Does MSP Cover Psychologists or Counselling in BC
This page reflects our understanding of mental health topics as of 2026. If you are reading this at a later date, some details may no longer be current, so please verify anything important against up to date sources. If you notice anything that needs updating, we would welcome you letting us know.
No, the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP) does not cover therapy or assessments with private registered psychologists or registered clinical counsellors. MSP does cover services provided by physicians, including family doctors and psychiatrists, so a psychiatric consultation is generally covered when you have a referral. Some publicly funded mental health services, such as health authority mental health teams and certain community programs, are also free to eligible residents. For private therapy, most people use extended health benefits, pay out of pocket, or access programs such as ICBC, WorkSafeBC, or the Crime Victim Assistance Program when they apply.
What MSP Covers
- Family doctors. Appointments to discuss mental health, screen for conditions, prescribe medication, and make referrals.
- Psychiatrists. Consultations and follow-up with a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
- Hospital-based mental health care. Emergency and inpatient services.
- Some publicly funded programs. Mental health and substance use services through health authorities, which may have eligibility criteria and waitlists.
What MSP Does Not Cover
- Private psychologists. Therapy and psychological assessments, including ADHD, autism, and psychoeducational assessments.
- Private registered clinical counsellors.
- Most private couples and family therapy.
The difference between psychologists and psychiatrists is explained on the page about the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
Why Private Psychology Is Not Publicly Funded
In Canada, provincial health plans were designed mainly to cover physician and hospital services. Psychologists and counsellors were not included in that original model, so most psychological care is paid privately, through insurance, or through specific public programs. Advocates have long called for broader public coverage of psychological services, and some provinces and health authorities offer limited free programs, such as structured courses or short-term counselling. These programs can be helpful, but they often have eligibility criteria and waitlists, so many people combine public and private options. If cost is a barrier, it is worth asking your family doctor or health authority what publicly funded mental health services are available in your area.
If MSP Does Not Cover It, What Does?
Most people pay for private therapy through extended health benefits, as described on the page about how extended health benefits work for therapy in BC, or out of pocket. Programs such as ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and the Crime Victim Assistance Program can cover therapy in specific situations, and free options exist for some people. Typical fees and lower-cost options are described on the page about how much therapy costs in BC.
Do I Need a Referral?
You do not need a referral to see a psychologist or counsellor privately, as explained on the page about whether you need a referral to see a psychologist. MSP-covered psychiatric care does require a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner, as described on the page about how to talk to your doctor about a mental health referral. Some extended health plans also ask for a referral before reimbursing therapy, so check your plan.
How Psychiatric Care Fits
Psychiatrists focus on diagnosis and medication, and many see patients for a limited number of consultations before returning care to the family doctor. Wait times for MSP-covered psychiatry can be long. At Pacific Maple Psych Centre, clients in ongoing therapy or recent assessment with our team can be considered for an expedited consultation with one of our consulting psychiatrists when a medication review or second opinion would help. Those consultations are covered by MSP.
Getting Support at Pacific Maple Psych Centre
If you are working out how to pay for therapy, our team can explain your options and help you find a clinician and fee that fit.
Pacific Maple Psych Centre offers therapy at a range of fees, including lower-cost sessions with supervised doctoral students, plus faster access to MSP-covered psychiatric consultation for clients of our practice, in Vancouver and virtually across BC.
Book a SessionCommon Questions About MSP and Mental Health Care
Will MSP pay for a registered psychologist in BC?
No. MSP does not pay for therapy or assessments with private registered psychologists in BC.
Does MSP cover counselling in BC?
No. MSP does not cover private registered clinical counsellors, though some public and community counselling is free.
Does MSP cover psychiatrists in BC?
Yes. MSP covers psychiatric consultations and follow-up in BC when you have a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
Why do private ADHD assessments in BC cost money if MSP exists?
Private ADHD assessments are done by psychologists, whose services MSP does not cover, so they are paid privately or through extended health benefits.
How can I get free therapy in BC?
Free options in BC include health authority mental health services, community counselling agencies, Foundry centres for youth, and employee assistance programs.
Can I book an MSP-covered psychiatrist without a doctor's referral?
No. MSP-covered psychiatric care in BC requires a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner.
Does MSP cover couples therapy?
No. MSP does not cover private couples therapy in BC.
Which programs besides MSP pay for therapy in BC?
Besides extended health benefits, programs such as ICBC after a crash, WorkSafeBC for work injuries, and the Crime Victim Assistance Program can pay for therapy in BC.
Can my family doctor provide mental health care under MSP?
Yes. Family doctors can discuss mental health, prescribe medication, and make referrals under MSP.
Why is psychology not covered by MSP?
MSP primarily covers physician services, so psychologists and counsellors are paid privately, through insurance, or through specific programs.