Hollyburn Support Services

Offering in-person counselling in North Vancouver and virtually across British Columbia

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Symbolic image of two hands connecting puzzle pieces in front of a tree, representing support and connection—reflecting North Vancouver counselling services with direct billing.

Making Counselling More Accessible

At Hollyburn Support Services, we offer direct billing to make counselling more accessible—whether you’re seeking North Vancouver counselling services, Surrey support, or virtual therapy across BC.

Our direct billing options allow eligible clients to have counselling sessions billed directly to their insurance providers, reducing or eliminating the need for upfront payment and minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

Insurers We Can Bill Directly

Click here to view the list!

Providers Requiring ClientS TO SUBMIT THEIR OWN INVOICE

Click here to view the list!

Pacific Blue Cross

  • In general, counsellors, specifically Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCCs), cannot directly bill Pacific Blue Cross for their services. Pacific Blue Cross typically requires clients to pay upfront for counselling and then submit a claim for reimbursement from their insurance. 
  • Currently, Pacific Blue Cross only allows RCC’s and RSW’s that provide care to First Nations people and their families through First Nations Health Authority mental health programs to use direct billing.

Empire Life

  • Does not accept direct billing from counsellors at this time. As per their website, the following service providers are eligible to submit claims directly to Empire Life: massage therapists, chiropractors, physiotherapists, vision care providers (this includes opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists)

HOW DO YOU SET UP DIRECT BILLING WITH US?

  1. Verify Coverage: Before your first appointment, confirm with your insurance provider that counselling services are covered and whether direct billing is allowed. Please note that some providers (like Pacific Blue Cross) do not currently permit direct billing for counselling.
  2. Provide Information: If you’d like us to direct bill your insurance, please email counselling@hollyburn.ca (or reply to your welcome email) with:
    • A clear photo of your insurance card (front and back)
    • A statement explicitly giving us permission to direct bill your insurance provider on your behalf
    • For example, you can write: “I give Hollyburn Support Services permission to direct bill my insurance provider for my counselling sessions.”
  3. Consent Form (if needed): Some insurance providers require a signed consent form. If yours does, our coordinator will send it to you once we have your insurance details and permission.
  4. Session Billing: After each session, we’ll bill your insurance provider directly for the covered portion. Any amount not covered by your plan will be your responsibility to pay prior to your next session.

FAQS

What if my insurance provider isn’t listed?

If your insurance provider isn’t on our list of partners that allow direct billing, don’t worry—you can likely still use your coverage. In these cases, you’ll need to pay for your session upfront, and then submit the receipt we provide to your insurance company for reimbursement.

We include everything your insurer typically needs on your receipt, such as the counsellor’s credentials, registration number, and session details. If you’re unsure whether your plan covers counselling or how to submit a claim, we recommend contacting your insurance provider directly.

And if the upfront cost is a barrier, please reach out to our Director, Lissy Snowden, at lsnowden@hollyburn.ca—we may be able to help.

How do I submit a claim for reimbursement?

If your insurance provider does not allow direct billing, you can still submit a claim to be reimbursed for your counselling sessions. After each session, we’ll provide you with a detailed receipt that includes all the information your insurer needs—such as your counsellor’s registration number, the service provided, and the session date.

To submit a claim:

  1. Log in to your insurance provider’s member portal (or use their app).
  2. Upload your Hollyburn receipt and fill in any required claim details.
  3. Submit and wait for reimbursement, which typically arrives by direct deposit or cheque within a few weeks.

If you’re unsure how to submit your claim, contact your provider directly—they can walk you through the process. And of course, we’re happy to help clarify anything on our end!

Need Assistance?

At Hollyburn, we genuinely care about your well-being and want you to get the support you need. If you have extended health coverage for counselling but are unable to pay the full upfront cost, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we may be able to find a solution together.

We also offer low-cost counselling with intern counsellors, and in certain circumstances, free or further reduced-cost counselling may be available. Please check with our Director of Counselling Services to explore your options.

If you have questions about direct billing, need help getting started, or want to learn more about accessible counselling options, contact our Director of Counselling Services. We’re here to support you every step of the way.