You have found a therapy that sounds like a good fit. Then the next question hits: who pays for it?
Here is the short answer. In British Columbia, the public Medical Services Plan (MSP) generally does not cover sessions with psychologists or counsellors in private practice. Many people pay through an extended health plan, an employee assistance program, a student plan, or out of pocket. What your plan covers depends on the plan, so you will need to check yours.
This guide shows you how to do that in a few simple steps.
The Quick Answer
- MSP: Usually does not pay for private-practice therapy
- Extended health benefits: Often cover some therapy costs, up to a yearly limit
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs): May offer a set number of free sessions
- Student plans: May include counselling or psychology benefits
- Out of pocket: Always an option, and some costs may be claimable on your taxes
Coverage rules change, so always confirm the details with your insurer.
What Is DBT, and Why Does Cost Matter?
DBT stands for dialectical behavior therapy. It teaches practical skills for handling strong emotions, getting through hard moments, and improving relationships. It works on two ideas at the same time: accepting yourself as you are, and learning to change what is not working.
DBT is often learned over several months, so the cost adds up. Knowing what is covered before you start helps you plan and keeps stress about money out of your therapy.
How People in BC Usually Pay for Therapy
1. Extended Health Benefits
Many workplace plans include a “psychologist” or “counsellor” benefit. Some plans cover both, and some cover only one. Plans often have a yearly dollar limit and may only reimburse a percentage of each session.
2. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Some employers offer an EAP. These programs often include a small number of counselling sessions at no cost to you. They can be a helpful way to start, though the number of sessions is usually limited.
3. Student Health Plans
If you are a student, check your school’s plan. Some include mental health benefits. Your student services office can tell you what is included.
4. Paying Out of Pocket
You can also pay for sessions yourself. Ask the clinic about its current fees. Wise Mind Centre keeps this information on its.
5. Tax Credits
In Canada, you may be able to claim therapy costs as a medical expense on your tax return, depending on the provider and your situation. A tax professional or the Canada Revenue Agency can confirm what applies to you.
Payment Options at a Glance
| Payment route | What it may cover | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| MSP (public plan) | Generally not private-practice therapy | Ask whether any public programs fit your situation |
| Extended health plan | Part or all of psychologist or counsellor fees | Yearly limit, percentage covered, and which provider types count |
| EAP | A set number of sessions | How many sessions, and whether they use a set provider list |
| Student plan | Counselling or psychology benefits | Yearly maximum and any pre-approval rules |
| Out of pocket | Whatever you choose to book | Fees, session length, and cancellation terms |
| Tax credit | Possible medical expense claim | Eligibility and paperwork |
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Coverage
Call the number on your benefits card or log in to your insurer’s website. Then follow these steps.
- Find your plan. Check your employer’s benefits booklet or your student plan.
- Ask about provider types. Does your plan cover psychologists, registered clinical counsellors, or both?
- Ask about limits. What is the yearly maximum? Is it per person or per family?
- Ask about percentage. Does the plan pay 100 percent, or only part?
- Ask about paperwork. Do you pay first and send a receipt, or does the clinic bill the insurer? Does your plan need a referral?
- Write it down. Note the date, the name of the person you spoke to, and what they said.
Keeping a record helps if something is unclear later.
What to Ask a Clinic Before You Book
You can also ask the clinic a few simple questions. Wise Mind Centre’s team includes psychologists and counsellors, and you can see who does what.
Try asking:
- What are the fees for my first session and for follow-ups?
- Which clinician fits what I am looking for?
- What is the cancellation policy?
- What paperwork or receipts do I get for my insurer?
- Are sessions available in person, online, or both?
You can also reach the team through the if you have questions before booking.
What Are You Actually Paying For in DBT?
DBT can be set up in different ways. Some people attend one-on-one sessions. Others join a skills group. Some do both.
Before you start, ask the clinician:
- Which part of DBT am I booking?
- How often will we meet?
- How will we know if it is helping?
This helps you understand what you are paying for and plan your yearly benefit limit.
If you want to learn skills alongside others, Wise Mind Centre has a page about DBT group therapy. If you are exploring Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Vancouver options, you can also read what to expect from DBT in Vancouver.
Practical Tips for Making Therapy More Affordable
- Check your benefits at the start of each year. Limits often reset, and you may have unused coverage.
- Match the provider type to your plan. If your plan covers only one type, it helps to know before you book.
- Ask about session length and frequency. Some people start weekly, then space out sessions over time, depending on what their clinician recommends.
- Use your EAP first, if you have one. It can be a good bridge while you look for longer-term support.
- Keep every receipt. You may need them for insurance or taxes.
- Do not wait for perfect coverage. If a concern is affecting your daily life, it is okay to ask for help now and work out payment alongside.
Next Steps: Getting Started at Wise Mind Centre
Wise Mind Centre is a Vancouver-based psychology clinic. It offers in-person sessions in Vancouver and Burnaby, and online sessions for people across BC.
Here are a few places to start:
- Learn about DBT therapy Vancouver and how the approach works
- Explore individual therapy for adults if you want one-on-one support
- See how online therapy works if travel or schedules are tricky
- Review current fees on the fees page
Your next step: Check your benefits using the steps above, then get in touch with any questions about fees or booking.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 9-8-8, Canada’s Suicide Crisis Helpline, any time. In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DBT covered by MSP in BC?
MSP generally does not cover therapy with psychologists or counsellors in private practice. Some publicly funded programs exist, so it can be worth asking your doctor what is available in your area.
Does extended health insurance cover DBT?
Many extended health plans cover psychologist or counsellor sessions, but the details vary. Check your yearly maximum, the percentage covered, and which provider types your plan accepts.
How do I find out what my plan covers?
Call your insurer or log in to your benefits account. Ask about provider types, yearly limits, the percentage covered, and whether you need to pay first and claim later.
Is DBT group therapy covered by insurance?
It depends on your plan. Some plans cover group sessions and some do not. Ask your insurer directly, and check the clinic’s group therapy page for current details.
Can I claim therapy costs on my taxes?
You may be able to claim therapy fees as a medical expense in Canada, depending on the provider and your situation. A tax professional or the Canada Revenue Agency can confirm what applies to you.
How much does DBT cost?
It depends on the clinician, the format, and how often you meet. Check Wise Mind Centre’s fees page for current information.
Conclusion
DBT can be a practical way to build skills for strong emotions, but paying for it should not be a mystery. In BC, MSP generally does not cover private-practice therapy, so most people rely on extended health benefits, an EAP, a student plan, or paying out of pocket.
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