A Guide To Direct Billing for Clinical Counselling in British Columbia

Updated: June 24th, 2024

A significant advancement in mental health care is on the horizon for British Columbia. Direct billing for Registered Clinical Counsellors is available, making it easier and more affordable for clients to access mental health services. This new option will help reduce the financial and administrative burdens often associated with seeking therapy, enhancing the overall experience for those in need of support.

Chipperfield Physiotherapy is pleased to announce that we are set up for direct billing through Telus eClaims. Our team has worked diligently to register all our Clinical Counsellors and update our internal billing processes to provide this service.

While direct billing is only available for plans associated with Telus eClaims, we hope that more plans and insurance providers will follow suite soon! Please check our website, online booking page, or email us at info@chipperfieldphysio.ca for the latest updates.

Which insurance companies are accepted?

You’re eligible for direct billing for Counselling services if you're insured with:

• Manulife

• Beneva

• Adjudicare

• Equitable

• Johnston Group

• Industrial Alliance

• The People Corporation

• Chamber of Commerce

• RWAM

• ESC

• BPA

• Coughlin

• Cowan

• Maximum Benefit

• CINUP

• First Canadian

• Alberta Blue Cross

• (& more to come hopefully!)

Clinical Counsellor Christine Dobbelsteyn working with Chipperfield clients

What is Direct Billing?

Direct billing is a service offered by many healthcare providers where the cost of your session is billed directly to your insurance company. This means you don’t have to pay out of pocket for your sessions and then wait for reimbursement from your insurer. Instead, the healthcare provider handles the payment process, making it easier for you to focus on your therapy without the added stress of managing payments.

How Does Direct Billing Work?

The process of direct billing is straightforward:

✅ Verify Insurance Coverage: Before your first session, contact your insurance provider to confirm that they cover clinical counselling services and that your chosen counsellor is covered.
✅ Provide Information: Share your insurance details with your counsellor or the our Customer Experience team. We will typically require your policy number and some personal information to process the direct billing.
✅ Session Billing: After each session, we will bill your insurance company directly. If there is any co-payment or deductible, you will be informed and can pay that portion directly to the clinic.

Benefits of Direct Billing

👉 Financial Ease: By eliminating the need for upfront payments, direct billing makes it easier to manage the costs associated with therapy.
👉 Convenience: Handling payments directly between the clinic and the insurance company reduces administrative tasks for clients, allowing them to focus on their mental health.
👉 Accessibility: Direct billing can make clinical counselling more accessible to those who might otherwise avoid therapy due to financial concerns.

Challenges to Consider

While direct billing offers numerous benefits, there are some challenges to be aware of:

🚫 Insurance Limitations: Not all insurance plans cover clinical counselling, and those that do may have limitations on the number of sessions or types of therapy covered.
🚫 Provider Networks: It’s essential to ensure that your counsellor is within your insurance provider’s network to take advantage of direct billing (Chipperfield Physiotherapy only hires licensed Clinical Counsellors so this shouldn’t be a problem!)
🚫 Partial Coverage: Some insurance plans may only cover a portion of the session cost, leaving you responsible for the remainder.

How to Get Started with Direct Billing at Chipperfield Clinical Counselling

At Chipperfield Clinical Counselling, we strive to make accessing mental health support as seamless as possible. Here’s how you can get started with our direct billing services:

1️⃣ Contact Us: Reach out to our administrative team to discuss your insurance coverage and verify that we can bill your provider directly.
2️⃣ Share Your Information: Provide your insurance details during your initial consultation or over the phone, and we’ll handle the rest.
3️⃣ Enjoy Hassle-Free Therapy: Focus on your well-being and leave the billing process to us. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Why Choose Chipperfield Clinical Counselling?

Experienced Therapists: Our team of qualified counsellors is dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
Comprehensive Services: We offer a range of therapeutic approaches to address various mental health challenges.
Client-Centered Approach: Your comfort and confidentiality are our top priorities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for your therapy sessions.

Don’t let financial concerns hold you back from seeking the help you deserve. Book your session with Chipperfield Clinical Counselling today and take a positive step toward a healthier, happier you.