Fees, Billing & Insurance Information

Quick Summary

🔒 What You Pay: $150 per 50-minute session
💳 Payment Options: Credit card, e-transfer, debit, cash, or cheque
🏥 Insurance: Most workplace plans cover CCC services; check your specific plan
📊 Sliding Scale: Limited spots available ($120-$140) for financial hardship
🚫 MSP Coverage: BC provincial health insurance does NOT cover private counselling
📄 Receipts: Automatic detailed receipts for insurance claims and tax deductions

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What Sessions Cost

Standard 50-Minute Session: $150

This rate reflects my training (Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Diploma in Professional Counselling), clinical experience as a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), and the complexity of therapeutic work we’ll do together.

Industry Context: My fees align with current industry standards in British Columbia. Individual therapy rates for certified counsellors in Greater Victoria typically range from $150–$220 per session, with CCCs generally falling in the middle of this range.

First Session: The first appointment is a 50-minute initial consultation priced at $150. We’ll explore what brings you in, establish rapport, and figure out if we’re a good fit for working together.

Same Rate for Virtual or In-Person

You can attend sessions in my office at 132-328 Wale Road, Colwood, BC, or by secure video conference. The therapeutic work and time investment are equivalent, so I don’t charge differently based on format.

Online sessions follow Canadian telepsychology guidelines to ensure your privacy and the quality of care. Learn more about whether online therapy is as effective as in-person.

When and How You Pay

Payment Methods I Accept

Credit card via Jane App (secure online portal)
E-transfer to sean@introspectuscounselling.ca
Debit card via Jane App
Cash (paid at the end of your session)
Cheque (payable to Introspectus Counselling)

Payment Timing

Payment is due at the end of each session.

If you have insurance that I can direct bill, you’ll pay only the portion not covered by your plan at the time of service. If we’ve arranged a different payment schedule (like billing at the end of the month), we’ll confirm that during your first session.

Insurance & Extended Health Benefits

This is the section most people care about. Here’s what you need to know.

Does Insurance Cover CCC Services?

I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellour (CCC) through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Most workplace extended health plans in BC cover counselling with CCCs, but coverage varies significantly by insurer and individual plan.

The CCPA notes that while many major insurers recognize CCC services, each employer designs their own benefits package and chooses which credentials to include. Before booking your first appointment, I strongly recommend checking your specific coverage to avoid surprises.

Read the complete guide: Does my insurance cover a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)?

Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider

Call the number on your benefits card and ask:

"Does my plan cover Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) services?"
"What is my annual maximum for mental health or counselling services?"
"How much do you reimburse per session; is it a percentage or flat amount?"
"Do I need a doctor's referral for coverage?"
"Is there a limit on the number of sessions per year?"
"How do I submit claims; do you have an app or online portal?"

Important note: Most extended health plans don’t require a doctor’s referral for counselling with a CCC, but some do. Always verify your specific plan’s requirements before your first session.

If you’re unsure about insurance terminology or want more context on how therapy coverage works in BC, I’ve created a detailed FAQ that walks through the most common scenarios.

Direct Billing (When Available)

I can direct bill certain insurance providers. This means:

You provide your insurance information when booking
I submit claims directly to your insurer
You pay only any uncovered portion at the end of your session
Your insurer reimburses me directly

When you book, I’ll confirm whether your insurer is in my network. If not, I’ll provide detailed receipts so you can submit claims for reimbursement yourself.

Important: I cannot guarantee coverage. Your insurer makes the final determination about whether your specific plan covers counselling services and at what rate.

What if you can't direct bill my insurer?

The process is straightforward:

You pay the full $150 session fee at the end of your appointment
I provide a detailed receipt via email (automatically generated through Jane App)
You submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement
Your insurer reimburses you directly (typically 5–10 business days)

Detailed receipts include:

Session date and duration
Services provided
Amount paid
My credentials and CCC designation
Tax receipt information

What might my insurance company request?

If you’re submitting receipts or I’m direct billing, your insurer may request:

Diagnosis code (classification of your presenting concern)
Session dates and frequency (to verify billing matches claims)
Practitioner credentials (confirmation of my CCC status)
Basic client health information (to assess medical necessity)

Privacy note: When you submit claims, your insurance company will see some details about your treatment. This is standard practice and protected under BC privacy legislation, but it’s your choice whether to use insurance.

Services are provided in accordance with the CCPA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which include strict confidentiality requirements. I will only share information your insurer requests for claims processing.

Provincial Health Coverage (MSP)

BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover psychotherapy or counselling services with non-physicians. Counselling is not a covered benefit under provincial health insurance, regardless of your therapist’s credentials.

This means: You’ll pay for counselling privately or through extended health benefits.

