How Much Does Therapy Cost 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.

In British Columbia, private therapy usually costs somewhere between about $120 and more than $200 per session, depending on who you see. Fees vary mainly with the clinician's credentials and experience. Registered psychologists tend to charge the most, registered clinical counsellors generally charge somewhat less, and supervised doctoral students in psychology often offer the lowest fees. A standard session is usually about 50 minutes. Therapy with a psychologist or counsellor is not covered by MSP, but many extended health plans reimburse part of the cost, and some programs, such as ICBC, WorkSafeBC, and the Crime Victim Assistance Program, may pay for therapy in specific situations.

What Affects the Price of Therapy

Credentials. Registered psychologists have doctoral-level training and typically charge the highest fees. Registered clinical counsellors usually have a master's degree and often charge less. The differences between professions are described on the page about psychologists, clinical counsellors, and psychotherapists in BC.
Experience and specialization. Clinicians with many years of experience or specialized training, such as in trauma or couples work, may charge more.
Type of service. Couples sessions, longer sessions, and assessments are priced differently from standard individual therapy.
Format. Virtual and in-person sessions are usually priced the same, though virtual sessions save travel time and cost.

Fees at Pacific Maple Psych Centre

At the time this article was written in 2026, fees at Pacific Maple Psych Centre ranged as follows:

Doctoral students: $120 per session. Supervised clinical psychology doctoral students offer lower-cost therapy, with oversight from registered psychologists.
Clinical counsellors and other clinicians: from about $180 to $200 per session, depending on credentials and experience.
Registered psychologists: over $200 per session, reflecting their doctoral training and experience.

Fees can change over time, so our team will confirm the current cost for your chosen clinician when you book.

Ways to Pay Less

Extended Health Benefits

Many workplace and private plans reimburse therapy with a registered psychologist, and many also cover registered clinical counsellors. Coverage limits vary widely, so check your plan's annual maximum and which professions it includes, as described on the page about how extended health benefits work for therapy in BC.

Tax Credits

Fees paid to a psychologist that are not reimbursed can generally be claimed as a medical expense on your income tax return. Check current Canada Revenue Agency rules for other professions.

Programs That May Pay for Therapy

ICBC generally covers psychology treatment after a crash, as described on the page about psychological support after a car crash in BC.
WorkSafeBC may cover therapy for work-related injuries.
The Crime Victim Assistance Program may cover counselling for victims of violent crime.
Employee assistance programs often offer a small number of free sessions.

Lower-Cost and Free Options

Supervised student clinicians, community counselling agencies, and public mental health services through your health authority can reduce costs. Youth aged 12 to 24 can access free services through Foundry centres across BC.

Is a More Expensive Therapist Better?

Not necessarily. The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of progress, and a good fit matters more than price. A supervised doctoral student can be an excellent choice for many concerns, while a psychologist may be a better fit for complex situations or specialized treatment. The page about how to choose the right therapist for you offers guidance, and the page about what MSP covers explains public coverage.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The total cost depends on how many sessions you attend. Some concerns improve within 6 to 12 sessions, while others benefit from longer support, as described on the page about how long therapy usually takes. Talking with your therapist about goals and frequency can help you plan.

Getting Support at Pacific Maple Psych Centre

If cost is part of your decision, our team can help you find a clinician and fee that fit your needs and budget.

Pacific Maple Psych Centre offers therapy at a range of fees, including lower-cost sessions with supervised doctoral students, in Vancouver and virtually across British Columbia.

Book a Session

Common Questions About the Cost of Therapy in BC

How much does therapy cost in BC?

Private therapy in BC usually costs between about $120 and over $200 per session, depending on the clinician's credentials and experience.

How much does a psychologist cost in BC?

Registered psychologists in BC usually charge over $200 per session, making them typically the most expensive therapy option.

How much does a registered clinical counsellor cost in BC?

Registered clinical counsellors in BC generally charge less than psychologists, though fees vary with experience and specialization.

What is the cheapest way to get therapy in BC?

Lower-cost therapy in BC includes supervised student clinicians, community counselling agencies, employee assistance programs, and public mental health services.

Does MSP cover therapy in BC?

No. MSP does not cover therapy with private psychologists or counsellors, though it covers psychiatrists with a referral.

Can I claim therapy on my taxes in Canada?

Fees paid to a psychologist that are not reimbursed can generally be claimed as a medical expense on your Canadian tax return.

Is therapy with a doctoral student effective?

Yes. Supervised doctoral students are trained clinicians overseen by registered psychologists and can provide effective therapy at a lower cost.

How much does therapy cost at Pacific Maple Psych Centre?

At the time of writing, Pacific Maple Psych Centre fees ranged from $120 with doctoral students to over $200 with psychologists.

Do extended health plans cover counselling in BC?

Many extended health plans in BC cover psychologists and registered clinical counsellors, but limits vary, so check your plan.

Is virtual therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?

Virtual therapy is usually priced the same as in-person therapy, but it can save travel time and costs.