How Manulife coverage for therapy works in Alberta
Manulife group members reach counselling through their extended health care (EHC) plan. Manulife says coverage applies if the plan includes mental health practitioners, such as clinical counsellors, psychologists and social workers.
Amounts, maximums and eligible practitioners depend on your plan. You can check your balance in the Manulife app or on the Manulife member site.
A therapist's designation decides which line of your plan applies. First Session shows the designation on each therapist's profile, so you can match it to your plan before you book.
What to know about Manulife therapy coverage in Alberta
Online and in-person
Manulife sets conditions for online and app claims. The expense must be incurred in Canada, the service paid for and received, and Online Claim Submission included in your plan.
Out-of-province therapists on First Session are insured to provide online therapy in Alberta. They appear in the second listing above.
Credentials in Alberta
Alberta law protects the title social worker. According to the Alberta College of Social Workers, only registered social workers can use it. Psychologists register with the College of Alberta Psychologists.
Regulation for counselling therapists is still in development. The Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA) says it is working with the province on it.
Designations from other provinces
A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) holds a designation from the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, a professional association. A Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) is an Ontario designation, and the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario says holders must practise with clinical supervision.
Canadian Certified Counsellors hold a national certification from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), which describes itself as non-statutory.
Cost and insurance
A June 2026 post from Flutterby Psychology gives $200 to $235 for a 50-minute session with a registered psychologist. It gives $120 to $180 for registered social workers, Canadian Certified Counsellors and provisional psychologists, and says clinics set their own fees.
After each session, First Session emails a receipt with the therapist's license number and designation. First Session does not offer direct billing, so you submit the receipt to Manulife yourself.
How to choose a therapist for your Manulife plan in Alberta
1Read your plan's practitioner list first
Find which practitioners your Manulife plan names and what its maximums are. Manulife says eligible practitioner types depend on the plan, so the list in your own benefits booklet decides.
2Match the designation on the profile
Compare the designation on each profile with that list. If a profile shows a designation your plan does not name, ask your benefits team or Manulife before you book.
3Watch the intro video
A bio lists training. A short video shows how a therapist talks, which helps you judge fit before you pay. First Session films each therapist on camera for this reason.
4Use the free consultation to confirm details
In the free 15-minute consultation, ask about session length, the fee and the body behind the therapist's designation. Plans can set per-session caps, so the first two are worth confirming.
Looking for something more specific?
Filter by specialty and credential in Alberta
Alberta cities
Other insurers and provinces
Helpful reading
-(1).jpeg&w=3840&q=85)
