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University of Waterloo (UW) student counselling coverage - Explained

If you’re a University of Waterloo student considering counselling, you might be surprised by what your student benefits can cover.

Many Waterloo students have mental health coverage through their student plan that can help reduce the cost of therapy with eligible providers. (disclaimer - student benefits and insurance provider listed may have changed since the time of this posting, recommend to check student benefits for latest)

 

What 80% coverage up to $800/year can mean (in sessions)

Your student plan may cover 80% of eligible mental health practitioner costs, up to $800 per year (provider eligibility and plan rules apply).

Using $175 per session as an example:

  • 80% of $175 is $140 covered per session
  • Your portion could be about $35 per session
  • $800 total coverage is roughly 5 sessions fully covered with a partial 6th

 

How payment typically works (with direct billing)

This plan is administered through GreenShield. If direct billing is available for your specific coverage:

  • At each session: we submit the claim to GreenShield for the covered portion (when eligible).
  • You typically pay only the remainder: for example, about $35 on a $175 session (assuming 80% coverage applies).
  • Once your $800 annual maximum is reached: you would pay the full session fee out of pocket (unless you have additional coverage).

If direct billing isn’t available, you can usually pay for sessions and submit your receipt to GreenShield for reimbursement. (Greenshield is the provider at the time of this posting and may be subject to change) 

 

What to check in your plan

  • Eligible provider types (for example: RP, RSW/MSW, etc)
  • Annual maximum and any per-visit limits
  • Whether direct billing is supported for your plan setup
  • Any documentation requirements

Our team includes Registered Social Workers (MSW) and Registered Psychotherapists (RP), which are commonly eligible categories under many student plans (always confirm in your plan details).

 

If you’re not sure you “need” therapy

It’s common to wonder if your situation is “big enough” for therapy. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit—many students use counselling to get unstuck, reduce overwhelm, and handle school and life with more clarity.

Some common reasons students reach out include:

  • stress and burnout
  • anxiety and overthinking
  • motivation and procrastination
  • confidence and relationships
  • major transitions and identity shifts

Getting support early can be preventative—not because anything is “wrong,” but because you deserve tools that make life easier.

 

Your easiest next step (3 options)

Option 1 (recommended): Book a free 20-minute matching consult (no credit card required).

Option 2: Send a request form and we’ll respond with suggested next steps.

Option 3: Book online now (credit card required to reserve).

 

Ready when you are

Note: This article is for general information and isn’t medical, financial, or insurance advice. Coverage can vary by plan details and individual circumstances.

If you feel unsafe or need urgent support: call 9-1-1. In Canada, you can call or text 9-8-8 for 24/7 support.