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.

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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^*

^*Online CBT programs from other vendors are not eligible for coverage.

AbilitiCBT

Feeling anxious? Sad? Not yourself? We’ve all been there. AbilitiCBT by Morneau Shepell can help you deal with anxiety, depression, pain management, and insomnia with clinically effective digital mental health programs guided by a therapist who checks in with you regularly. Complete a 5-7-minute assessment and begin right away! Because you deserve to feel better.

Frequently Asked Questions

User Journey

AbilitiCBT Overview (video)

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ALAViDA

Whether you're looking to cut back on alcohol or another substance for the first time or have been trying to quit for years, ALAViDA is the right place for you. Personalized, confidential, and accessible from anywhere, our member-loved app with science-based tools and a licensed care team specialized in Alcohol and Substance Use can help you regain control.

Learn about Alavida.

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Beacon

With BEACON you’ll get a one-to-one relationship with a therapist that’s built on trust. BEACON therapy 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.

Learn about BEACON

What to Expect (video)

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FAQs

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How much does the program cost?

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

	BEACON	AbilitiCBT (Morneau)	ALAViDA
Areas of Focus	Depression Generalized anxiety Social anxiety Panic disorder Post-traumatic stress Insomnia Chronic pain management Customized therapy for frontline workers and first responders	Anxiety Anxiety related to a pandemic Depression Pain management Insomnia	Substance Use Alcohol Cannabis Opioids Cocaine Amphetamines Barbiturates Other
Average Duration	6-12 weeks	10-12 weeks	8-20 weeks
Post Therapy Access	12 months	12 months	12 months
Cost	Standard: $500 Insight+: $800 (includes psychological diagnosis)	$500	$700
Mental Health Specialists	Psychologists, Registered Social Workers	Registered Social Workers, Psychologists, Psychotherapists or Counsellors	Board-Certified Addiction Physicians, Registered Social Workers
^*Online CBT programs from other vendors are not eligible for coverage.

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