Registered Clinical Counsellor

Is a registered clinical counsellor CRA eligible in Canada?

No. Registered clinical counsellor services are not CRA-eligible medical expenses on their own. Fees for counselling only qualify when paid to a practitioner who is authorized as a medical practitioner for Medical Expense Tax Credit purposes in the province where the service is provided. A registered clinical counsellor designation by itself is not enough to make the expense eligible for HSA reimbursement.

However, psychotherapy, social worker, or psychologist services often qualify. You will need to verify whether your practitioner is registered under one of those eligible professional categories before submitting the claim.

What May Qualify Instead

• Counselling or therapy provided by a licensed psychologist
• Counselling or therapy provided by a registered social worker in a province where social workers are recognized
• Psychotherapy provided by a registered or legally qualified psychotherapist where that professional category is recognized

What Does Not Qualify

• Counselling sessions billed only under a registered clinical counsellor designation
• Services from a counsellor who is not also registered as an eligible psychologist, social worker, or psychotherapist
• Coaching, wellness counselling, or general personal development services

Good to Know

• In B.C., counselling services may qualify for HSA reimbursement if your counsellor is also registered as an eligible practitioner.
• This includes psychologists licensed with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) and social workers registered with the BC College of Social Workers (BCCSW).
• Before submitting a claim, verify whether your practitioner is registered under one of these eligible categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a registered clinical counsellor CRA eligible?

No. A registered clinical counsellor designation alone is not an authorized medical practitioner category for the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

Can I claim counselling through my HSA?

Sometimes. Counselling may be reimbursable through your HSA if the provider is also an eligible psychologist, social worker, or psychotherapist in the province where the service was provided.

What if my counsellor is also a psychologist or social worker?

The service may qualify if the receipt and practitioner registration support the eligible professional category. Verify whether the practitioner is licensed as a psychologist, registered as a social worker, or otherwise recognized before submitting the claim.

Source

Based on the CRA's authorized medical practitioners for purposes of the Medical Expense Tax Credit list, the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC, and the BC College of Social Workers.