Insurance & Funding
How to Pay for Psychological Services
One of the most common questions we receive is: can I afford psychological services? The answer, for many people, is yes, often through coverage sources they are not fully aware of.
At CDL & Associates, we want cost to be as little of a barrier as possible. This page outlines the most common funding options available to our clients in Ontario, including insurance plans, government programs, and workplace benefits.
If you are unsure whether your specific plan covers psychological services, the best first step is to call us. We are happy to help you figure out your options before you commit to anything.
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
Veterans Affairs Canada provides insurance funding for psychological services to eligible veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members as part of their Mental Health Program. CDL & Associates is familiar with the VAC referral and authorization process.
How the VAC Process Generally Works:
- VAC covers services from Registered Psychologists (C.Psych.) in Ontario
- Contact your VAC case manager or call VAC directly at 1-866-522-2122 to discuss your mental health needs and request a referral
- Once CDL & Associates receives the referral, the rest of the process will be completed by our administration team. Keeping the process as painless and simple for our clients as possible.
Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Desjardins
Many Canadians have extended health benefits through their employer that include psychological services. Common insurance providers in Ontario include:
- Sun Life Financial, most employer group plans include mental health coverage; check your plan for the annual maximum and provider requirements
- Manulife, group benefits typically include psychological services; some plans require pre-authorization for longer-term therapy
- Canada Life, most group plans include separate coverage for registered psychologists and psychotherapists, and many newer plans add a dedicated Mental Health Practitioner benefit on top of standard psychology coverage
- Green Shield Canada, commonly includes registered psychologist and psychotherapist coverage in both employer and individual plans
- Desjardins Insurance, group plans often include mental health coverage with varying annual limits
Blue Cross
Blue Cross offers both individual and group health plans in Ontario, many of which include coverage for psychological services from a registered psychologist or regulated psychotherapist.
- Group plans (typically provided through an employer) generally include a set annual dollar amount for psychological services, often between $500 and $2,000 per year
- Individual Blue Cross plans vary significantly in their mental health coverage, check your plan booklet or call the number on your benefits card
- Clients generally pay at the time of service and submit a receipt to Blue Cross for reimbursement.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) — Indigenous Clients
First Nations, Inuit, and eligible Metis individuals may have access to psychological services through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, administered by Indigenous Services Canada.
- NIHB covers mental health counselling and crisis intervention for eligible Indigenous individuals
- Coverage typically requires pre-authorization, contact NIHB directly at 1-800-333-3408 or visit Canada.ca for more information
Additional Details
To confirm your coverage with any of these providers, call the member services number on the back of your benefits card and ask specifically: 'Does my plan cover psychological services from a registered psychologist or social worker in Ontario, and what is my annual maximum?'
Serving Clients Across Quinte West, Trenton, Belleville, and Northumberland
Our clinic is located in Batawa, Ontario, centrally situated between Trenton and Campbellford, and within easy reach of Belleville, Brighton, Cobourg, and Northumberland County. Telehealth services are available for individuals across Ontario who prefer appointments from home.