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Understanding Employee Benefits for Counseling and Psychotherapy in Canada
Each year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental illness, and by age 40, 1 in 2 will have been affected. Young people, individuals living with chronic pain, and those facing substance use challenges are especially vulnerable. Yet many delay seeking support, often assuming therapy isn’t affordable or not realizing that their workplace insurance may already include mental health coverage. Many Ontario benefit plans cover counselling and psychotherapy, often ranging from $500 to several thousand dollars per year. Knowing your coverage could be the first step toward getting support.
NOVA VR THERAPY
Athem Houssein
10/8/20252 min read
Does my employee benefit cover counselling and psychotherapy?
Many people simply assume they aren’t covered or don’t know how to confirm what their plan includes.
In Canada, “talk therapy” can be covered in several different ways:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): often short-term counselling (commonly a limited number of sessions) offered through the employer.
Extended Health Benefits: reimbursement for services like psychologists, and often social workers, psychotherapists, counsellors—depending on the plan.
Public coverage: psychiatry and physician services are publicly funded, but private therapy frequently relies on workplace benefits or out-of-pocket payment. Canadian Medical Association
Employee Awareness of Insurance Coverage
A key factor in this discrepancy is awareness. Most Canadians are unaware of whether their employee benefits cover counseling and psychotherapy services. Many individuals question, "Does my employee benefit at my job cover counseling and psychotherapy?" This lack of information can lead to missed opportunities for individuals who might otherwise seek the help they need. It is essential for employees to understand their benefits to make informed decisions regarding their mental health care.
Top Insurance Plans Covering Counseling and Psychotherapy in Ontario
For those fortunate enough to have employee benefits, it is crucial to know which insurance providers offer coverage for mental health services. Below is a list of ten major insurance plans available in Ontario that provide coverage for counseling and psychotherapy, along with their respective limits for annual coverage:
Manulife: Typically Covers between $1000 to $5000 per calendar year.
Canada life: Covers up to $5,000 per calendar year
Sun Life Financial: Covers up to $2,000 annually.
Great-West Life: Provides up to $3,000 per year.
Blue Cross: Offers coverage of up to $2,000.
Desjardins Insurance: Covers counselling services up to $1,500 annually.
Green Shield Canada: Up to $2,000 for mental health services.
North American Life: Offers $1,500 coverage per year.
Empire Life: Provides up to $500 for mental health support.
AD&D Benefit: Coverage of $1,000 annually.
TSX Insurance: Offers up to $1,200 for counselling and therapy.
For more information on coverage specifics, individuals should visit the insurance provider's website or contact their service department directly.
Understanding one's employee benefits is a crucial step towards addressing mental health issues. If you're wondering about the extent of your coverage for counseling and psychotherapy services, don’t hesitate to explore your options and seek the support you deserve.
