Your Guide to Counsellors in BC: Understanding Titles, Training, and Coverage
Seeking support for your mental health can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with a confusing array of titles like RCC, RSW, R.Psych, and more. In British Columbia, there are many types of professionals who provide therapy – but they don’t all have the same training, regulation, or insurance coverage. We know how confusing this “alphabet soup” can be, and we’re here to help make it clearer.
In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other helpers in BC. You’ll learn who is regulated (and who isn’t), what qualifications each title requires, and what therapy is covered by insurance in BC. We’ll also give you practical tips on how to verify a counsellor’s credentials, red flags to watch for, and questions to ask before booking an appointment. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge so you can find the support you deserve with confidence.
Let’s start by breaking down those titles and what they mean in British Columbia.
Types of Mental Health Professionals in BC
In BC, a variety of professionals offer counselling or therapy. Here are the main titles you might encounter and what they mean:
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
A Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) is a counsellor who has at least a Master’s degree in counselling psychology or a related field. RCCs are not regulated by the government but are credentialed by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). To become an RCC, a therapist must meet education and supervised training requirements (a master’s degree and a set number of supervised clinical hours) and must follow the BCACC’s ethical standards.
· What they do: RCCs provide therapy for individuals, couples, or families on issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and more. They use evidence-based therapeutic approaches similar to other counsellors.
· Regulation: RCC is not a government-licensed designation – it’s a voluntary professional association membership. BC does not yet have a government regulatory college for counsellors (more on this below), so the BCACC acts as a self-regulating body. RCCs must adhere to a code of conduct and can face disciplinary action from BCACC if complaints arise.
· Insurance coverage: Many extended health benefit plans do cover RCCs as eligible service providers. However, coverage varies by plan – some plans list “Registered Clinical Counsellor” explicitly, while others might only cover psychologists or social workers. Always check your own plan details (more on insurance in a later section).
Learn more about our Team of Registered Clinician Counselors at RCC’s at Nimble Counselling
Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)
A Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) is a counsellor certified by the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), a national professional body. Like RCCs, CCCs must have a Master’s degree in counselling or a related field and undergo supervised training and adhere to a code of ethics. The difference is the certifying organization – CCC is a national certification, whereas RCC is provincial.
· What they do: CCCs provide counselling services similar to RCCs, addressing a wide range of mental health issues (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.) for individuals, couples, or families. Their training is at the Master’s level and they commit to ongoing professional development.
· Regulation: CCC is also not a provincially regulated license in BC. It’s a voluntary certification. CCCs are accountable to the CCPA’s ethical standards but, like RCCs, they are not regulated by BC law. In provinces that regulate “counselling therapists” (like Ontario’s College of Registered Psychotherapists), CCCs might also hold a provincial license, but in BC that provincial college does not yet exist.
· Insurance coverage: Many insurance plans in BC recognize CCCs as equivalent to RCCs for coverage purposes. In fact, a lot of plans will list “RCC or CCC” as covered practitioners. But again, this varies – not all plans automatically cover CCCs, so it’s wise to confirm with your insurer.
Registered Social Worker (RSW, MSW)
Registered Social Workers (RSWs) are professionals who have a degree in social work (Bachelor’s or Master’s) and are registered with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW). In counselling contexts, you’ll often encounter RSWs who hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, since a master’s level is typically needed for clinical counselling roles.
· What they do: Social workers can provide counselling and therapy, often with a focus on connecting individuals with community resources and considering social factors. Many RSWs offer therapy for issues like mental health challenges, family and relationship issues, addictions, and more. They are trained in assessment and, if they have a clinical designation, may also diagnose certain mental health conditions.
· Regulation: RSW is a regulated professional title in BC. Social work is overseen by the BCCSW under the Social Workers Act. This means RSWs must meet specific education requirements (at least a Bachelor of Social Work) and pass a licensing exam. They are bound by a professional code of ethics and standards of practice, and there is a formal complaints process. Some social workers go a step further and become Registered Clinical Social Workers (RCSWs), which in BC indicates a social worker with a master’s degree plus additional clinical training to diagnose and treat mental disorders (they are the only master’s-level professionals in BC who can independently diagnose using the DSM).