But: While MSP doesn’t cover private counselling, Island Health does offer publicly funded mental health services with typical wait times of 3-6 months.

Learn more about the differences between private counselling and public services.

Other Potential Funding Sources

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for coverage through:

ICBC (Motor Vehicle Accidents)

12 pre-approved sessions within 12 weeks after an accident
Coverage up to $127/session
No doctor’s referral required
Available to all BC residents regardless of fault

WorkSafe BC (Workplace Injuries)

Coverage for counselling related to workplace injuries or trauma
Direct billing available for approved claims

CVAP (Crime Victim Assistance Program)

The BC government’s Crime Victim Assistance Program provides:

Up to 48 hours of counselling for victims
Up to 36 hours for immediate family members
Up to 12 hours for witnesses
Application deadline: Within one year of the crime

If none of these funding sources apply and cost is a barrier, there are several options for making therapy more affordable.

Making Therapy Affordable

Sliding Scale Availability

I maintain a limited number of sliding scale spots for clients experiencing financial hardship. Sliding scale fees typically range from $120–$140 per session, depending on your circumstances and current availability.

How sliding scale works:

Mention your interest when booking or bring it up during your first session
We’ll have a brief conversation about your financial situation (confidential, no judgment)
Acceptance is based on demonstrated need and availability of spots
I typically maintain only a few sliding scale positions to ensure practice sustainability

Important: Sliding scale is not guaranteed and may have a waitlist. If you’re interested, reach out early to check current availability.

Community Resources in Greater Victoria

If my fees aren’t workable right now, these community organizations offer lower-cost or free counselling:

Citizens' Counselling Centre

💰 $15-$75/session based on household income
👥 Adults 18+ needing ongoing affordable support
📞 250-384-9934

South Island Counselling

💰 Starting at $25/session for incomes $45,000/year or less
👥 Individuals with limited income seeking regular therapy
📞 250-472-2851

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House

💰 Free short-term supportive counselling
👥 Adults, youth (13-18), couples, families
📞 250-360-0644

Island Health Mental Health Services

💰 Free (MSP-covered)
⏱️ Wait: 3-6 months
📞 Crisis: 1-888-494-3888 | Intake: 1-888-885-8824

See the complete guide to free and low-cost counselling in Greater Victoria

If Money Becomes Tight During Our Work

Life circumstances change. If you experience unexpected financial difficulty while we’re working together, please talk to me. We can explore options like:

Temporary reduction in session frequency (research shows that after building initial skills, less frequent sessions can maintain progress)
Short-term fee adjustment based on your situation
Referral to community resources or lower-cost services if ongoing therapy isn’t feasible right now

The bottom line: Therapy works best when financial stress isn’t preventing you from showing up. Let’s find a solution that works for both of us.

Questions? Let’s talk.

Additional Fees (Beyond Standard Sessions)

Some services require extra time outside of our regular sessions and are billed separately:

Service	Fee	Notes
Written clinical letters or reports	$100/hour	Billed in 15-minute increments
Insurance forms or medical documentation	$50–$100 per form	Depends on complexity
Phone consultations with third parties (family, physicians, etc.) with your written consent	$50–$75 per 30 minutes	Requires advance scheduling

These services:

Require advance notice
Follow the same confidentiality standards as regular sessions
Are billed separately from session fees

If you need any of these services, let’s discuss it during your session so I can give you an accurate estimate.

Automatic Receipts

Every session receipt is automatically emailed to you through Jane App within 24 hours of your appointment.

This receipt includes everything needed for:

Insurance claims
Income tax purposes
Personal record-keeping

Need a duplicate receipt or special documentation? Just ask during your session or contact me via Jane App messaging.

Can I Claim Therapy on My Taxes?

Yes. If you’re paying out of pocket, you can claim counselling expenses as medical expenses on your income tax return (Line 330 in British Columbia).

Requirements for claiming therapy as a medical expense

To qualify:

Services must be provided by a qualified certified practitioner (I’m a CCC)
You must have official receipts (I provide these automatically)
The therapist must be certified in BC

The Canada Revenue Agency maintains a list of authorized medical practitioners eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

Important: Consult with a tax professional for specific requirements and to maximize your deductions.

Cancellation Policy & Fees

Sessions cancelled or modified more than 24 hours in advance incur no fee.

Late cancellations and no-shows:

Please remember to cancel or reschedule 24 hours in advance.

Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice or missed without notice will be charged a fee of the full amount of the session, which is unfortunately not covered by insurance. This fee must be paid before or at the time of your next appointment.

A $50 service charge will be charged for any cheques returned for any reason for special handling.

Exceptions may be made for emergencies or unexpected illness at the provider’s discretion.

