Advancing the profession.
The BCACC continually promotes and enhances the Clinical Counselling/ Psychotherapy profession in BC to increase awareness of the need for Mental Health services and to remove or minimize barriers to RCCs’ ability to provide services.
The BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) remained steadfast in its commitment to advancing the Clinical Counselling and Psychotherapy profession in British Columbia (BC).
Specifically, the BCACC focused on elevating the Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) designation.
Helping to define the future of mental health care.
Over the past year, the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) has continued to lead and shape the profession of counselling and psychotherapy in British Columbia. Through bold advocacy, regulatory advancement, and meaningful engagement with stakeholders, BCACC has helped define the future of mental health care in this province. Our efforts have led to tangible outcomes—such as increased rates for counsellors and psychotherapists with key funders, national awards recognizing association excellence, and the introduction of Canada’s first AI guidelines for mental health professionals. BCACC continues to work for the betterment of its members and to expand access to high-quality, inclusive care.
The press releases below, issued between January 2024 and April 2025, reflect the breadth, impact, and momentum of our collective work.
Continued Public Relations
A key part of BCACC’s advocacy work is to increase its visibility in the eyes of the public and many other stakeholders through social media and press/media releases.
April 3, 2025 – BCACC appoints Etienne van Eck as Deputy Registrar to enhance its public protection mandate, overseeing complaints and inquiry processes. Read more here
March 19, 2025 – BCACC publishes Canada’s first AI guidelines for mental health professionals, addressing ethical considerations and implications for practitioners. Read more here
February 26, 2025 – BCACC’s student memberships surpass 1,000, indicating a growing interest in the counselling profession. Read more here
January 29, 2025 – Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) in BC are now exempt from charging GST on psychotherapy services, improving affordability and access. Read more here
December 18, 2024 – Allan Wade, RCC, is appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada, recognizing his contributions to the field. Read more here
November 12, 2024 – BCACC expresses concern over the impracticality of GST/HST exemptions for psychotherapy services and potential negative impacts on British Columbians. Read more here
November 1, 2024 – BCACC receives the National 2024 CSAE Association Centre of Excellence Award for its efforts in advocating for the designation of psychotherapy as a health profession in BC. Read more here
October 25, 2024 – BCACC launches a campaign to prioritize mental health in workplaces across British Columbia. Read more here
September 18, 2024 – BCACC promotes clinical supervision as a best practice in the counselling and psychotherapy community. Read more here
August 7, 2024 – BCACC supports the Canadian Mental Health Association’s push to include mental health in the Canada Health Act. Read more here
July 3, 2024 – British Columbia designates psychotherapy as a health profession under the Health Professions Act, marking a significant step in regulation. Read more here
June 20, 2024 – BCACC CEO, Michael Radano, is invited to serve on the Provincial Allied Health Strategic Plan Advisory Network (PAHSPAN). Read more here
May 24, 2024 – BCACC welcomes legislative regulation of the psychotherapy profession, anticipating enhanced public protection and accessibility. Read more here
May 1, 2024 – BCACC partners with the BC Municipal Safety Association to launch ‘Connection to Care,’ a dedicated mental health support service for municipal workers. Read more here
April 25, 2024 – BCACC Deputy Registrar, Kathy Lauriente, is honored with the Distinguished Service Award from Thompson Rivers University for her contributions to mental health services. Read more here
Improved Remuneration for Counsellors 2024 – 2025
BCACC has worked hard with key employers, such as ICBC and CVAP to ensure that Registered Clinical Counsellors are being remunerated appropriately for their work. Between 2024 and 2025, BCACC worked diligently to influence updates to counsellor fees, utilizing the results of our fee schedule survey, benchmarking across Canada, and costs of living.
Crime Victim Assistance Program
Rates were increased in January 2024 from $80/hour to $135/hour (a 69% increase)
ICBC
BCACC also advocated for rate increases for counsellors with ICBC which has seen significant growth over 2024 – 2025
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ICBC Counselling Fee Schedule: Then & Now
Since April 1, 2024, the rates paid to counsellors have increased significantly due to BCACC’s advocacy efforts and direct consultation with the Crown Secretariat.
Rates were increased on May 1, 2025:
Counselling Assessment Visit and Report:
April 1, 2024: $251 → Rate as of May 1, 2025: $262 (a 7% increase)
Counselling Standard Treatment Session (min. 50 minutes):
Rate as of April 1, 2024: $140 → Rate as of May 1, 2025 : $157 (a 12% increase)
Participation in Key Events
To increase awareness of the need for mental health services and the role RCCs can play, the BCACC attended several events and conferences:
CPHR BC & Yukon HR Conference & Expo – April 30 – May 1, 2024 | Vancouver, BC
Exhibitor
BCACC exhibited at Western Canada’s largest HR event to engage with HR professionals and decision-makers. Through direct outreach, we advocated for the inclusion of Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) in extended health benefits and shared resources that highlight the value of clinical counselling and psychotherapy in workplace wellness.
CMHA BC: Compassionate Minds, Brighter Tomorrows – May 2, 2024 | Vancouver, BC
Silver Sponsor
BCACC supported CMHA BC’s inaugural gala focused on youth mental health. This event celebrated resilient youth and raised funds to provide scholarships for students with lived experience of mental illness. Proceeds supported initiatives promoting mental wellness across British Columbia.
First Nations Northern Regional Caucus – June 11–13, 2024 | Prince George, BC
Exhibitor
BCACC participated as an exhibitor at this important regional gathering of Chiefs, health directors, and community leaders from northern BC. Under the theme “We are our Culture and Traditions,” the event focused on culturally grounded health service planning. BCACC was honoured to connect with attendees and share how RCCs can support mental wellness in Indigenous communities.
Joint Annual Conference (JAC) – October 7–9, 2024 | Penticton, BC
Exhibitor
BCACC exhibited at the JAC, co-hosted by the Public Works Association of BC and the BC Municipal Safety Association. The event focused on infrastructure and municipal safety, providing an opportunity to meet with union and municipal leaders to discuss mental health coverage and promote our joint Connection to Care program.
CNAR 2024 Annual Conference – October 7–9, 2024 | Ottawa, ON
Attendee
BCACC attended the Canadian Network of Agencies for Regulation (CNAR) Conference to engage with regulatory leaders from across Canada. Our participation supported national conversations around regulatory excellence and underscored our commitment to the responsible regulation of psychotherapy in BC.
CSAE National Conference – November 1, 2024 | Ottawa, ON
Award Recipient
BCACC was honoured to receive the Association Centre of Excellence Award at the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Annual Conference. This prestigious national award recognized BCACC’s team leadership in advocating for the regulation of psychotherapy and advancing the association sector in Canada.
Counselling Psychology Research Conference – November 1–2, 2024 | Vancouver, BC
Co-host
BCACC partnered with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and Simon Fraser University to co-host this national research conference. The event brought together students, clinicians, and scholars to explore emerging evidence and strengthen the research-practice connection in psychotherapy.
EMDR Canada Annual Conference – March 19–22, 2025 | Vancouver, BC
Exhibitor
BCACC exhibited at the EMDR Canada Annual Conference to support EMDR practitioners and connect with attendees. The event featured keynotes from Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Dr. Derek Farrell, and Dolores Mosquera. BCACC shared information about the RCC designation, offered resources, and engaged with clinicians to better understand how to support their trauma-informed work in practice.
Ongoing Stakeholder Engagements
To enhance and advocate for the profession, BCACC engaged in collaborative work and partnerships with the following agencies and organizations. This also provided an opportunity to showcase RCCs, remove practice barriers and inform policy/decisions:
