Is Therapy Covered by Alberta Health Care?

Is Therapy Covered by Alberta Health Care?

Understanding what mental health services are covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) is essential for residents seeking support in Red Deer and the rest of the province. At It Takes Practice, we aim to provide clarity on this topic to help you make informed decisions about your mental health care options. 

Alberta Health Coverage for Psychiatric Services 

AHCIP fully covers services provided by physicians, including psychiatrists, that are deemed “medically necessary”. Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications and offer psychotherapy. Accessing a psychiatrist typically requires a referral from your family physician, particularly when expecting full or partial coverage from AHCIP. 

Alberta Health Coverage for Psychological Services 

Services provided by psychologists or other mental health professionals outside of hospital settings are generally not covered by AHCIP. This means that individuals seeking therapy or counselling from private practitioners are responsible for the associated costs, though there is sometimes the option for subsidized private services, depending upon your income and health status. 

Alternative Coverage Options 

While AHCIP may not cover private psychological services, there are alternative avenues to explore: 

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers offer EAPs that provide a limited number of counselling sessions at no cost to employees.  

• Private Insurance: Supplementary health insurance plans often include coverage for psychological services. Direct billing is available for many insurance companies that cover the services of Psychologists, and Registered Provisional Psychologists. Coverage for Counsellors or Counselling Therapists may be more limited, and it is advisable to review your policy details or consult your insurance provider to understand the extent of your coverage.  

• Community Organizations: Some non-profit organizations offer low-cost or sliding scale counselling services, making mental health support more accessible.  

  
  

Accessing Services at It Takes Practice 

At It Takes Practice, we offer a range of counselling services tailored to individual needs and we strive to provide affordable options. We are happy to discuss direct billing, insurance, benefit coverage, fees, and provide receipts for insurance reimbursement. If you're seeking support for anxiety, stress management or other mental health concerns, our team is here to assist you.  

Understanding your coverage options is a crucial step toward accessing the mental health support you need. If you have further questions or wish to explore counselling services, please contact us. We're committed to supporting your journey towards wellbeing and are here to help you navigate your options.