Mental Health Coverage: Registered Psychologists and Registered Social Workers

The Member’s Health Plan currently covers counselling services provided by a social worker or psychologist only when the practitioner providing the service is licensed by their provincial regulatory agency or is a registered member of a professional association recognized by the Plan. Clinical counsellors are not covered under the Plan.

The MHP is a non-taxable private health services plan and must follow Canada Revenue Agency tax rules. Since clinical counsellors do not have a regulatory body overseeing their work in every province the services they provide are not considered to be a “designated employee benefit” as defined by the CRA. The Pension and Benefits Board of Directors and MHP staff must ensure that the Plan follows all CRA tax rules and requirements to maintain its tax-free status. This means the Plan is unable to offer coverage for clinical counsellors.