BENEFITS
Some benefits company plans cover “clinical counsellors”, and some do not. It seems to be that about half the time I am covered.
To find out if l am covered, call your provider and ask (some numbers are below).
Here are some terms that describe my designation:
- “Counselling/Counsellor”
- “Clinical Counselling/Clinical Counsellor”
- “Certified Counsellor”
You may want to give them my association name if they are very specific about which Clinical Counsellors are covered. If so, you can tell them I am with the “CPCA” (The Canadian Professional Counsellors Association) and if you need to you can give them my associate # which is 3747.
While you are on the phone, also find out:
- How much of each session is covered. (Some cover 100%, some cover a lesser amount, I’ve seen between 70%, 80% and 90%)
- How much you have allotted for the year.
- When is your year end — is it January to December or some other span?
- Does your health spend plan cover a Clinical Counsellor?
If you find out that I am not covered:
If you are in need of only a few sessions per year, you can find a psychologist to help you. All benefits companies cover psychologists. Many benefits packages have a limit of $500 per year. If this is you, that would cover you for about 2 sessions at the psychologist rate of $235+/hour.
In this case you could use up your benefits with a psychologist and then see me in one of my sliding scale spots for the rest of the year.
PHONE NUMBERS FOR BENEFITS COMPANIES
Greenshield:
95% of plans l’ve encountered here cover my services. To confirm, call Greenshield at 1.888.711.1119 Monday to Friday 8:30 – 8:30 ET. You can ask them if service provider 000862031 is covered under your plan. You can also give my phone number and name: 403-444-6490, Cielia Hatch. This is one of the few companies where I do have the ability to direct bill to them in most cases.
Blue Cross:
I am often covered under Blue Cross policies. Call Blue Cross at 1-800-661-6995 or email them here to find out if I am covered on your plan or not. Ask them if “provider # 3747” is eligible for reimbursement, as well as how much your yearly allotment is. A few Blue Cross accounts have a health spend account – ask if a “clinical counsellor” is eligible for coverage. A doctor’s referral may work to gain coverage depending on the plan (the smaller the business the greater the chance). If you want to try this route, let me know and I can write your doctor a letter to describe how they can help you by writing a letter of recommendation for you to see a clinical counsellor.
SunLife:
I am often covered under SunLife policies. Call 1-800-361-6212 and ask them if “Cielia Hatch” is under your list of eligible service providers If you have an individual plan instead of a group plan, there is more flexibility and a doctor’s referral may work (Ask me if you want to try this and I’ll give you a letter for your doctor to read). I may also be covered on a health spend account – ask if a “clinical counsellor” is eligible for coverage.
Manulife:
I am sometimes covered under Manulife policies. You can call 1-800-268-6195 to confirm if I am covered or not. If you have an individual plan instead of a group plan, there is more flexibility and a doctor’s referral may work. I may also be covered on a health spend account – ask if a “clinical counsellor” is eligible for coverage.
Dejardins:
I am sometimes covered under Dejardins policies. You can call 1-800-463-7870 8 to 5 EST to confirm if I am covered or not. If you have an individual plan instead of a group plan, there is more flexibility and a doctor’s referral may work (Ask me to provide you a letter to guide your doctor). I may also be covered on a health spend account – ask if a “clinical counsellor” is eligible for coverage.
Great West Life:
1-800-957-9777 A handful of polices do cover “clinical counselling” A health spend account only covers “clinical counselling” if it is also covered on the base plan.
This is a partial list – there are many benefits companies out there. If you don’t find your company on this list, you can look up the client services number provided to you by your employer, or look them up online.
Can I use my receipt in order to receive a deduction on taxes?
Unfortunately you cannot claim therapy as a deduction in Alberta, unless the person receiving the benefits has an approved disability tax credit. Please speak with me if this is the case to ensure we follow all the procedures.