Frequently Asked Questions​

Alberta became the first province to regulate psychedelic-assisted therapy in the fall of 2022.

Only psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, or regulated healthcare professionals registered with specific colleges in Alberta are authorized to provide psychedelic-assisted therapy. These include:

• Alberta College of Occupational Therapists,
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta,
• College of Alberta Psychologists,
• College of Registered Nurses of Alberta,
• College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta,
• Alberta College of Social Workers.

Psychedelic therapy treatments, including associated services like assessment, drug administration, and monitoring that is performed on the same day as the therapy, are eligible for reimbursement. Coverage depends on the member’s plan and the specific services provided during the session.

If you are a member, you can log in to your Alberta Blue Cross Member Services account to look up the specific drugs and psychology services eligible for coverage. Member Services will show

• psychology coverage maximums,
• per visit frequency maximums, and
• which mental health practitioners are eligible under the member’s psychology benefit.

Depending on your plan, coverage will be limited to

• providers approved to perform psychedelic-assisted therapy,
• the usual and customary fee for psychology, and
• the member’s per visit coverage maximum.

The psychedelic drug must be a covered product under the your drug plan in order to be eligible. It must be prescribed by a psychiatrist or an appropriately trained physician in consultation with a psychiatrist, then dispensed from a licensed pharmacy.

The receipt from the pharmacy must

• be in the member’s name,
• include the DIN of the drug dispensed, and
• be submitted as a drug claim.

Drugs that are purchased and dispensed from non-pharmacy locations (e.g., medical facilities or clinics) will not be reimbursed.

Invoices should include:

1. Service dates for every treatment,
2. Descriptions of services provided,
3. Costs for each product/service,
4. Provider’s name, address, and registration numbers,
5. Patient’s name.

For questions about eligibility or the claim submission process, patients can contact the Customer Services line at Alberta Blue Cross. Providers with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to the Provider Relations Contact Centre. Contact details are provided for both local and toll-free lines, along with email support.

It is required that patients undergo a comprehensive assessment by a qualified provider to determine their suitability for psychedelic-assisted therapy. This includes evaluating mental health history, current condition, and potential risks or contraindications.

Coverage for psychedelic therapy is subject to the member’s plan maximums, existing plan coverage, and provider eligibility criteria. Members are encouraged to review their specific plan details or contact Alberta Blue Cross for more information on their eligibility.

The number of sessions covered will depend on the member’s plan benefits and maximums. It’s important for members to check their individual coverage details for specific limits on therapy sessions.

Regulating and covering psychedelic-assisted therapy marks a significant step forward in mental health treatment options available in Alberta. It recognizes the potential of psychedelic substances in therapeutic settings and ensures regulated, safe access for patients seeking alternative treatments.

Please contact Blue Cross directly to discuss your concern.

For more detailed information or specific questions not covered in this FAQ, please contact Alberta Blue Cross directly at Customer Services line at 780-498-8000 (Edmonton & area) or 1-800-661-6995 (toll free).

If you are a clinic or practitioner and have further questions, please call the Blue Cross Provider Relations Contact Centre at 780-498-8083 (Edmonton and area) or 1-800-588-1195 (toll free) Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time. You can also reach us by email at healthinq@ab.bluecross.ca.