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Will Insurance Cover My Therapy? A Guide to Direct Billing & Coverage in Ontario (2025 Update)

  • Writer: Your Story Counselling
    Your Story Counselling
  • Sep 15
  • 5 min read

If you’ve ever wondered, “Will my insurance cover therapy?”—you’re not alone. The good news? More insurance providers than ever are now offering direct billing for psychotherapy, making it easier and more affordable to access mental health care.

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At Your Story Counselling, we’re committed to making therapy more accessible. This article will walk you through:


  • Which types of therapy are covered

  • What TELUS Health eClaims is

  • Which insurance companies now allow direct billing

  • How to check your own insurance coverage

  • How to book with one of our covered therapists


Let’s dive in!



First: What Is Direct Billing for Therapy?


Direct billing means your therapist submits your session invoice directly to your insurance provider. You don’t need to pay out-of-pocket first and wait to be reimbursed—the insurance company pays your therapist directly.


Your Story Counselling now offers direct billing through TELUS Health eClaims, which connects us with many major insurance providers across Canada.


What Is TELUS Health eClaims?

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TELUS Health eClaims is a secure platform that allows healthcare providers—like psychotherapists, social workers, chiropractors, and massage therapists—to submit claims directly to insurance companies on behalf of clients.


This means:✅ Less paperwork for you✅ No need to wait for reimbursements✅ Quicker access to care


We’ve joined this platform so our clients can focus on healing—not paperwork.


What Types of Therapy Are Covered?


Coverage depends on your individual plan and the credentials of your therapist.

Most extended health insurance plans cover:


  • Registered Psychotherapists (RPs)

  • Registered Social Workers (RSWs)

  • (Some also cover psychologists and other licensed mental health professionals)


At Your Story Counselling, our team includes both RPs and RSWs so we can match you with a therapist based on both your needs and your insurance.


Which Insurance Companies Offer Direct Billing for Therapy?


As of July 2025, the following companies accept direct billing via TELUS Health eClaims for psychotherapy services at Your Story Counselling:


✅ Direct Billing for Psychotherapists (RPs)


  • AGA Financial Group inc.

  • Alberta Blue Cross

  • Beneva

  • BPA

  • Canada Life

  • Canada Life – PSHCP

  • Canadian Construction Workers Union (C.C.W.U.)

  • Chambers of Commerce (Johnston Group)

  • CINUP (Johnston Group)

  • ClaimSecure

  • Coughlin & Associates Ltd.

  • Cowan (Express Scripts Canada)

  • D.A. Townley

  • Desjardins Insurance

  • Equitable

  • First Canadian (Johnston Group)

  • GMS Carriers 49 and 50 (Express Scripts Canada)

  • GroupHEALTH

  • GroupSource

  • Industrial Alliance

  • Johnson (Express Scripts Canada)

  • Johnston Group

  • LiUNA Local 183

  • LiUNA Local 506

  • Manion

  • Manulife Financial

  • Maximum Benefit (Johnston Group)

  • MDM Insurance Services

  • People Corporation

  • RWAM

  • Simply Benefits

  • TELUS AdjudiCare

  • Union Benefits

  • UV Insurance


✅ Direct Billing for Registered Social Workers (RSWs)

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Coverage is slightly more limited, but still includes most major providers:

  • All of the above (except GroupHEALTH and GroupSource)


How to Check Your Therapy Coverage


Not all plans are created equal. Even within the same insurance company, plans may vary.


Ask your insurance provider:

  1. “Do you cover Registered Psychotherapists or Registered Social Workers for therapy?”

  2. “Can I submit through TELUS Health eClaims?”

  3. “What is the maximum amount covered per year?”

  4. Can my Spouse and/or dependants also access coverage?

  5. “Do I need a referral from a physician?”


Knowing the answers to these questions can save time and help you make informed choices.


Why Work with a Clinic That Offers Direct Billing?


At Your Story Counselling, we know that starting therapy can feel like a big step. The last thing you want is to deal with paperwork, reimbursements, or billing confusion.


We make it simple:


  • We check which of our therapists are eligible for direct billing based on your plan

  • We match you with the right-fit therapist (whether RP or RSW)

  • We walk you through submitting claims—or do it for you



Final Thoughts: Therapy Is Within Reach


Whether you're navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, or just seeking support to cope with life’s challenges, therapy is an investment in your well-being.


And now, with TELUS Health eClaims, direct billing makes that support even more accessible.


Your Story Counselling is proud to be a HCAI and TELUS eClaims-approved clinic serving clients in Vaughan, Markham, and virtually across Ontario.


Let us help you take the next step—without the billing hassle.


 



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Your Story Counselling Services is a multicultural, inclusive, BIPOC clinic that offers online services as well as in-person sessions in Vaughan and Markham.


Judy Lui and her team of clinicians and supervised therapist interns offer trauma-informed, clinical counselling in the form of art, play, and talk therapy. With an emphasis on social equity and justice,


Your Story offers counselling at a range of fee levels. Judy continues to see her clients, manages the clinic as Clinical Director, and mentors master ’s-level therapist interns.




Judy has been featured in the Toronto Star, where she discussed the impact of mental health struggles and the toll of COVID-19 on romantic relationships. She also co-authored a chapter in the first edition of An Intersectional Approach to Sex Therapy Centering the Lives of Indigenous, Racialized, and People of Color. She is a committee member with the Anti-Racism Advocacy Group at the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, where she helps organize community events and panels on racial trauma and advocacy.


Judy is also one of three 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Micro-Business Finalists and will represent the Central Canadian Region (Ontario & Montreal) for this honour.


 

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Affordable Therapy York Region is committed to making quality mental health care more accessible across Markham, Vaughan, Concord, and the greater York Region. We offer both virtual and in-person sessions through a diverse team of supervised therapist interns and registered clinicians, with services starting as low as $20 per session.

Our clinic prioritizes culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive care, ensuring that therapy is respectful of your identity, background, and lived experience. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, relationships, grief, or personal growth, we offer therapy that meets you where you are — emotionally and financially.

We also offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you find the right therapist fit before you commit.Learn more or get started today at www.affordabletherapyyorkregion.ca.



If you have additional questions regarding the contents of this article please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to answer you.


Should you have questions or inquiries regarding counselling and the process of counselling, please visit our FAQ page. contact us to ask questions, or learn more about our team of therapists before signing up for a free 15 minute consultation.


Terms and Conditions of Use:


The information provided in this article is intended to be general knowledge and does not constitute as professional advice or treatment. This information is not intended for the use of diagnosis or treatment. Please do not share or distribute this article without the proper referencing or written/verbal consent of Judy Lui. Additional information can be found at www.yourstorycounselling.com or requested via info@yourstorycounselling.com



Meta Description:


Wondering if insurance covers therapy or how direct billing works? Learn how TELUS Health eClaims simplifies access to psychotherapy at Your Story Counselling.


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