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Virtual Counselling

Virtual counselling refers to mental health or psychological therapy sessions conducted remotely through secure online platforms, such as video calls, phone consultations, or messaging-based services. It allows individuals to access professional support from psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, or counsellors without needing to attend appointments in person.

How It Works

Health insurance plans increasingly recognize virtual counselling as an eligible expense under the paramedical or mental health category, where mental health services typically sit alongside other therapy providers such as psychologists, registered social workers, psychotherapists, and clinical counsellors. Reimbursement usually follows the same rules as in-person therapy, covering a set percentage of costs up to a per-visit or annual maximum. For a virtual session to be eligible, the practitioner generally has to be licensed and registered to practice within the guidelines of their governing body in the province where the service is delivered, and registered with a recognized association in Canada. Some plans go further and require the professional to be licensed in both the jurisdiction where they are located and the jurisdiction where the patient is located. To claim, members submit proper documentation, including receipts, the provider's registration details, and a service description. Virtual counselling is also one of the workplace mental health options that can sit alongside Employee and Family Assistance Programs and in-person visits with a professional.

Example:

Picture a Canadian with extended health coverage that includes paramedical psychology benefits booking a video session with a registered psychotherapist who is licensed in their province. Because the session is delivered through a secure platform by a regulated provider, the plan treats it the same as an in-person visit, reimbursing a set percentage of the cost up to the annual mental health maximum once the member submits the receipt and the provider's registration details.

What to Watch For:

Eligibility depends heavily on the provider's credentials, since services from unlicensed or non-regulated practitioners are generally not reimbursed. Confirm that your provider is licensed and registered with their governing body in the province where the service is rendered, and check whether your plan also requires licensing in the jurisdiction where you are located. Keep your documentation in order, including receipts, registration details, and a service description, so your therapy claim is not held up.

Related Terms

Benefit

A benefit is the specific financial protection or coverage provided under an insurance policy. In health and dental insurance, a benefit refers to the payment or reimbursement made by the insurer for eligible medical, dental, or wellness expenses. Each benefit category - such as prescription drugs, dental services, vision care, or physiotherapy - outlines what is covered, how much the insurer will pay, and any applicable limits or conditions.

Treatment

Treatment refers to any medical, dental, or therapeutic care provided by a licensed healthcare professional to diagnose, manage, or improve a health condition, injury, or disease. In the context of insurance, treatment includes all services, procedures, medications, and interventions that are deemed medically necessary to restore or maintain health. It can range from routine doctor visits and prescription drug use to surgery, rehabilitation, and specialized therapies.

Health Insurance

Health insurance is a type of coverage that helps pay for medical and healthcare expenses not fully covered by Canada’s public health system. It protects individuals and families from the high cost of prescription drugs, medical services, and treatments that fall outside provincial or territorial government health plans. Health insurance can be obtained through an employer’s group benefits plan or purchased individually from a private insurer.

Private Duty Nurse

A private duty nurse is a licensed nurse hired to provide one-on-one medical care to a patient in their home or hospital outside of standard public healthcare services. This specialized care is typically required for individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic illness, or living with a serious medical condition that requires close monitoring or skilled nursing services. The nurse may perform duties such as administering medication, wound care, post-operative support, or palliative care under a physician’s supervision.

Dentist

A dentist is a licensed healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and mouth. Dentists play a key role in maintaining oral health through preventive care, restorative treatments, and patient education. Common services include cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, and oral examinations.

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