How Manulife coverage works for therapy
Your employer's plan decides whether Manulife pays for therapy and how much. Manulife says that if your extended health care benefit includes mental health practitioners, such as clinical counsellors, psychologists and social workers, you can also use its counselling services.
Manulife states that coverage amounts, maximums and practitioner types depend on the plan. A guide from First Session gives two examples of yearly maximums, $10,000 and $2,000.
Coverage depends on the therapist's designation, according to the same guide. Profiles on First Session show the designation up front, so you can match it to your plan booklet before you book.
What to know about using Manulife for therapy in Victoria
Online and in-person
Manulife says its counselling services can be delivered by phone, video, chat or in person. Sessions with Victoria therapists can run in an office or by video.
The second listing above shows out-of-province therapists who are insured to provide online care in British Columbia.
Credentials in British Columbia
A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) holds a designation from the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. BCACC requires a master's degree and at least 100 hours of clinical supervision.
Social worker is a protected title under the Social Workers Act, according to the BC College of Social Workers. The College of Psychologists of BC regulates the profession of psychology.
Regulation is changing
Starting November 29, 2027, psychotherapists in BC must be licensed by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. The BC Ministry of Health says Psychotherapist will become a protected title.
The Ministry adds that Counsellor and Counselling Therapist can continue as unprotected titles.
Cost and insurance
BCACC's 2026 fee guide suggests $140 to $175 per 50 minutes for individual therapy with an RCC, depending on experience. Specialized services run from $175 to $225. Listed Victoria therapists on First Session charge about $125 to $200 per session.
A therapist's receipt includes the license number and designation your insurer asks for.
How to choose a therapist covered by Manulife in Victoria
1Read your plan booklet first
Find the section on mental health or paramedical practitioners. Note which designations it names, the yearly maximum, and whether a physician referral is required.
2Match the designation
Filter the listings by credential and compare each profile's designation with your plan's wording. First Session interviews each therapist on camera and requires a license in good standing with their provincial college, so the plan wording is what remains to check.
3Watch two or three intro videos
Shortlist profiles that name your concern and watch the videos. Listen for how each therapist explains their approach in plain words and whether the pace suits you.
4Ask about billing in the free consultation
Use the free 15-minute consultation to confirm the session fee, session length and the receipt you get. Compare the fee with your yearly maximum to see how many sessions it covers.
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