Fees & Insurance
How much does counselling cost in Nova Scotia?
Cost is one of the biggest questions people have before starting counselling. Here's a plain guide to what to expect and how to make it more affordable.
By Brian Gao, MA, RCT-C · October 2026 · 3 min read
Typical fees for private counselling
Nova Scotia doesn't have a set fee schedule for private therapy, so prices vary depending on the type of professional, their experience, and the kind of session. As a rough guide in 2026:
Registered Counselling Therapists (RCTs) commonly charge around $120 to $200 for a 50-minute individual session.
Psychologists usually charge more, often $200 or above per session.
Couples sessions and longer sessions generally cost more than individual 50-minute sessions.
At BG Counselling, individual sessions are $150 for 50 minutes, and the first 15-minute consultation is free.
One small bonus: since June 2024, counselling from a therapist licensed with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists (NSCCT) isn't charged GST/HST, so the fee you see is the fee you pay.
Does insurance cover counselling?
Many workplace and private health plans now cover counselling with a Registered Counselling Therapist, but coverage varies a lot. Before you book, it's worth checking a few things with your insurer or your plan booklet:
Which professionals are covered? Look for "Registered Counselling Therapist" or "counselling therapist". Some plans only list psychologists or social workers.
Are candidates covered? Many counsellors early in their careers are registered as candidates (RCT-C), as I am. Some plans cover them, some don't, so it's worth asking.
How much is covered? Plans often have a yearly maximum (for example $500 to $1,500) and sometimes a per-session limit or a percentage (such as 80%).
Is the maximum shared? Some plans combine counselling, psychology and social work into one total.
Do you need a doctor's referral? Most plans don't, but some do.
You can also check whether your spouse's or partner's plan covers you, and whether you can combine the two.
Direct billing vs. reimbursement
With reimbursement, you pay for the session and then submit a receipt to your insurer to get money back. With direct billing, the counsellor bills your insurer directly, so you only pay any part that isn't covered.
I offer direct billing with Medavie Blue Cross, which many Nova Scotians have through work or school. For other insurers, I provide a receipt after each session that you can submit for reimbursement.
Free and lower-cost options
If you don't have coverage, or your coverage runs out, there are other options:
Nova Scotia Health Mental Health and Addictions. Publicly funded services are available, and you can refer yourself without a doctor by calling the provincial intake line at 1-855-922-1122 or referring online. Wait times can vary.
Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP). Many employers offer a few free, confidential counselling sessions per year. Check with HR or your benefits booklet.
Student services. Colleges and universities offer free counselling to students, and student health plans often include some coverage for outside counsellors.
Reduced-fee counselling. Some non-profit clinics and counsellors offer lower fees. Calling 211 Nova Scotia can help you find community services near you.
If you're in crisis, free help is available any time: call or text 988, or call the Nova Scotia Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167.
Making it work for you
It can help to think about counselling in terms of your yearly coverage. For example, if your plan covers $1,000 a year, that's roughly six or seven sessions at $150. Some people start weekly for a few sessions and then space them out to every two or three weeks as things improve, which makes coverage go further.
If you have questions about fees or insurance, you're welcome to ask during a free 15-minute consultation. You can also see the full details on my services and fees page.