· Insurance coverage: Most extended health plans cover RSWs for counselling, provided the RSW has an MSW (many plans specify “MSW” or simply assume a clinical social worker). RSWs are often listed alongside psychologists and counsellors in benefits plans. If your plan covers counselling, there is a good chance it includes sessions with an RSW. (Some plans may use the term “Registered Clinical Social Worker” or just “Registered Social Worker” – in practice, if the social worker has an MSW and is registered, it should meet the requirement, but you can check with the insurer if unsure.)
Registered Psychologist (R.Psych)
A Registered Psychologist (R.Psych) in BC is a psychologist licensed by the College of Psychologists of BC. Psychologists in BC typically have a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology, although the minimum requirement can be a Master’s degree in some cases (with substantial supervised practice hours). They undergo rigorous training including research, clinical practice, and a licensing exam.
· What they do: Psychologists provide therapy for a variety of mental health issues (often complex or specialized issues) and can also conduct psychological assessments (such as cognitive testing, ADHD assessments, etc.). They are trained in evidence-based treatments like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, among others. Psychologists cannot prescribe medications, but they can diagnose mental health conditions.
· Regulation: R.Psych is a regulated, protected title. The College of Psychologists of BC oversees their practice, ensuring they meet professional standards and ethics. Because they are regulated by law, the title “Psychologist” cannot be used by someone who isn’t licensed – this helps protect the public by ensuring anyone calling themselves a psychologist has the proper credentials.
· Insurance coverage: Psychologists are covered by virtually all extended health plans for a certain amount of therapy per year. If you have any coverage for mental health, it almost always includes registered psychologists. The trade-off is that psychologists often have higher fees than counsellors or social workers, so even with coverage you might reach your benefit maximum sooner. (Also note: psychologists’ services are not covered by BC’s public Medical Services Plan except in hospital or specialized settings. Only psychiatrists are covered by MSP.)
Psychiatrist (MD)
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has specialized in mental health. Psychiatrists first complete a medical degree, then a residency in psychiatry (typically 5 years of specialty training). They are certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and are licensed through the College of Physicians and Surgeons in BC.
· What they do: Psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses. Because they are physicians, they can prescribe medication such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, etc. Some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy (talk therapy), but due to demand and the medical focus, many primarily manage medication and collaborate with psychologists or counsellors for therapy. Psychiatrists often work with more severe or complex mental health conditions (like major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) or when medication management is needed.
· Regulation: Psychiatrists are highly regulated – they are medical doctors under the oversight of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. The title “Psychiatrist” (and “Medical Doctor”) is legally protected; you cannot call yourself a psychiatrist unless you have the medical credentials and license.
· Insurance coverage: Psychiatrists are covered by BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP), which means if you are a BC resident with MSP coverage, your visits to a psychiatrist are free (billed to MSP). Usually, you need a referral from a family doctor to see a psychiatrist, and wait lists can be long. Psychiatrists are not paid through your private extended health benefits because they’re covered by the public system.
Counsellors without Formal Registration
Here’s an important fact that surprises many people: in BC, the counselling profession is not regulated by the government. There is no provincial regulatory college for “counsellors” or “psychotherapists” in BC (yet). This means that, legally, anyone can call themselves a “counsellor” or “therapist” – even if they have no training at all.
Of course, many people using the title “counsellor” do have education and experience – but they might not have gone through a formal registration like RCC or CCC. For example, someone might have a Master’s in counselling psychology but hasn’t applied for RCC/CCC, or they might be in the process of registering. Others might have taken shorter courses or have life experience and call themselves a counsellor or life coach (more on coaches below).
· What they do: This category is mixed. Some unregistered counsellors have significant training (even a graduate degree) and offer similar services as an RCC, just without the designation. Others might have minimal training. Because there’s no oversight, it’s truly “buyer beware.”
· Regulation: Unregulated. No specific licensing or registration is required to use the title “counsellor” in BC. This lack of regulation is exactly why understanding credentials is so important – you want to ensure the person you see has adequate training. (There has been movement toward regulation; BC introduced new legislation in late 2022 that plans to regulate counsellors under a future college, but as of now this is still in progress.)
· Insurance coverage: Rarely covered. If a counsellor has no recognized designation, extended health plans will almost never cover their services. Insurance companies usually stipulate the therapist must be an RCC, CCC, RSW, or psychologist, etc.. If a counsellor isn’t at least a member of one of these bodies, you would likely have to pay out-of-pocket (some might offer lower fees in return). Always check your benefits to see what credentials are required for coverage.
