Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Therapist-guided online programs ensure you have the tools and support you need, accessible from anywhere—and covered by your benefits plan.
Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change how you think and behave—so you can change the way you feel—by developing skills and techniques to manage the stress and emotions of day-to-day life. Our online CBT providers offer programs to treat anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, insomnia, panic disorder, pain management, and alcohol and other substance use issues. You can even get help with anxiety related to a pandemic.
Personalized therapy
You receive one-on-one support from a registered therapist while following a structured clinically effective approach that you can do on your own time, in your own way.
Private and secure
Your data and interactions with the therapist are completely private and secure.
Practical and proactive
CBT makes you aware of your negative thinking and prepares you to better cope with challenging situations as they arise.
Choose the online program that best suits you, from these expert providers*
Learn more about each iCBT program.
*Online CBT programs from other vendors are not eligible for coverage.
AbilitiCBT
Feeling anxious? Sad? Not yourself? We’ve all been there. AbilitiCBT by LifeWorks can help you deal with anxiety, depression, pain management, insomnia, anxiety and depression, anxiety related to a pandemic, grief and loss, trauma, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and social anxiety. Throughout these clinically effective virtual mental health programs, you’ll be guided by a therapist who checks in regularly.
Getting started is easy. After completing a 5-7-minute assessment, plan members can begin right away!
ALAViDA
ALAViDA is a one-stop-shop for any level of substance use – alcohol and drugs. Whether you want to be proactive about their health, or face mild, moderate or severe challenges, you set your goals, we help you meet them. No awkward conversations, no shame and 100% confidential. Access evidence-based care all in one place: resources available 24/7, coaches, therapists and physicians you can text or meet securely from home. Join the 86% of ALAViDA customers who have reduced their substance use.
ALAViDA TRAiL for PBC members [Brochure]
Addiction: Myth vs Fact [Quiz]
Supporting a Loved One [Tip sheet]
TELUS Health
Specialized Digital Therapy
When sadness, anxiety, pain or trauma become overwhelming, you deserve treatment that is designed to care for you. TELUS Health Specialized Digital Therapy Program consists of weekly personalized treatment modules featuring guidance with a genuine human touch. You will be followed by dedicated mental health professionals, including a licensed therapist who monitors your progress and provides feedback, and a behavioural health coach who will be there to encourage you every step of the way.
MindBeacon
With MindBeacon you’ll get a one-to-one relationship with a therapist that’s built on trust. MindBeacon is tailored to you as a person, beyond a single mental wellbeing condition, so you can successfully build skills to meet life’s demands. Your interactions with the therapist are completely digital, so you can progress at your own pace from wherever you’re most comfortable.
FAQs
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How does an online cognitive behavioral therapy program work?
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.
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What is the difference between therapy sessions delivered virtually by a provider and Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) programs?
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).
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How do I know if I have coverage for online cognitive behavioral therapy?
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.
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Which iCBT program should I be using?
It’s entirely up to you. Learn more about each iCBT provider and their programs and select the one you think will work best.
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Can I claim an iCBT program from a provider not listed above?
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.
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How long does the program take to complete?
It depends on the program and how quickly you work through it. They vary between 6 to 20 weeks to complete.
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How much does the program cost?
Each of the online CBT providers has a different cost structure for their programs.
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How do I use my benefits to access online CBT?
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.
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Will iCBT help me if I’m having a mental health crisis?
If you’re having a mental health crisis you should immediately contact your physician or a mental health professional for assistance.
Comparing iCBT programs*
| Mind Beacon | AbilitiCBT by LifeWorks | ALAViDA | TELUS Health Specialized Digital Therapy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Areas of Focus |
Depression Generalized anxiety Social anxiety Panic disorder PTSD Insomnia Manage alcohol use |
Depression Anxiety Pandemic anxiety Pain management Insomnia |
Substance use management: alcohol, cannabis, opioids (prescribed or otherwise), cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, others Awareness and tracking Coping techniques |
Mental Health Toolkit Anxiety Adolescent Anxiety Depression Pandemic Support Program Addiction Program Insomnia Returning to the Workplace |
| Average Duration | 6-10 weeks | 12 weeks | 8-20 weeks | 8-12 weeks |
| Post Therapy Access | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Cost | Standard: $500 Insight+: $800 (includes psychological diagnosis) |
$500 | $700 | $495 for each program |
| Mental Health Specialists | Psychologists, Registered Social Workers | Registered Social Workers, Psychologists and Psychotherapists | Board-certified addiction Physicians, Psychologist, Coaches and Registered Social Workers. | Psychologists, Registered Social Workers |
| *Online CBT programs from other vendors are not eligible for coverage. | ||||