GENERGAL INSURANCE COVERAGE

Although not covered under Medical Services Plan of BC, many insurance companies offer substantial reimbursement for counselling services with BCACC Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC). Please look into your extended health benefits through your school, workplace, or other agencies. A receipt will be provided after each payment for your insurance reimbursement. With the exceptions on ICBC claimant and Victim Service clients, you are solely responsible to seek reimbursement from your insurer unless a third party has taken responsibility for payment. Counselling fees are also income tax deductible as medical expenses. Ask CRA or your tax preparation expert for details and conditions.

WHAT TO DO IF COUNSELLING IS NOT COVERED?

If you find that RCC service is not listed under your healthcare benefit, I strongly encourage you to discuss this with your Human Resource Department or third party insurance company. This adjustment is not difficult to do and would only benefit both you and them. Please contact me for more tips on how to get yourself covered and a sample insurance policy adjustment letter.

ICBC

You may be eligible for pre-approved funding for psychological counselling if you have been in a motor accident and have an open claim with ICBC. Under the Part VII ICBC Policy, ICBC is required by law (The Regulations To The Insurance Vehicle Act) to pay all reasonable expenses the insured incurred as a result of the injury for necessary medical and recovery services. In order to claim clinical counselling benefits, you must obtain a note from your family physician or rehab team recommending counselling treatment and provide this note to your ICBC adjuster. You will also need to provide me with your ICBC claim number and adjuster’s contact information. Feel free to contact me to find out more about this option.

ICBC Contact Info: medinquiries@icbc.com

Lower Mainland: 604-520-8222    Rest of BC, Canada, and US: 1-800-910-4222

DIRECTION-TO-PAY OPTION FOR CLIENT OF LAWYER

This option allows lawyer clients to get the necessary rehabilitation service that they need after a motor accident. I accept direction-to-pay clients for cases that have a minimum of 2 years in standing already. An annual interest of 16% for service fee is applicable. Upon consulting with your lawyer about this option, you would need to provide the following to me: 1) ICBC claim number; 2) Referral from physician; 3) Signed direction-to-pay form.

CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

If you are a victim of crime, a family member of the victim, or a witness, you may apply to the BC Crime Victim Assistance Program for counselling service coverage.

Toll free in B.C. 24/7 confidential and multilingual line VictimLink BC: 1-800-563-0808