Understanding Bill C-59: A Positive Change for Mental Health Services
Introduction
In a significant development for mental health care, Bill C-59 has officially received Royal Assent as of June 20th, 2024. This legislative change brings crucial updates to how therapy services are taxed in Canada, reflecting a growing recognition of the essential role mental health support plays in our lives.
What is Bill C-59?
Bill C-59 is a legislative act aimed at various reforms, including changes in taxation policies. One of the most impactful aspects of this bill is the exemption of therapy services from the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). This exemption signifies a major shift towards making mental health care more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Adjustments to Our Services
In response to Bill C-59, our clinic is making several adjustments to ensure a smooth transition and to pass on the benefits directly to our clients:
Updated Consent Forms: We will be providing updated consent forms to reflect the new pricing structure without HST. Please read and sign this form before your next session to ensure you are informed about the changes.
Refunds and Discounts: For those who had appointments after June 20th and before the updated forms were issued, we will offer a discount on your next session to account for the HST charged during that period. If you are discontinuing services, please contact us, and we will issue a refund for any HST that may have been charged after June 20th.
Consistent Fees: Despite the removal of HST, we have decided to maintain our session fees at $150. This rate remains below industry standards, reflecting our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable care. We are also committed to removing barriers for care and offer a robust sliding scale if finances are a barrier.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
At our clinic, we understand that financial constraints should not be a barrier to receiving necessary mental health support. If our standard fee does not fit your financial situation, we offer a sliding scale option to accommodate different needs. Please reach out to discuss how we can best support you.
Conclusion
Bill C-59 represents a positive change for the mental health community, making therapy more accessible for many by eliminating HST. We are excited about this development. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in your mental health journey.
