Each of these programs begins with an online assessment, which can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes to complete depending on the program you choose. The assessment is reviewed by a therapist to ensure the program is right for you, and the information is used to tailor a therapeutic approach that best suits your needs.

You may have an initial consultation with your therapist by video or by phone, and then you’ll work through the program online or via an app you’ll download on your smartphone or tablet. Your therapist will review your progress and check in along the way.

iCBT programs involve therapist guided modules, including activities and exercises to learn and apply cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skills to real life situations. With iCBT, you can work through the modules at your own pace, at any time, from wherever you choose.

Working directly with a therapist, either in-person or virtually, on CBT skills would usually be during regularly scheduled sessions. The therapist may also employ a number of possible techniques during the course of therapy, rather than focusing solely on CBT. If included with your Pacific Blue Cross benefits package, therapy sessions would be covered under ‘paramedical practitioner’ coverage (practitioner types can include Psychologist, Social Worker or Clinical Counsellor, depending on plan specific coverages).

iCBT is added for most groups and individuals that have coverage for psychology benefits. Log into your Member Profile account to confirm. It’s available to Pacific Blue Cross plan members and your dependents.

It’s entirely up to you. Learn more about each iCBT provider and their programs and select the one you think will work best.

No. Pacific Blue Cross has done a thorough review of each of these programs based on eligibility criteria that uses evidence-based research conducted by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH). Therefore, only vendors who have been through this review are included as Eligible Vendors for claims reimbursement. We will continue to evaluate other iCBT vendors to augment this list.

It depends on the program and how quickly you work through it. They vary between 6 to 20 weeks to complete.

Each of the online CBT providers has a different cost structure for their programs.

Submit the claim to Pacific Blue Cross for reimbursement, up to your plan’s annual maximum under existing Psychology benefit limits. You can claim the balance through your Health Spending Account if you have one as part of your benefits plan.

If you’re having a mental health crisis you should immediately contact your physician or a mental health professional for assistance.