Mental health claims continue to rise across group benefit plans, increasing pressure on insurers to balance access, cost control, and fraud mitigation. Provider eligibility decisions play a critical role in maintaining stable networks and preventing unintended cost escalation.
 
In British Columbia, Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) represent approximately 90% of front-line clinical counselling/psychotherapy providers and deliver master’s-level care under defined education, supervision and practice entry requirements, rigorous practice standards, and transparent public accountability mechanisms.
 
This session will explore how thoughtful provider inclusion strategies can:
•    Preserve network adequacy
•    Prevent access bottlenecks
•    Mitigate substitution-driven cost inflation
•    Strengthen oversight and claims integrity
•    Maintain value for plan sponsors and members
Attendees will gain practical insights into designing resilient mental health benefits that protect both plan sustainability and public access to care.