Interns and Practicum Students
You might come across counselling interns, practicum students, or associate counsellors who are still completing their training. These are folks who are in the final stages of a Master’s program in counselling or psychology. They provide therapy to real clients under the supervision of a fully qualified professional, as part of their graduation requirements.
· What they do: Interns or practicum students can offer therapy sessions (often at low cost or even free) to help people who might not afford therapy otherwise. They are learning, but they also often bring a lot of up-to-date knowledge and passion. They work under supervision, meaning a seasoned therapist is guiding and overseeing their work.
· Regulation: Interns are not registered yet (they can’t call themselves RCC or CCC until they graduate and complete requirements). They usually identify themselves clearly as a student or intern. They should have a supervisor (ask who the supervising therapist is, if it’s not stated).
· Insurance coverage: Not covered by insurance. Because interns aren’t registered professionals yet, extended health plans won’t reimburse their sessions. If you have coverage and need to use it, an intern isn’t the right choice for you at that moment. However, if you don’t have coverage or can pay out-of-pocket, interns can be a great affordable option. Just know you can’t submit their receipts for reimbursement.
Life Coaches and Unregulated “Therapists”
In the wellness world, you’ll also find life coaches, spiritual coaches, mentors, or people simply calling themselves “therapists” or “counsellors” without any letters after their name. These individuals are completely unregulated and have no standardized qualifications required – some may have taken coaching certification programs, others might just draw from personal experience.
· What they do: Coaches tend to focus on goal-setting, motivation, and practical life skills rather than treating mental health conditions. They can be helpful for things like career growth, accountability, or life transitions if they have a good skill set. However, they are not mental health clinicians. If someone uses the title “therapist” but doesn’t have credentials, it’s hard to know what their background is. They might offer a listening ear and some advice, but they might not be equipped to handle deeper mental health issues or crises.
· Regulation: None. “Life coach” is not a protected title. Anyone can offer life coaching services. Similarly, as mentioned, “therapist” or “counsellor” can be used by anyone in BC if they aren’t using a regulated title like psychologist or social worker. This doesn’t automatically mean they are bad or unhelpful – but you should evaluate their experience and whether they’re the right fit for your needs.
· Insurance coverage: Not covered. Coaches and other unregulated helpers are not covered by extended health insurance plans in BC. Even if the person is very skilled, if they don’t have one of the recognized credentials (RCC, RSW, etc.), you’ll be paying out-of-pocket. And as a general rule, if you are dealing with mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, etc., you’d likely be better served by a regulated mental health professional or someone with formal training.
Regulated vs. Unregulated: Why It Matters in BC
It’s clear from the above that some professionals are regulated in BC (psychologists, social workers, physicians/psychiatrists) and others are not yet regulated (most counsellors and therapists). So who can call themselves a counsellor in BC? The answer, at the moment, is almost anyone. That sounds scary, but there are ways to make sure you’re working with a qualified person.
Because BC does not yet have a provincial regulatory college for counsellors or psychotherapists, the titles “counsellor,” “therapist,” or “psychotherapist” are not legally protected. This is different from some other provinces. For example, Ontario has a College of Registered Psychotherapists, and only members can use that title. In BC, efforts are underway to create a similar college (BC has even passed the Health Professions and Occupations Act in 2022 which mentions plans to regulate counselling professionals), but as of now, we’re in a transitional phase.
What does this mean for you? Essentially, you need to rely on credentials and associations to gauge a therapist’s qualifications:
· If someone is an R.Psych, RSW, or MD (psychiatrist) – they are regulated by law. You can trust that they have a certain level of training and a body (college) you can complain to if needed.
· If someone is an RCC or CCC – they are certified by a professional association (BCACC or CCPA). These associations require a graduate degree and uphold ethical standards, which is a strong plus. While not government-regulated, they do provide accountability (for instance, BCACC can investigate complaints against an RCC).
· If someone has no letters or a less familiar designation (like “RPC, RTC, AC, etc.” or nothing at all) – do a bit more homework. They might belong to a smaller association or might have no oversight. Some associations (e.g., ACCT which grants Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC)) have different requirements (sometimes a diploma instead of a degree). This doesn’t necessarily disqualify the therapist, but you’ll want to ensure they have sufficient training for your needs.
