What is a Psychologist?
What is the difference between Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Counsellors?
Should I be seeing a Psychologist?
What do Psychologists do?
How do I find a psychologist or psychological associate?
Who pays for the services of a psychologist?
How do I know if a Psychologist is right for me?
Who do I contact if I am in a crisis?
What are the educational requirements to become a Registered Psychologist?
How do I become a member or an affiliate of BCPA?
How do I locate an individual psychologist?

The Medical Services Plan in British Columbia does not pay for the services of a psychologist. Although some clients pay their own fees directly, there are a number of options for funding and reimbursement available to many people who are interested in seeing a psychologist.

Extended Health Plans - Many people who are employed have an extended health care plan through their employer. Many of the health care plans pay all or a portion of the costs of seeing a Registered Psychologist. Look in the booklet describing your benefits or talk to your insurance company to find out about your coverage. Coverage for psychologists varies from around $300 per year to $1000 per year for most plans. Typically, you will pay the psychologist and then be reimbursed by the insurance company.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) - Some employers have EAPs to help employees deal with mental health concerns. You may be able to see a psychologist through your EAP. Generally there will be a phone number you can phone directly to access this service in order to maintain your confidentiality in the workplace.

Criminal Injury Compensation - If you have a psychological problem as a result of having been a victim of a reported crime, you may qualify for payment of psychotherapy services. In BC, the crime needs to have occurred since July 1972, when this program was created. If the crime occurred in BC, you can phone (604) 244-6400 to obtain more information about this service. Other provinces have similar services, but the conditions of qualification and the amount of funding available vary from province to province. You must claim in the province in which the crime occurred.

Workers’ Compensation Board - If you have psychological problems because of an accident or other workplace stress or incident, you may qualify for psychological treatment through the Workers’ Compensation Board. Your claim adjudicator or family physician may be able to help you with this. If your request is declined, the Workers Advisory Board can assist you in appealing.

First Nations Health Services - If you are a First Nations person, you qualify for 20 sessions of psychological services under your Non-insured Health Benefits. Phone the Health Benefits office for referral to one of their contracting psychologists. If you have a psychologist who is not under contract who you would prefer to work with, phone to ask about the procedure involved in securing payment for her or him.

Residential Historical Abuse Program - If you were ever a ward of the provincial government and were sexually abused while in their care, you may qualify for this program. You do not need to have been abused by one of your caregivers - another child could have abused you in the facility or even by someone outside the facility. Relevant facilities include foster homes, hospitals and any provincially funded institutions for children or youth.

Ministry of Social Development and Economic Security - If you are on Income Assistance or BC Disability, you may be able to access psychological services. In order to do this, you can apply for psychotherapy as you would for any other special medical service, such as podiatry, acupuncture, etc. As your application will invariably be declined when you first apply, you will need to appeal, go to a tribunal, and maybe even appeal a second time. In order to do this, you will need an advocate to assist you. When selecting an advocate, make sure he or she is experienced with this kind of session.

Other third party payment programs - Occasionally people in need will qualify for other third party payment plans. Usually these are associated with cases in which there has been some litigation, such as training schools in which there has been abuse, or in cases where a church or other institution is held responsible for abuse perpetrated by a clergyman or other employee in a position of trust. Speak to your lawyer if you have been involved in such a case.

Private Agencies - There are a number of private agencies, such as Family Services of Greater Vancouver, who have psychologists on staff. These agencies offer a sliding scale fee indexed to your income, so even people on very low incomes can receive service. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Counselling" for a clinic in your community.

Provincially Funded Agencies - If you are suffering from a major mental illness, you may be able to see a psychologist at a community mental health team or hospital. However, many of these agencies are oriented to managing medication and do not offer in-depth psychotherapy. If you or a member of your family has an addiction problem, you may see a psychologist or counsellor at an Addiction Services clinic. For a clinic near you, look in the blue pages under Province of BC All of these services are available at no cost to you.