Understanding Extended Health Benefits

🧘‍♀️ Why Ontario Health Benefits Plans Cover This Retreat

Most Ontario health benefits programs provide coverage for mental health services, including psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist. This applies to a wide range of people. Some examples are educators (e.g. OTIP, RITP, EWBT), health care workers (e.g. ONA Health & Dental), first responders (e.g. MEBT, PPAO, PAO), unionized trades (e.g. OCBT, IBEW), public service professionals (eg. Manulife, Greenshield), and private sector employees (e.g. Canada Life).

This retreat is designed to support emotional well-being, reduce stress, and promote overall mental wellness — all of which may qualify for coverage under your extended health benefits.

🧾 How It Works

The retreat is offered by a licenced psychotherapist, and the services are covered under most extended health benefits plans. If you are unsure whether your plan covers mental health services (psychotherapy), we can help you find out! Here’s how to check:

  1. Review Your Collective Agreement or Employment Contract
    These documents outline the benefits available to you, including coverage limits and eligibility for mental health services.

  2. Contact Your Human Resources (HR) Department
    HR can provide details about your specific benefits plan, how to access services, and the steps to submit a claim.

  3. Consult Your Benefits Provider
    Most Ontario educators, healthcare professionals (nurses, paramedics), firefighters, unionized employees, and public service employees have plans administered by providers such as Canada Life, Manulife, Green Shield Canada, or Sun Life Financial. Reach out to your provider directly for detailed information on coverage and reimbursement.

For any questions or additional support, email us at helen.scott@thrive-canada.com.

📄 About the Invoice

You will receive a formal invoice from:

Helen Scott, RP (Qualifying)
Registered Psychotherapist
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario #18813
Includes: Service date, provider details, amount, and session description

This meets the requirements of your extended health benefits plans, including OTIP, EWTB, RTIP, ONA, PPA, CUPE and more.

🧾 Submitting Your Claim

You can submit your invoice:

  • Through your benefits provider’s online portal

  • Or by mailing it with your claim form

Tip: Most Ontario workers with extended benefits have approximately $1000+ per year for psychotherapy services.