Professional Fees

Nova Scotia's Medical Services Insurance (MSI) does not provide coverage for private psychological services. However, some psychological services may be available without charge at the Psychology Department of your local hospital or Mental Health Centre. Call them or your family physician for more information.

Some insurance plans (e.g. Blue Cross, Maritime Medical, etc.) and some Employee Assistance Plans provide varying coverage for professional fees. Some plans require a physician's referral and/or require that the Psychologist possess specific qualifications. Please check your coverage and note that some plans may cover the services of Registered Psychologists but not of a Psychologist, Candidate Register.

Psychologists working in private practice, such as those listed in this directory, charge a fee for their services. The Association of Psychologists of Nova Scotia has published a "Fee Schedule" which provides guidelines for determining these fees. It is not a required fee schedule. Some Psychologists may charge more than the guidelines, while others may charge less or may charge on a sliding scale based on your income. In some cases, there may be charges for missing a scheduled appointment. You should discuss fees for service with the individual Psychologist.

Some Psychologists may be required to add the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) to their fees. A Psychologist is exempt from charging HST if the service provided to the client is clearly health related and the Psychologist is registered with the Canadian Registry of Health Service Providers in Psychology. In addition, Psychologists whose income falls within certain guidelines may be exempt from charging HST.

Individuals are advised to discuss fees and insurance coverage with the psychologist.

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