The lack of a regulatory college in BC means it’s harder for the public to assess qualifications, but by paying attention to these acronyms and asking about a counsellor’s education and membership, you can protect yourself. In the next section, we’ll go over how to verify a therapist’s credentials and what to watch out for.
Insurance Coverage for Therapy in BC
One of the most common questions we hear is “What therapy is covered by insurance in BC?” or “Will my benefits cover this counsellor?” The answer can be a bit complicated, but let’s break down the general rules.
First, remember that counselling (talk therapy) is not covered by BC’s provincial health plan (MSP). MSP will cover visits to a psychiatrist (because they are medical doctors) or to certain publicly-funded programs, but if you are seeing a private counsellor or psychologist, you either pay out-of-pocket or use your extended health insurance (if you have it).
Extended Health Benefits (through work or private plans): Most extended health plans do provide some coverage for counselling or therapy, but each plan defines which professionals it will cover. Here’s how it usually breaks down in BC:
· Almost Always Covered: Registered Psychologists (R.Psych) and Psychiatrists (MD). Psychologists are standard in benefits plans – it’s very rare to see a plan that doesn’t include them. Psychiatrists, as mentioned, don’t really bill insurance since MSP covers them, but they might be listed for completeness.
· Commonly Covered: Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC), and Registered Social Workers (RSW) (with MSW). Many insurance plans in BC list one or more of these as eligible practitioners for mental health counselling. For example, a plan might say it covers “Psychologists, Registered Clinical Counsellors, or Master’s level Social Workers.” In recent years, insurers have been becoming more inclusive of these titles. Many plans cover RSW, RCC, and CCC as well as psychologists – but do check your specific policy.
· Sometimes Covered (Check Your Plan): Some plans have quirks. A few might only cover psychologists and RSWs, excluding RCCs or CCCs. Others might cover “clinical counsellors registered with a professional association” without naming RCC or CCC specifically. If you have Group Insurance through certain employers or unions, they might restrict to certain titles. It’s always a good idea to read the mental health section of your benefits booklet or call the insurer to ask. Don’t assume – for instance, if your plan only says it covers psychologists, seeing an RCC would mean you pay out-of-pocket (or vice versa).
· Rarely or Never Covered: Unregulated counsellors, life coaches, and interns. If the practitioner doesn’t have one of the recognized credentials, insurance won’t reimburse you. For example, if your friend’s mom is a really great “spiritual counsellor” but isn’t an RCC/CCC/RSW/psychologist, your insurance will not pay for that. Similarly, an intern counsellor (student) is not claimable, since they’re not registered yet. Life coaching or counselling by someone with only a coaching certification is not covered by health benefits plans – those plans only cover health professionals.
Tip: Always check which credentials your plan covers before starting with a therapist if you need reimbursement. If you’re unsure, you can provide the therapist’s title (e.g. RCC) and association number to your insurance provider and ask if that is covered. It can save you from an unpleasant surprise of a rejected claim.
Lastly, note that no counsellors or psychologists in private practice can bill the insurance directly (unlike a dentist or massage therapist). Typically, you pay the counsellor’s fee upfront, and then submit a receipt to your insurance for reimbursement. The receipt will need the counsellor’s name, credential (and registration number), and details of the session. If you’re ever confused about how to claim, don’t hesitate to ask the therapist or your benefits administrator for guidance – it’s a common part of the process.
How to Check Credentials and Find a Qualified Therapist
When you’re entrusting someone with your mental health, it’s completely okay – even encouraged – to verify their qualifications and make sure they’re the right fit. Here are some steps and tips to empower you in that process:
1. Verify their credentials through official registers: If a therapist says they are an RCC, CCC, RSW, or R.Psych, they will be listed on the corresponding organization’s registry. For example, BCACC (for RCCs) has an online member registry where you can search a name and confirm if they’re in good standing. The College of Social Workers has a public registry to check RSW status, and the College of Psychologists does for psychologists as well. A quick search like “BCACC find a counsellor” or going to the official college website can let you search by name. This is a reliable way to make sure, for instance, that someone claiming to be an RCC is actually registered and hasn’t been disciplined (BCACC’s registry even shows any limits on practice or disciplinary notes). Don’t hesitate to do this – these tools exist to protect you as a consumer.
2. Look for an educational background in mental health: A legitimate therapist should be transparent about their training. Most will list their degrees (e.g. Master of Counselling, MSW, PhD in Psychology, etc.) on their website or profile. If you cannot find any indication of formal education in a relevant field, that’s a red flag. For example, if someone just calls themselves a “Certified Trauma Healer” with no mention of an actual degree or what that certification is, be cautious.
