Using Your Benefits for Psychotherapy
Many workplace and extended health plans in Ontario include coverage for psychotherapy. If you have mental health or paramedical benefits, there is a good chance your plan provides coverage for psychotherapy services.
Coverage varies by insurer and individual policy, so a quick check with your insurance provider will confirm exactly what your plan covers.
Is an RP (Qualifying) Covered by Insurance?
In most cases, yes. I am a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). Many extended health plans recognize psychotherapy provided by an RP or RP (Qualifying) under their mental health or paramedical benefits. Insurance providers that offer plans with psychotherapy coverage include: Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada (GSC), Desjardins Insurance, Blue Cross, Equitable Life and others.
Because every plan is different, I recommend confirming your specific coverage before your first session.
What to Ask Your Insurance Provider
A quick call or check of your benefits portal can give you the answer. You can ask:
Is psychotherapy covered? "Does my plan cover services provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) registered with CRPO?"
How much is covered? Ask about your annual maximum, reimbursement percentage, and any per session limits.
When does my coverage reset? Check your benefit year and when your annual maximum renews.
Are virtual sessions covered? If you plan to meet online, confirm that virtual psychotherapy sessions are eligible under your plan.
How Payment and Reimbursement Work
Payment is made at the time of each session by credit card or e transfer.
After each session, you will receive an itemized receipt that includes:
My name and professional designation
CRPO registration number
Date of service
Service description and session length
Amount paid
You can then submit your receipt through your insurance provider's online portal or mobile app for reimbursement according to your plan.
I do not submit insurance claims directly. You simply pay for your session, receive your receipt, and submit it to your insurer.
Other Ways to Use Your Benefits
Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) If your plan includes an HCSA, you can often use it toward eligible psychotherapy expenses that are not covered by your regular benefits. Check your specific plan for details.
Medical Expense Tax Credit Certain psychotherapy expenses may also qualify as eligible medical expenses for Canadian income tax purposes, depending on your circumstances and current CRA requirements.
A Simple First Step
If you have extended health benefits, it's worth checking your coverage before your first appointment. Many plans provide meaningful coverage for psychotherapy, making professional support more accessible.
If you're ready to invest in yourself, your benefits may help make that first step easier.