Licensed Registered Social Workers serving Vancouver. Available online and in person. Watch intro videos, compare specialties and approaches, and book a free 15-minute consultation directly.
Licensed Registered Social Workers based and insured in British Columbia. All Registered Social Workers on PST timezone unless otherwise noted.
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
Out-of-province licensed Registered Social Workers insured to provide online therapy in British Columbia. Timezone availability may vary.
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker
Registered Social Worker (RSW) is one of the most widely recognized therapy designations in Canada. In British Columbia, RSWs are regulated by the BC College of Social Workers and hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which qualifies them to provide clinical counselling and psychotherapy alongside broader social work practice. Many people search specifically for an RSW because their insurance plan lists the designation as covered, or because they want a generalist who can work across a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, and life transitions, rather than one narrow specialty.
Vancouver has one of the largest concentrations of RSWs in the country, which reflects the city's size and the diversity of communities it serves. First Session's Vancouver roster includes RSWs working with everything from ADHD and attachment to burnout, addiction, and identity exploration, so the challenge is usually narrowing down rather than finding options.
Because RSW is a protected title in BC, every therapist using it has been vetted through a formal licensing body, which gives you a reliable baseline of training and accountability before you even watch their intro video.
A number of RSWs on First Session are based in Vancouver and offer in-person sessions, with a much larger pool of BC-licensed RSWs available online from across the province. If your schedule or preference leans toward in-person, filter for Vancouver-based practitioners first. If flexibility and choice matter more, online expands your options considerably.
In British Columbia, the main regulated designations are Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC, regulated by the BCACC), Registered Social Worker (RSW, regulated by the BC College of Social Workers), and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC, a national designation through the CCPA). This page focuses specifically on RSWs, but you'll see the other designations elsewhere on First Session if you're open to a broader search.
Session rates for RSWs in Vancouver typically fall between $100 and $250, depending on experience and session length. RSW is one of the most commonly covered designations under employer and extended health benefit plans in BC, but coverage always depends on your specific plan. Confirm your annual maximum and eligible designations before booking.
Every RSW on First Session has been verified during onboarding, but you can also independently confirm registration status through the BC College of Social Workers if you want extra peace of mind.
RSWs often list several areas of focus. Look for someone whose stated experience lines up with what you're bringing to therapy, whether that's anxiety, grief, relationships, or something more specific.
Communication style matters as much as credentials. A short video gives you a much better sense of fit than a written bio alone.
Base this on your schedule, comfort level, and how important face-to-face sessions are to you personally.
Use the free 15-minute consultation to ask direct questions about their approach before committing to ongoing sessions.
Confirm your plan covers RSWs specifically, and note your annual maximum, before your first session.
“I wish I’d known about this platform sooner! I loved the introductory videos–this is what helped me choose the therapist to book an intro consultation with.”
First Session Client, 2025
Compatibility is the most important factor when choosing a social worker. But finding the right fit isn’t easy. First Session takes the time, guesswork, and emotional labour out of that process.
Narrow your search to a list of rigorously vetted therapists you’ll actually consider booking. Because finding a therapist shouldn’t involve reading endless generic bios.
Decide if a therapist is the right fit for you before booking with interview videos and in-depth bios. No more switching or re-telling your private feelings and story
Schedule an available session or free consultation right from the First Session platform. No 3rd party intake calls or back and forth emailing required.
Yes. A number of RSWs on First Session are based in Vancouver and offer in-person appointments. Online options from across BC are also available if you'd prefer the flexibility they offer.
Both are regulated, protected titles in British Columbia. RSWs hold a Master of Social Work degree and are regulated by the BC College of Social Workers, while RCCs are regulated by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and typically hold a master's in counselling psychology. Insurance coverage sometimes favours one designation over the other, so check your specific plan.
RSW is one of the most commonly covered designations under BC employer and extended health plans, but coverage and annual maximums vary by plan. Confirm your specific coverage before booking.
Yes. Out-of-province and BC-based RSWs on First Session are insured to provide online therapy to Vancouver residents, which significantly widens your options beyond who's available in person nearby.
RSWs are trained generalists, so sessions can cover a wide range of concerns depending on the practitioner, from anxiety and depression to relationship dynamics, grief, and life transitions. Their intro video and bio will give you a sense of their particular focus areas.
First Session verifies credentials during onboarding, and you can also check registration status directly through the BC College of Social Workers if you'd like independent confirmation.
Watch intro videos, compare approaches, and book a free 15-minute consultation with the therapists who feel like the right fit. No intake calls, no back-and-forth. Just direct booking.
