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.
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