What is a Canadian Certified Counsellor?
Prince Edward Island regulates counselling therapy through the College of Counselling Therapy of Prince Edward Island. According to the College, "only registrants with the College can use" the titles counselling therapist and CT.
The Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) is a voluntary national certification run by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). CCPA requires a master's or equivalent graduate degree, a minimum of 150 client training hours, two references and a criminal records check.
First Session lists CCCs from across Canada who are insured to provide online therapy in Prince Edward Island. Profiles show each counsellor's designation, a short intro video and a free 15-minute consultation you can book directly.
What to know about CCC therapy in Prince Edward Island
Online sessions and the PEI College
CCPA's guidance says a practitioner from another province need not register with the College if they meet three conditions. They do not advertise in PEI, keep no more than three PEI clients at a time, and have PEI clients making up under 20% of their practice.
Otherwise they may register. A practitioner who does not register must tell clients that complaints cannot go to the College.
Credentials in Prince Edward Island
The province's counselling therapists regulations, current to August 10, 2024, set general registration at a council-approved master's degree or equivalent. They also require the national entry-to-practice assessment, at least 450 hours of direct client practice and liability insurance.
CCPA lists the protected title as Registered Counselling Therapist, proclaimed on August 1, 2021. The CCC sits alongside it as a voluntary credential.
Cost and insurance
Therapists serving PEI list fees from $125 to $200 per session on First Session, and the CCC profiles reviewed for this page run from $160 to $200. Sun Life's standard extended health plans have included clinical counsellors, CCCs among them, since May 12, 2024.
After each session you pay by card and receive an emailed receipt with the therapist's name, license number and designation. Submit that receipt through your insurer's claim portal.
Free public counselling
Health PEI's Open Access Counselling offers a walk-in session with a mental health counsellor, with no appointment or referral required. According to the 211 PEI listing, sessions are free, same-day and up to 60 minutes. Bring your PEI Health Card.
How to choose a Canadian Certified Counsellor in Prince Edward Island
1Start with your concern
A CCC has completed graduate training and client hours. The bio says which concerns a counsellor treats, such as stress, relationships or low mood. Filter by specialty and read two or three bios before booking.
2Watch the intro videos
Credentials show training, and a video shows manner. Short videos let you hear a counsellor's pace and tone before you book. Compare a few, then book consultations with the ones that sound right.
3Ask who handles complaints
In the free consultation, ask whether the counsellor is registered with the College of Counselling Therapy of Prince Edward Island. If not, ask which body handles complaints. CCPA says practitioners who do not register must tell clients.
4Compare the fee with your plan
Read the fee on the profile, then ask your insurer whether it names the CCC as a provider. The designation on the profile lets you match it to your plan before you pay for a session.
Looking for something more specific?
Filter by specialty in Prince Edward Island
Canadian Certified Counsellors in other provinces
Helpful reading
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