These designations reflect different educational requirements, regulatory bodies, and areas of focus in the counseling field. Registered Professional Counsellor Candidate (RPC): The RPC designation is governed by the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). RPCs are professionals who have completed accredited training programs and meet the standards set by the CPCA for experience, education, and supervision. Governing Body: Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) Qualification Requirements: RPCs must complete accredited training, such as the Professional Counselling Diploma (PCD). In addition to academic qualifications, the CPCA is competency-based, requiring practical experience and demonstrated counseling skills. Supervision & Continuing Education: The CPCA mandates ongoing supervision and continuing education to ensure that counselors maintain competence and continuously develop their skills. The focus is on ensuring that counselors are competent in applying counseling techniques and providing effective care. Title & Ethics: RPCs are referred to as Clinical Counsellors under the CPCA's Code of Ethics, similar to the terminology used by RCCs. Website: thecpca.ca Current Status: As a RPC-C (Registered Professional Counsellor-Candidate) Registered Therapeutic Counsellor Candidate (RTC): The RTC designation is awarded by the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT). It focuses on therapeutic counseling techniques and requires adherence to ACCT’s training, supervision, and continuing education standards. Governing Body: Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT) Qualification Requirements: Must hold a certificate or diploma that includes a minimum of 500 education hours or hold a bachelor's degree, postgraduate certificate, master’s degree or Ph.D. in counselling or a related field from a registered or accredited school. Supervision & Continuing Education: RTCs are required to engage in ongoing supervision and continuing education to maintain professional competence and stay current in therapeutic practices. Title & Ethics: RTCs are referred to as Therapeutic Counsellors and follow the ACCT’s Code of Ethics. Website: acctcounsellor.com Current Status: As a RTC (Registered Therapeutic Counsellor) Please note, I do not currently carry the RCC designation however, I have included it here for reference to understand the designations. Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC): An RCC is a designation from the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). This designation typically requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field and indicates that the counselor meets specific education and clinical supervision requirements. Governing Body: BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) Qualification Requirements: Requires a minimum of a Master’s degree in counseling or a related field (psychology, social work, etc.). Supervision & Continuing Education: RCCs participate in ongoing supervision and continuing education to maintain competency and adhere to professional standards. Title & Ethics: RCCs are referred to as Clinical Counsellors and must adhere to the BCACC Code of Ethical Conduct. Website: bcacc.ca

Registered Professional Counsellor (RPC) Many Canadian Professional Counselling Association (CPCA) registered counsellors (RPC) receive payment for clinical counselling services with recognized Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) as well as receive reimbursement for Insurance Company claims. It is important to remember that the terms of each client policy determine the coverage provided. The qualifications of each clinician can affect the approval process with some companies as well. There is no way we can provide an exhaustive list, but here are a few companies that we can confirm have covered the cost of counselling services by our members: ➢ Alberta Blue Cross ➢ Aspiria ➢ Blue Cross ➢ ComPsych ➢ Canada Life (formerly Great West Life) – sometimes requires a related master’s degree ➢ Empire Life ➢ FNHA (currently in process) ➢ Green shield ➢ Homewood Health ➢ ICBC - requires a related master’s degree ➢ Lifeworks (formerly known as Ceridian) ➢ Manulife – sometimes requires a master’s degree ➢ Morneau Shepell ➢ Municipal Fire Departments who provide their own coverage ➢ Optima Global Health ➢ Pacific Blue Cross ➢ Pacific Life ➢ Shepell-fgi ➢ Sunlife ➢ Some Provincial Victim Services ➢ Telus Health All CPCA Registered Professional Counsellors (RPC) and Master Practitioners in Clinical Counselling (MPCC) have been approved with Sunlife across Canada. The CPCA is actively working on broader recognition with other insurance companies and employers who design their benefit plans to understand how they can expand their health plans to provide greater mental health services with clinical counsellors who choose registration and voluntary self-regulation with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA) across Canada Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC) The Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT) is actively working to advocate for eligibility with insurance companies and benefits providers. To date, the following providers have agreed to reimburse ACCT counsellors for those plans that include counselling services, please note RTC-C status may not be included by these providers: ➢ Alberta Blue Cross: may recognize ACCT counsellors, but they cautioned that only a small number of their policies cover clinical counsellors. Most of their policies specify coverage through a psychologist or social worker and you would not be covered in those cases. ➢The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan: will cover the services of counsellors holding ACCT designations of RTC, MTC, RCS. ➢Canada Life: does not have an official agreement with ACCT, however they appear to review claims on a case-by-case basis. ➢ClaimSecure: has added ACCT to their approved association's list. Please ensure your policy covers "counsellors", if the policy states "clinical counsellors" you will not be covered. Claimsecure distinguishes between therapeutic and clinical counsellors. ➢Equitable Life of Canada: is accepting all ACCT designations. ➢Green Shield Canada: will cover ACCT members for plans that cover clinical counsellors ➢iA Financial Group: (Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.) has accepted the ACCT as an eligible association. ➢Manitoba Blue Cross: has confirmed that they will cover the services of counsellors holding ACCT designations of RTC, MTC, RCS if it is a counselling plan. ➢ManuLife: claims are reviewed on a case by case basis. ➢Pacific Blue Cross: has agreed to reimburse clients for the services of counsellors holding any ACCT designation (RTC, MTC, RCS) for plans that cover the services of clinical counsellors. ➢Sun Life: has added ACCT to its approved association's list, however for your services to be reimbursed the terms of your policy must state that Counselling or Psychotherapy are covered.