3. Ask about professional membership or licensing: It’s perfectly fine to ask a prospective therapist, “Are you registered with a professional college or association?” A qualified counsellor in BC might answer, “Yes, I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor with BCACC” or “I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor with CCPA,” or “I’m a social worker registered in BC.” If someone gets defensive or cannot clearly tell you who holds them accountable (like which board or association), that’s a sign they may not have a recognized credential. Remember, who can call themselves a counsellor in BC is broad – so this question helps narrow down if they’ve chosen to be accountable to any standards. A life coach or unregulated therapist might say “No, I’m not registered; I use my life experience,” and then you can make an informed decision about whether that’s okay for your situation.
Book a free consult with one of the team at Nimble Counselling to get to know your therapist before booking
4. Red flags to watch for: Aside from credentials, trust your gut and watch out for certain professional red flags,
Guarantees of a “cure” or quick fix: Ethical therapists won’t promise to solve all your problems or fix you in a set number of sessions.
Lack of clear boundaries or professionalism: This could include things like over-sharing about their own problems, inappropriate touch, or trying to become your friend or business partner. A therapist should maintain a caring but professional relationship. (learn more about boundaries and what they really mean in our blog “Boundaries: The Key to Protection, Connection, and Self-Worth” )
Pushy sales tactics or high upfront fees: If someone pressures you to sign up for an expensive long-term package right away, be cautious. Legitimate therapists usually operate on a pay-as-you-go basis (with perhaps a standard cancellation policy) and won’t use hard sells.
Not willing to answer questions: If you ask about their approach, training, or how therapy works and they dismiss your questions or confuse you with jargon, that’s a concern. You deserve clarity.
No intake or informed consent process: Proper therapists will have some sort of intake form or informed consent where they explain confidentiality and get some of your background. If it’s overly informal without any paperwork or discussion of confidentiality, that’s not standard practice.
5. Helpful questions to ask before booking: Most therapists offer a free phone consult or will answer questions by email. Consider asking:
“What is your training and background?” – Let them tell you about their degrees and specialties.
“Have you worked with [my issue] before?” – If you are seeking help for something specific (say, panic attacks, or couples counselling, or grief), it’s comforting to know they have experience in that area.
“What is your general approach or therapy style?” – This might be hard for a layperson to interpret, but it’s useful to hear if they say something like cognitive-behavioral, or somatic, or emotion-focused. You can then research that approach if you want, or just see if it resonates (e.g. some people want a very structured approach, others want a more open, client-led approach).
“What are the fees, and do you offer sliding scale?” – Practical but important. Also ask how long sessions are for that fee.
“Can I use my insurance with you?” – If you need to use benefits, confirm they have the credential (and often they’ll know which insurers commonly reimburse their services).
Nimble offers direct billing through Pacific Blue Cross & Telus eClaims
“How do we set goals or know if therapy is helping?” – A good therapist will be able to talk about collaborating on goals and checking in about progress.
Are you supervised or part of a professional network?” – For interns or new therapists, supervision is important. For established ones, consultation with peers is a sign of a therapist who is always learning.
A qualified, ethical therapist will welcome these kinds of questions. They understand that you are essentially interviewing them to ensure a good fit. You have every right to vet your therapist’s credentials and approach – after all, this is someone you may be sharing your heart with!
You Deserve Support – Finding the Right Fit
Navigating the world of therapists and counsellors in BC can be confusing, but remember: you are not alone in this process. At Nimble Counselling, we firmly believe that finding support should not feel like stumbling through the dark. Our mission is to shine a light on your path, helping you find clarity and confidence as you seek help.
While all these titles and details are important, what matters most is that you find a caring, competent professional whom you feel comfortable with. That might be an RCC, an RSW, a psychologist – or something else – but armed with the knowledge from this guide, you can make that choice with greater peace of mind.
We encourage you not to be discouraged by the alphabet soup of credentials. Instead, let it empower you to ask the right questions. If you’re feeling uncertain, reach out – even a simple inquiry can give you a sense of a therapist’s warmth and professionalism.
