Find the right therapist covered by Blue Cross insurance in Alberta.

Yes. Many Alberta Blue Cross plans cover therapy and other mental health services, but coverage depends on your specific employer-sponsored or individual plan. Eligible therapist designations, reimbursement amounts, annual maximums, and referral requirements all vary. Before booking, check your Alberta Blue Cross member portal or benefits booklet to confirm your coverage.

Coverage varies by plan, but many Alberta Blue Cross plans reimburse sessions with Registered Psychologists, Registered Provisional Psychologists, Registered Social Workers (RSWs), and Registered Professional Counsellors (RPCs). Some plans also cover Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses, and other eligible mental health professionals. Every First Session therapist's professional designation is clearly listed on their profile, making it easy to compare with your plan.

No. Alberta Blue Cross is a private supplementary health benefits provider that offers employer-sponsored and individual insurance plans. It is separate from the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), which provides publicly funded medical care. Therapy coverage through Alberta Blue Cross depends entirely on the specific benefits plan you or your employer has purchased.

Usually not, but it depends on your plan. Some Alberta Blue Cross plans require a physician's referral or pre-authorization for certain practitioner types, while many do not. Check your benefits booklet or member portal before booking if you're unsure.

Yes. First Session offers both in-person and online therapy throughout Alberta. In-person appointments are most widely available in larger centres like Calgary and Edmonton, while online therapy gives people across the province, including smaller communities and rural areas, access to a broader selection of therapists. Neither format is inherently better. The right choice depends on your preferences.

Every First Session therapist has a short introduction video and a detailed profile, allowing you to get a sense of their personality, communication style, and therapeutic approach before booking. You can also schedule a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions, discuss your goals, and decide whether they feel like the right fit before committing to ongoing therapy.