Therapists for British Columbia Institute of Technology Students

Private therapy in Burnaby typically costs $120–$280, with Registered Social Workers (RSWs) and Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) on the lower end and Psychologists on the higher end. First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront so you can consider your budget first. You can use your student health and dental plan to reduce out-of-pocket costs, and specifically look for therapists offering sliding-scale rates or student or intern therapists who offer low-cost therapy.

Yes.

First Session doesn't offer direct billing, so you’ll pay by debit or credit card and receive an itemized receipt from your therapist. After your appointment, you can submit the receipt through your insurance provider’s online portal or mobile app. You’ll typically need the therapist’s name and credentials, the session date and cost, and your plan or member number. Your insurer will then review the claim, and you'll typically be reimbursed within 2-5 days for the eligible portion based on your coverage. 

BCIT offers many free resources to support student mental health and well-being. Students can connect with a physician or nurse at the Student Health Services for medical advice and prescriptions or a counsellor at BCIT Counselling & Student Development, register Accessibility Services (for those with disabilities, medical and/or mental health conditions), join social events and support groups, and talk with a peer supporter, like Indigenous Peer Champions or International Peer Mentors.

Counselling at a campus clinic is usually free for registered students. Trained, licensed mental health professionals offer it, and it can be a great starting point. Because demand is high, support is usually short-term, often comes with longer wait times, and has reduced hours during school breaks. If you need ongoing care or have more complex needs, they will usually refer you off campus.

Private therapy gives you the flexibility to work long-term with a therapist you choose yourself based on their exact specialty (such as ADHD and neurodivergence, complex trauma, or eating disorders), modality (like EMDR, DBT, or somatic work), or shared lived experience and identity. While it costs money, student health plans often reimburse eligible fees, and many therapists offer sliding-scale rates. A major benefit is faster, direct access. First Session lets you view therapist profiles, watch introductory videos, and book without a lengthy intake process or waitlists.

Yes, BCIT students can access online therapy. For insurance reimbursement, it usually doesn’t matter whether the session is online or in person, as long as the provider is covered. Still, check your policy before booking. Many therapists on First Session offer online sessions, which can make it easier to fit therapy around a busy student schedule. 

Nope! Therapy is confidential. Your therapist cannot share what you discuss with anyone else, including your parents, professors, or employers, without your consent. Some do so only in certain circumstances, such as a serious and immediate safety concern or when disclosure is required by law. Your therapist can explain the specific limits of confidentiality in your first session. If you choose private therapy, one thing to keep in mind is your health insurance. If you use a plan where someone else is the policyholder, such as a parent's insurance plan, the policyholder may receive information about claims. If you're using your own student insurance plan, this generally isn't an issue.

No. First Session is an independent company, founded in Toronto in 2019, and is not affiliated with BCIT. We created this page specifically to support BCIT students and have researched all the information here. However, if you're unsure, we encourage you to double-check details with your school. The therapists listed on First Session are carefully vetted licensed professionals, and their sessions may be eligible for reimbursement through your student health insurance.