Teaching is a profession rooted in care; care for students, families, communities, and learning. In recent years, BC’s teachers have faced mounting pressures: rising workloads, increasingly complex classrooms, and a lack of systemic support. At the same time, access to affordable, timely, and relevant mental health services has remained out of reach for many.
That’s why the launch of direct billing for registered clinical counsellors and psychologists by Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) is such a welcome change. As of July 11, 2025, mental health practitioners in British Columbia can choose to bill PBC directly for eligible services, a process known as direct billing, where the provider is paid by the insurer rather than the client paying out of pocket first and seeking reimbursement (Pacific Blue Cross, 2024).For educators covered under PBC’s extended health plan, this removes one of the most persistent hurdles to accessing care: the upfront cost.
This progress is due in part to advocacy efforts by the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), both of which have pushed for better access to mental health care for all British Columbians. You can learn more about their work at bcacc.ca and ccpa-accp.ca.
A Clear Need for Support
The 2025 BC Teachers’ Federation (BCTF) Membership Survey (BCTF, 2025) highlights the toll that an increasingly complex teaching profession is taking on educators across the province.
Over half of teachers surveyed (50.6 percent) reported an increased workload during the 2024–25 school year, while more than 14 percent rated their mental health as poor or very poor. Additionally, 15 percent experienced workplace violence, and 14 percent indicated they are very or somewhat unlikely to still be teaching in two years. Among Kindergarten to Grade 3 teachers, nearly 80 percent reported having no class-assigned education assistant support, and approximately 17 percent said their school lacked an assigned mental health counsellor, highlighting the growing demands placed on educators without sufficient resources.
While funding, staffing, and working conditions require long-term systemic solutions, access to mental health care is one area where improvements can happen now. Removing financial and administrative barriers to care can make a real difference in whether a teacher reaches out for help or struggles in silence.
A Step Toward Equity
Direct billing is also an equity issue. For teachers who live in rural or remote communities, including many on islands or in the North, access to in-person services is already limited. Some rely on virtual counselling, which is not always eligible for reimbursement unless provided by a regulated practitioner. Having to cover the cost of multiple sessions upfront, sometimes in the hundreds of dollars, can be enough to deter someone from seeking care entirely. With direct billing, these educators can finally access support without navigating financial risk.
Importantly, this change also helps younger teachers, early-career educators, and those with families, who may be most impacted by out-of-pocket costs.
Easier Access Through the Insta-Claim Provider Search Tool
To support members in finding providers who offer direct billing, Pacific Blue Cross offers the Insta-Claim provider search tool. This online platform allows users to search for a variety of health professionals, ranging from acupuncturists and naturopaths to registered social workers and clinical counsellors, who participate in direct billing. By entering your location and selecting the service type, members can quickly locate registered clinical counsellors and psychologists in their area who can bill Pacific Blue Cross directly. This tool streamlines the process of finding accessible and covered care, reducing barriers for educators seeking mental health support. The Insta-Claim provider search is available here: https://service.pac.bluecross.ca/acesweb/pages/Authentication/ProviderSearch.aspx
Moving Forward
The introduction of direct billing for mental health services is a meaningful shift in how we support teacher well-being in BC. It reduces barriers, supports equity, and sends a clear message: mental health care is health care, and it should be accessible.
For school and district leaders, it is also an invitation to talk openly about mental health and to ensure all staff know about this new option. Information can be found on the Pacific Blue Cross website or through the provider directly. Registered clinical counsellors and psychologists can now sign up to offer direct billing, making it easier than ever for teachers to connect with care.
References
BC Teachers’ Federation. (2025, May 29). Results of the third annual BCTF membership survey. https://www.bctf.ca/news-and-opportunities/news-details/2025/05/29/results-of-the-third-annual-bctf-membership-survey
Pacific Blue Cross. (2024, June 11). Direct billing for mental health providers in BC starting July 11. https://pac.bluecross.ca/providerresource/provider-news/direct-billing-for-mental-health-providers-in-bc-starting-july-11