Does Greenshield Insurance Cover Social Workers?
If you're looking for therapy in Kitchener-Waterloo and wondering whether your GreenShield Insurance will help cover the cost—good news: yes, GreenShield does cover social workers!
However, there’s one important detail to know: GreenShield typically only covers Registed Social Workers who have a Master of Social Work (MSW). Not all Registered Social Workers are automatically covered—so let’s break it down so you can feel confident about using your benefits.
What’s the Difference Between a Registered Social Worker and a Master of Social Work?
In Ontario, Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are licensed professionals who can provide counselling and support services. However, not all RSWs have a Master’s degree.
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is an advanced graduate degree that builds on undergraduate training. Most insurance providers, including GreenShield, specifically require that the provider has an MSW and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
So when you're booking a session, make sure to check if your therapist has “MSW, RSW” in their credentials. At Transformation Counselling, we have several MSW therapists on staff who are GreenShield-eligible.
How Much Will GreenShield Cover Per Therapy Session?
This can vary depending on your specific plan, but here’s what we commonly see:
Many of our clients report that GreenShield covers between 80–100% of the session cost.
That typically means you’ll be reimbursed around $140–$150 per therapy session. Some plans also include a yearly maximum (e.g., $1,000–$2,500), so it’s always best to log in to your GreenShield portal or give them a call to confirm your exact coverage.
What About Psychotherapists—Are They Covered Too?
Yes! GreenShield also covers sessions provided by Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) and Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) in Ontario.
Like social workers, psychotherapists provide counselling and psychotherapy services—including support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and more. They are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and hold specialized training in talk therapy approaches.
At Transformation Counselling, we have a wide team of both social workers and psychotherapists in Kitchener-Waterloo, so you can choose the support that fits your needs and your insurance plan.
Every Plan Is Different—We Can Help You Check
Insurance coverage can be confusing, and every GreenShield plan is unique. That’s why we’re happy to help.
If you’re not sure whether your GreenShield plan covers your sessions, we can check for you! Just send us a photo of your insurance card and we’ll look into it for you—no pressure and no obligation. If you also plan to see a therapist at Transformation Counselling, we can also direct bill your session so that you don’t have to self-submit your receipt!
You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help
Whether you’re searching for couples counselling in Kitchener-Waterloo, marriage counselling, individual therapy, or mental health support, you’re not alone.
At Transformation Counselling, we have over 30 experienced therapists in Waterloo and Kitchener offering both in-person and online therapy. Whatever you’re going through, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to get started?
Click the button below to fill out our quick intake form and we’ll match you with the right therapist for your needs—and your insurance.