health strategies lead organizations to outperform their competitors across key measures from health safety to shareholder returns[1]. Unfortunately, while most health insurance benefits have some mental health coverage, data is indicating that it is insufficient to address the mental health needs of plan members.

Learn more through these infographics:

Counsellors/Psychotherapists are the key to comprehensive health benefits that break down the barriers in access to mental health care in Canada:

The Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation is a voluntary national credential with high standards and ethical oversight, comparable to a regulatory college:

Need help navigating the landscape of counselling/psychotherapy licenses and credentials? Look no further:

Access CCPA’s Mental Health Benefits Toolkit for Insurers, Employers and Consultants (in progress) to learn more about how mental health benefits are currently underserving the needs of Canadians, and how easily the barriers can be addressed in order to lead to some incredible improvements for plan members!

Other valuable resources:

  • Capacity Survey: learn about how counselling therapists/psychotherapists have the most availability for Canadians seeking mental health support than other mental health practitioners.

Resources for Practitioners

In Canada, 90% of health insurance is purchased through a group plan[1], mostly through an employer[2]. The plan design is largely determined by the plan sponsor (who is usually an employer) and therefore coverage for counselling/psychotherapy services varies by employer and by plan type.

Watch our recorded webinar from Counselling and Psychotherapy Month 2022 on Health Insurance for Counselling/Counselling Therapy/Psychotherapy Services to learn more about how health insurance coverage is determined, paid out, what to do when a claim is rejected, and how CCPA is working to improve inclusion in these plans for our members and thus improve access to mental health care services for Canadians!

To learn more about health insurance in Canada, explore the resources developed by the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) entitled Resources for Health Care Providers, including but not limited to an overview on health insurance in Canada and best practices for your receipts. Also take a look at our other resources:

Sample Receipt

Developed in collaboration with the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association and CCPA’s Private Practitioners Chapter

See Receipt

References

[1] Deloitte. (2019). The ROI in workplace mental health programs: Good for people, good for business – A blueprint for workplace mental health programs. Deloitte Insights.
[2] https://www.clhia.ca/web/CLHIA_LP4W_LND_Webstation.nsf/resources/Factbook_2/$file/2021+FACT+BOOK+EN.pdf
[3] https://www.commonwealthfund.org/international-health-policy-center/countries/Canada