How Sun Life coverage works for therapy in BC
Sun Life is one of the largest group benefits providers in Canada, and many BC employers offer Sun Life plans that include a mental health or psychological services benefit. Coverage is based on the therapist's professional designation matching what your specific plan lists as eligible. In BC, Registered Psychologists are almost universally covered, and many plans also cover Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) and Registered Social Workers (RSW), though this varies more by employer than psychologist coverage does. Some plans distinguish between practitioner types with different annual maximums for each.
This page is not a guarantee of coverage. First Session doesn't bill Sun Life directly, and we can't confirm the terms of your specific plan. What we can do is show you therapists whose designations are among those Sun Life plans commonly cover, so you can check your own plan details with a clear sense of what to look for.
What to know about Sun Life coverage in BC
Designations Sun Life plans commonly cover
Registered Psychologist coverage is close to universal across Sun Life plans. RCC and RSW coverage is common but not guaranteed. Some employer plans list them explicitly as eligible; others don't. Provisional or qualifying-level practitioners (still completing supervised hours toward full registration) are less consistently covered and sometimes excluded entirely.
How to actually confirm your coverage
Log into your Sun Life member portal (mysunlife.ca) or call the number on your benefits card, and ask specifically which practitioner designations are eligible under your plan's mental health or psychological services benefit, and what your annual maximum is. Have the therapist's exact designation (e.g., "Registered Clinical Counsellor") ready when you call.
In-person and online availability
Sun Life coverage generally applies the same way whether a session happens in person or online, though it's worth confirming this detail with your plan as well. Both options are available across the BC-based and out-of-province therapists on First Session.
Session cost and reimbursement
Most therapists on First Session bill you directly and provide a receipt for you to submit to Sun Life for reimbursement, rather than billing the insurer directly. Session rates typically run $110-$230 depending on designation and experience.
How to confirm your Sun Life coverage step by step
1Check your plan booklet or portal first
Before booking, log in to mysunlife.ca or check your plan documents for the psychological services or mental health benefit section.
2Note your annual maximum and eligible designations
Plans often cap coverage per year and specify which designations qualify. Write both down before choosing a therapist.
3Match a therapist's designation to your plan
Filter for therapists whose listed designation matches what your plan covers, shown directly on each First Session profile.
4Ask during the free consultation
Confirm the therapist's exact registration number or designation during your free 15-minute call if your plan requires it for claims.
5Keep your receipts organized
Since most therapists on First Session don't direct-bill Sun Life, keep session receipts to submit for reimbursement through your member portal.
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