I understand that emergencies happen. If you have a genuine crisis situation, contact me as soon as possible and we’ll work something out.

This policy aligns with professional standards recommended by BCACC to ensure both clients and therapists can maintain consistent, sustainable therapeutic relationships.

Read the complete Cancellation and No-Show Policy

Important Legal Stuff

Insurance Coverage Is Not Guaranteed

I cannot guarantee that your insurance plan will cover my services. Each insurer has different criteria, coverage limits, and annual maximums.

It’s your responsibility to:

✓ Confirm coverage with your insurer before your first appointment
✓ Understand your plan’s deductibles, co-pays, and session limits
✓ Know whether reimbursement requires a physician’s referral or pre-approval

I’m happy to provide documentation to support your insurance claims, but final coverage decisions rest with your insurer. If you’re unsure about whether you need a doctor’s referral to see a therapist in BC, I’ve written a detailed explanation.

What if my insurer denies my claim?

If your insurer denies your claim, contact them directly to understand why. Common reasons include:

Coverage limits exceeded (you’ve used your annual maximum)
Services not covered under your specific plan
Practitioner credentials don’t meet plan requirements
Referral or pre-approval not obtained

I can provide additional documentation if needed, but the final coverage decision is your insurer’s responsibility. If you have questions about my credentials or the services provided, I’m happy to clarify.

Reimbursement Rates Vary

Some insurers reimburse 100% of the session fee. Others reimburse only a percentage (like 80%) or have a set reimbursement rate (like $100 per session) that may be less than my $150 fee.

Example: If your insurer reimburses 80% of the session fee, you would pay $150 at the time of service and receive $120 back from your insurer. Your out-of-pocket cost would be $30 per session.

If your plan has a set reimbursement rate lower than my fee, you would be responsible for paying the difference.

Privacy & Insurance Billing

By submitting claims to your insurer or authorizing direct billing, you’re authorizing me to share some health information (diagnosis, session dates, potentially clinical notes if required) with your insurance company.

What this means:

This is necessary for claims processing
It’s protected under BC privacy legislation
It’s your choice whether to use insurance
Your insurer has its own privacy policies

I recommend reviewing your plan documents to understand how your information is used.

Learn more about what information stays confidential and the legal limits to confidentiality

Annual Fee Review

Fees are subject to change annually. I’ll provide at least 30 days’ written notice of any fee increase, giving you time to adjust your budget or insurance claims planning.

Current fees effective: January 1, 2026
Next scheduled review: January 2027

Understanding Your Options

Comparing Private Therapy vs Public Services

Many people wonder whether to use private counselling or Island Health services. Here’s the key difference:

Private Counselling	Island Health Services
⚡ Access: 1-2 weeks	⏱️ Access: 3-6 months
👤 Choice: You choose your therapist	🎲 Assignment: Assigned based on availability
⏰ Duration: Ongoing for as long as helpful	⏳ Duration: Time-limited or crisis-focused
💰 Cost: $150/session (insurance may cover)	🆓 Cost: Free (MSP-covered)
📍 Location: My office or online	🏥 Location: Island Health facilities

Many clients use both: Seeing me for regular therapy while also accessing Island Health for medication management or crisis support.

Access Island Health: Mental Health & Substance Use Service Link at 1-888-885-8824.

Learn more about the differences and how to choose

Understanding Professional Credentials

As a Canadian Certified Counsellor, I hold a Master’s-level credential that requires graduate training, supervised clinical practice, and ongoing professional development. The CCPA certification process ensures I meet national standards for competence and ethical practice.

What CCC certification requires:

✓ Master’s degree in counselling or related field
✓ 100+ hours of supervised clinical practice
✓ Ongoing professional development (40 hours every 2 years)
✓ Adherence to CCPA Code of Ethics
✓ Criminal record check
✓ Professional liability insurance

If you’re curious about the differences between counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, I’ve written a detailed comparison that explains what each professional can offer and when you might see each type of provider.

Ready to Get Started?

💬 Questions About Fees or Sliding Scale?
Email: sean@introspectuscounselling.ca
Phone: 250-556-4623
Or message me through Jane App

🏥 Want to Confirm Insurance Coverage First?
Call your insurer before booking, but I’m also happy to answer coverage questions during a brief pre-appointment conversation if needed.

💰 Insurance & Payment

🚀 Getting Started

🤔 Understanding Therapy

📋 Policies & Your Rights

Last updated: January 14, 2026

Practice operated by: Sean Lewis, Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)
Registration: CCPA Member #11252849
Location: 132-328 Wale Road, Colwood, BC V9B 0J8
Phone: 250-556-4623
Email: sean@introspectuscounselling.ca

Services provided in accordance with CCPA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

For the most current information, visit introspectuscounselling.ca or contact me directly.