Use our match with a therapist tool to find the right therapist for you
At Nimble Counselling, all our clinicians are experienced, qualified professionals (for example, our counsellors are Registered Clinical Counsellors or hold equivalent credentials). We’re happy to answer any questions about our training or approach because we want you to feel safe and informed. If we’re not the right fit, we’ll do our best to point you toward other resources or professionals who might suit your needs. Our priority is you finding the support you deserve, whether it’s with us or elsewhere.
Seeking support is a brave and positive step. It’s okay to feel a bit lost at first – think of it as the first turn in a journey toward well-being. With each question you ask and each piece of information you gather, you’re gaining control over your mental health journey. You’re advocating for yourself or your loved one, and that’s something to feel good about.
Remember, help is available and you don’t have to go through challenges alone. Whether you choose to work with a counsellor, social worker, psychologist, or any other professional, what’s most important is the connection and trust you build with that person. Titles and credentials set the stage, but the real work happens in the compassionate and empowering space that a good therapist provides.
If you have more questions or want guidance on finding a therapist who fits your needs, Nimble Counselling is here to help. We can offer personalized recommendations and support you in understanding your options. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back as you navigate the next steps.
FAQ: Common Questions about Therapy Credentials in BC
Q: What’s the difference between a counsellor and a psychologist in BC?
A: The difference comes down to education, regulation, and scope of practice. A psychologist in BC is a registered professional with a doctoral-level education in psychology (in most cases) and is licensed by the College of Psychologists – they can provide therapy and conduct formal assessments/diagnoses. A counsellor in BC often has a master’s level education and may be certified (like an RCC or CCC) but is not regulated by the government. Both can provide talk therapy for mental health issues, but psychologists can offer specialized assessments (like IQ or personality tests) and are recognized by law as “psychologists,” whereas anyone can use the term “counsellor” here. Psychologists are also almost always covered by insurance, while counsellors (if not registered with an association) may not be.
Q: Who can call themselves a counsellor or therapist in BC?
A: In British Columbia, virtually anyone can call themselves a “counsellor” or “therapist.” These titles are not legally protected[22]. That means it’s legal for someone with no training to use these words. This makes it vital for you to check what credentials or education a person has. Look for designations like RCC, CCC, RSW, or R.Psych after someone’s name, which indicate they have met professional standards. Hopefully in the near future BC will regulate these titles, but for now, do your homework when you see the title “counsellor” to ensure they are qualified.
Q: What therapy is covered by insurance in BC?
A: Insurance plans don’t cover therapy by type of therapy (CBT, couples counselling, etc.) but rather by provider credentials. Most extended health plans in BC cover therapy provided by registered psychologists, registered clinical counsellors (RCCs), Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs), and registered social workers (RSWs). Some plans might cover only a subset of those (e.g. psychologists and RSWs but not RCCs – it depends on the plan). Always check your policy details. And remember, psychiatrists (MDs) are covered by MSP, not your extended benefits, so if you see a psychiatrist, it’s generally free with a referral.
Q: Is there a difference between a “registered counsellor” and a “therapist”?
A: The term “therapist” is generic and unregulated – anyone can use it. A “registered counsellor” implies the person is registered with a professional body. In BC, that usually means a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with BCACC, since “registered counsellor” isn’t a formal title on its own. Essentially, if someone calls themselves a registered counsellor, ask what they are registered as and with whom. They should say RCC (or perhaps Registered Social Worker, etc.). If someone just uses “therapist” without any credential, it doesn’t tell you much. So yes, there’s a difference: “Registered” means they have a credential (and accountability) – always find out what’s behind that title.
Q: How can I check a counsellor’s credentials in BC?
A: You can verify credentials by using public registers and asking for clarification. For an RCC, you can search the BCACC’s member registry online to confirm they’re listed. For a psychologist, you’d use the College of Psychologists’ registry; for an RSW, the BC College of Social Workers’ registry, etc. Simply go to the relevant organization’s website and look for a “Find a [professional]” or “Verify registration” tool. If you can’t find them listed, ask the counsellor directly. A reputable counsellor will be glad you’re doing your due diligence and will provide you with their registration number or the name of their certifying body. Never be afraid to double-check – it’s about ensuring your safety and peace of mind.
We hope this guide has brought some clarity and confidence as you explore your options for counselling or therapy in British Columbia. Remember, you have the right to ask questions and choose a therapist who meets your needs both in qualifications and in personal fit. Whenever you’re ready, Nimble Counselling is here to support you on your journey to well-being.
