Counsellors for British Columbia Institute of Technology Students

Private therapy sessions in Burnaby typically run $120–$280, depending on the therapist's credentials, experience, and specialty. The BCITSA plan covers 80%, up to $400 a year. For example, for a $200 session, the plan reimburses $160, so you'd pay $40 out of pocket, and the maximum covers about two sessions.

First Session lists every therapist's session cost upfront (taxes included) so you can consider your budget first. If cost is a concern, you can filter for therapists offering sliding scale rates, or for student or intern therapists offering low-cost therapy.

Yes. BCIT student health insurance, the BCITSA Extended Health & Dental Plan, covers 80% of therapy and counselling costs up to $400 per year. Eligible providers include Psychotherapists, Canadian Certified Counsellors, Registered Clinical Counsellors, Clinical Counsellors, Psychologists, Registered Social Workers, and more.

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 free counselling and many other resources to support student mental health and well-being. Students can connect with a physician or nurse at Student Health Services for medical advice and prescriptions or a counsellor at BCIT Counselling & Student Development, register with 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.

Register with BCIT Accessibility Services in three steps. First, ask a psychologist, psychiatrist, or physician to complete the mental health section of the BCIT Medical Form (or provide a comprehensive report from a regulated health care professional). It needs to describe your functional limitations, not just a diagnosis. Then submit it with your Student Intake and Self-Assessment Form through the online portal, and book an appointment to set up your accommodations. You're responsible for any fees your health care provider charges for the paperwork.

Let your instructor know as soon as possible, ideally before the exam or deadline. Under BCIT's exam procedure, a student who misses an exam for medical reasons needs to provide a BCIT Student Medical Certificate (at their own expense). If your absence is approved, your program may offer a makeup exam, an alternative assessment, or a calculated (aegrotat) grade. If your mental health is affecting you on an ongoing basis, consider registering with Accessibility Services so accommodations are in place for future assessments.

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.