Fees & Insurance
What Sessions Cost
Individual therapy session (1 hour): $240
-
The fee is the same for office and online video sessions, and for sessions in English, Cantonese or Mandarin.
-
Therapy with a psychologist is exempt from the Goods and Services Tax (GST), so no GST is added.
Have questions before you book?
You can book a free 15-minute phone consultation. It's a short call to ask questions, including about fees and insurance, and to see whether therapy with Dr. Tse is a good fit for you.
Paying for sessions
You can pay by credit card or Interac e-Transfer. You'll get a receipt after each session for your insurance claim or tax return.
Using your extended health benefits
Many workplace and private health plans help pay for sessions with a psychologist. Dr. Tse doesn't bill these insurers directly. You pay for each session, then send your receipt to your insurer to be paid back.
Every plan is a little different. A quick check with your insurer or benefits booklet can tell you:
-
whether your plan covers sessions with a psychologist
-
how much it covers per session and per year
-
whether it needs a doctor's referral
Tip: if you also have coverage through a spouse or partner, or a health spending account, you may be able to use that too.
Injured in a car accident? ICBC coverage
If you were injured in a car crash in BC, ICBC may cover sessions with a psychologist.
-
Dr. Tse bills ICBC directly and charges only ICBC's set rate, so you won't pay anything extra on top of what ICBC covers.
-
Under ICBC's Enhanced Care coverage, you're pre-approved for up to 12 sessions with a psychologist in the first 12 weeks after the crash. No referral is needed.
-
After those 12 sessions, or once 12 weeks have passed, more sessions may be covered, subject to ICBC approval.
To get started, contact Dr. Tse at 236-688-5335 or send a message through the contact form. You'll need your ICBC claim number, which you get when you report the crash to ICBC.
If you need to cancel
Plans can change. If you need to cancel or move an appointment, please let Dr. Tse know at least 24 hours ahead. Late cancellations may result in a charge, except in an emergency.
Common Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No, you can book directly. Some insurance plans ask for a referral before they pay, so it's worth checking yours.
Does MSP cover sessions with a psychologist?
BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP) doesn't cover psychologists in private practice. Extended health benefits may help instead.
Can I claim therapy fees on my taxes?
Fees paid to a psychologist may count as a medical expense on your tax return. Ask the Canada Revenue Agency or your accountant how this applies to you.
How often will I have sessions?
It's different for everyone. Dr. Tse will talk this through with you at your first session, based on what you'd like help with.
Have a question about cost?
Dr. Tse is happy to answer questions about fees and coverage. Call 236-688-5335 or book a free 15-minute phone consultation.