If you work for the federal public service, you have probably heard that your benefits include mental health coverage. But when you are stressed and tired, the details can be hard to sort out. Does PSHCP cover therapy? Which kinds of therapists? How much? This guide walks through the basics of the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) for counselling, so you can get support without guessing.
Plans can change, and your coverage depends on your own situation. Always check your PSHCP member account or call Canada Life before you start. Think of this as a plain-language starting point.
The short answer, yes
The PSHCP includes a Psychological Services benefit. It helps pay for therapy with approved mental health providers. Canada Life is the plan administrator. That means Canada Life processes your claims, not your department.
According to the PSHCP, the benefit covers eligible psychological services up to a maximum of $5,000 in eligible expenses per calendar year, reimbursed at 80 percent. The plan also sets a normal hourly rate for your province, and it won't pay above that.
What does 80 percent mean for you?
The plan pays back 80 percent of each eligible session fee, up to the yearly limit. You pay the other 20 percent. So if you use the full $5,000 of eligible expenses in a year, the plan would pay up to $4,000 and you would pay the rest.
The yearly limit resets each calendar year, on January 1. If you are close to your limit, it can help to plan the timing of your sessions with your therapist.
Which therapists are covered?
The PSHCP lists these types of mental health providers as eligible, in the province where they work:
Psychologists
Social workers
Psychotherapists
Counsellors, as deemed qualified by the plan administrator based on provincial accreditation
In Ontario, that generally means you can see a registered psychologist, a registered social worker or a registered psychotherapist. Canada Life decides which ones qualify, so check before your first session.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
According to the PSHCP, a prescription is not required for psychological services. That means you can usually book directly with a therapist. At Transformation Counselling, you never need a doctor's referral to book with us.
Can my family use it too?
If you have family coverage, your eligible spouse and dependent children may be able to use the benefit too. Couples counselling, family therapy and therapy for teens are all common reasons families reach out. Check your plan for how the yearly maximum applies to each person.
How to use your PSHCP benefit, step by step
Check your coverage. Log in to your PSHCP member account with Canada Life to see your balance for psychological services.
Choose a therapist. Ask about their profession and registration, so you know they fit the plan's rules.
Ask about direct billing. Some clinics can bill Canada Life for you, so you only pay your share at the time of the session.
Keep your receipts. If you pay up front, you can submit receipts to Canada Life yourself.
Track your balance. It helps to know how many sessions your benefit will cover over the year.
Transformation Counselling direct bills Canada Life (PSHCP). You can see the full list on our direct billing page.
What about CAF, RCMP and Veterans Affairs?
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the RCMP usually have their own health programs, not the PSHCP. So do clients of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). These programs often need approval before you start. They may also only cover therapists with certain training and years of experience.
We direct bill CAF, RCMP and VAC. Our team can help you check the rules and match you with an eligible therapist.
Questions to ask when you contact a clinic
A quick call or email can save you surprises later. It helps to ask:
What is the therapist's profession, and are they registered in Ontario?
Do you direct bill Canada Life for PSHCP?
What is the session fee, and are there any other fees?
Do you offer evening, weekend or online sessions?
Can I see someone in French?
How soon could I have a first appointment?
Write down the answers so you can compare options.
Common reasons federal employees seek counselling
Public service work can be meaningful, but it can also be draining. People often come to therapy for:
Job uncertainty during restructuring or workforce changes
Changes to hybrid work or return to the office
Conflict with a manager or coworker
Anxiety, low mood or trouble sleeping
Relationship or family strain
Stress leave and planning a return to work
Our clinicians can help with stress-leave and disability forms, where appropriate. With your written consent, they can also take part in return-to-work talks with your employer or insurer.
Other support for federal employees
Your PSHCP benefit is not the only option. Many federal workers also have access to:
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAPs usually offer a few free, confidential, short-term sessions. They can be a good first step, and you can move to a longer-term therapist after.
Your union. Unions can help with workplace issues, such as harassment, workload or accommodation.
Your family doctor. A doctor can help with medication, sleep or medical tests, and can work alongside your therapist.
Using one of these does not stop you from using the others. Many people combine them.
Worried about privacy?
Many public servants worry that using their benefits will affect their job or their security clearance. Counselling is confidential, with a few legal exceptions your therapist will explain. We don't contact your employer unless you ask us to and give written consent.
Counselling in downtown Ottawa, in English or French
Our Ottawa office is at 1 Rideau St, 7th Floor, inside the Fairmont Château Laurier, close to Parliament Hill and many federal offices. You can also meet with us online from anywhere in Ontario. Therapy is available in English or French, with evening and weekend times for busy schedules.
Every service we offer is available in Ottawa, including individual, couples and family therapy, trauma therapy and adult ADHD assessments in Ottawa. Therapy sessions with our therapists are $130 to $200, and there is a $50 setup fee. Assessment fees depend on the service, and your free consultation covers them.
If you are in crisis, call or text 9-8-8. In Ottawa, you can also call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 613-722-6914 (adults) or the YSB Youth Crisis Line at 613-260-2360 (youth). In an emergency, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
Does PSHCP cover couples counselling?
The psychological services benefit is based on the provider, not the type of therapy. Many couples use it for couples counselling with an eligible therapist. Check with Canada Life about how your claim will be handled.
Does PSHCP cover psychological assessments?
Ask Canada Life before you book an assessment, since rules can differ from regular therapy sessions.
What if I have coverage through my spouse too?
You may be able to combine plans, which is called coordination of benefits. Canada Life or your spouse's insurer can explain how it works.
I am retired from the public service. Can I still use PSHCP?
Many federal retirees keep PSHCP coverage. Check your plan with Canada Life to see what applies to you.
Can I see a therapist in French?
Yes. We offer therapy in French at our Ottawa office and online.
Put your benefits to work for you
Your benefits are there to help you stay well. Book a free 15-minute consultation with our care team, or call our Ottawa office at (613) 691-1006. Let us know you have PSHCP coverage so we can help with direct billing. You can also book an appointment directly.