We’re thrilled to announce a significant development for mental health services in British Columbia. As of December 20, 2024, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will no longer apply to clinical counselling services provided by Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC) or Canadian Certified Counsellors (CCC). This change marks a major step forward in recognizing the essential role that Counsellors play in supporting mental health and making these services more accessible to those who need them most.
What This Means for Clients
The GST exemption means that clients will no longer have to pay the additional tax on counselling services provided by registered professionals. For many, this will result in more affordable access to vital mental health care. Whether you’re seeking support for stress, anxiety, grief, relationships, or personal growth, the cost of counselling sessions may now be a little easier to manage.
Benefits for Counsellors
For registered counsellors, this exemption is not just a financial adjustment but a recognition of the critical contributions they make to the well-being of individuals and communities. It reduces administrative burdens related to GST collection and simplifies bookkeeping, allowing counsellors to focus more on their practice and less on paperwork.
Why This Change Matters
Mental health has become a national priority, and access to affordable care is a cornerstone of well-being. By removing the GST on registered counselling services, the government acknowledges the growing need for these services and takes a proactive step toward reducing barriers to access. This move aligns with similar exemptions already in place for other health services, reinforcing the understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Who Qualifies for the Exemption?
To benefit from the GST exemption, the counsellor must be registered with a recognized professional body that meets the government’s criteria. In BC, this is the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors or the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Clients should ensure their counsellor holds valid registration to take advantage of this tax benefit. Sessions with a student intern counsellor are not gst exempt.
Moving Forward
This GST exemption is a win for everyone invested in improving mental health care. We encourage clients to take advantage of this change and seek the support they need. For counsellors, this is an opportunity to reach more people and provide affordable, life-changing care.
At East Vancouver Counselling, each of our team members are individual practitioners and determine their own rates, so please speak to your counsellor about how they plan to integrate this change into their rate structure. Some counsellors are opting to tie the change into an already planned regular rate increase, others will simply drop the gst and charge a lower rate. Unfortunately this change does not apply to work with student intern counsellors as they are not registered professionals, however our low rates for work with our interns are already geared to offer an accessible, affordable option.
We’re committed to providing high-quality, accessible mental health services. If you have any questions about how this change affects you or would like to schedule a session, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let’s work together to break down barriers to mental health care and build a healthier, more supported community. Here’s to a brighter, more accessible future for mental health!
