We’re thrilled to share some exciting news for mental health accessibility in Canada! If you haven’t heard yet, as of July 1, 2024, counselling and psychotherapy services are officially tax-free. Thanks to Bill C-59, recently passed by the Canadian government, clients no longer have to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on mental health services. This change represents a meaningful step forward in making therapy more affordable and accessible to Canadians from coast to coast.
What is Bill C-59?
Bill C-59 is a Canadian legislative update that came into effect on July 1, 2024, and includes several important changes aimed at both consumer protection and mental health support. The key feature of this bill that we are excited about is the exemption of psychotherapy and counseling services from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). This tax change reflects Canada’s growing understanding of mental health care as an essential, rather than luxury, service. This adjustment is a response to long-standing advocacy efforts by organizations like the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) and aims to support Canadians who may have previously found the costs of mental health care prohibitive.
How Much Do Clients Save with This New Bill?
Before this change, therapy clients were paying an extra 5% to 15% in tax on each session, depending on the province. We offer services virtually to clients across Canada, so here’s what this means for each region:
- Atlantic Canada: In Newfoundland and Labrador and in Nova Scotia, clients save 15% on each session.
- Ontario: Clients now save 13% per session, as HST previously applied.
- Western Canada: In the prairies and BC, clients save 5% per session, which was the GST rate.
For example, a $170 session in Nova Scotia previously cost $195.50 after tax. Now, it’s simply $170—a direct savings of $25.50 per session. Over multiple sessions, these savings make a big difference, helping individuals and families access ongoing, consistent mental health support.
Why This Matters for Mental Health Care
Bill C-59 marks a significant change in how mental health services are recognized and supported in Canada. It reduces the financial burden on individuals seeking mental health support, encouraging early and sustained access to these services. Financial barriers often prevent people from seeking regular, preventive care, and this bill acknowledges the need for affordable mental health services. For many, the new tax exemption will make a difference in their ability to engage in regular, supportive care, whether it’s weekly music psychotherapy sessions, voice therapy, counselling, or other therapeutic services. Removing GST/HST on therapy services is a huge win for mental health accessibility in Canada!
How Does Bill C-59 Impact Access to Music Therapy?
Because Find Your Voice Music Therapy is based in Ontario and Nova Scotia, two provinces where some of our therapists meet the requirements for psychotherapy and counseling practice, our music therapy services qualify for this tax exemption. For our music therapy clients, this means more affordable access to the unique benefits of music therapy, which supports emotional well-being, stress relief, self-expression, and mental health resilience. Whether you’re new to music therapy or returning to build on previous progress, the tax exemption allows you to get the care you need with fewer financial barriers.
Let’s Make Mental Health Accessible Together
This legislative change represents a significant step toward making mental health services more financially accessible across Canada and highlights a broader commitment to supporting mental health initiatives. That’s a commitment in alignment with our own commitment to support our clients’ mental health journeys in every way we can. We’re excited to be able to provide tax-free services as part of that mission. Find out what else we are doing to make therapy more accessible: 4 Pathways to Accessible Therapy at FYVMT.
If you’re interested in exploring therapy, reach out to us to book a session or learn more about how we can support you or your loved ones.