Funding Options for Assessment and Therapy in British Columbia

Navigating the financial side of assessments and specialized therapies can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, British Columbia offers a mix of provincial government programs, healthcare-funded pathways, and non-profit charitable grants that help families cover or offset these costs.

Here is a guide to where families can access funding for assessments and ongoing therapy across BC.

 

1. Government & Healthcare Pathways

• BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN)
  • What it covers: Diagnostic assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder for children up to age 19.
  • Cost: 100% covered by MSP (no out-of-pocket costs).
  • How it works: Requires a referral from a pediatrician, psychiatrist, or family physician/nurse practitioner. Note: Public waitlists can be long (often 2+ years), which is why many families opt for private assessment routes when early intervention is time-sensitive.

 

• BC Autism Funding Program (AFU / CYSN)
  • What it covers: Ongoing therapies (Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Consulting, Family Counselling) and specialized equipment/programs.
  • Funding level: Up to $22,000/year for children under 6; up to $6,000/year for children ages 6–18.
  • Note: This program remains active and accepts new applications until March 2027 while BC transitions to its new Children and Youth Disability Benefit model.

 

• Jordan’s Principle / Jordan’s Principle Hub BC
  • What it covers: Direct funding for private psychological and psychoeducational assessments, ASD evaluations, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, clinical counselling, and individualized school aides.
  • Eligibility: First Nations children (status or eligible for status, living on or off reserve) up to age 18. Requests are submitted through local Service Coordinators or Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to cover the full cost of private clinical fees.

 

• School District Psychoeducational Assessments:
  • What it covers: Psychoeducational testing for learning disabilities (SLD) and intellectual developmental disorders (IDD).
  • Cost: Free through the public school system. Initiated via the school principal or school-based team (though public waitlists often stretch to 2 school years and students with high support needs are prioritized).

 

2. Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) Programs

For Métis children and families registered with MNBC, dedicated cultural funding programs can cover private assessments and clinical care:

• MNBC Miyoopimaatishihk (Wellbeing) Program
  • What it covers: Provides up to $5,000 per fiscal year per child for Métis children aged 0 to 8 enrolled in the Métis Family Connections Program. Covers private psychological and autism assessments, speech therapy, occupational therapy, mental health supports, and respite care.
• MNBC Métis Counselling Connection Program
  • What it covers: Financial support for registered MNBC citizens to access mental health counselling and specialized psychological services (up to $2,000).

 

3. Charitable Grants & Regional Foundations

When government waitlists are too long or out-of-pocket costs exceed a family’s budget, charitable grants can bridge the gap:

• Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC
  • Assessment Grants: Provides grants up to $3,000 for private autism assessments (for children age 4 and under) and up to $4,000 for private psychoeducational assessments (for children up to age 19).
  • Therapy Grants: Provides funding for clinical counselling, occupational therapy, and specialized equipment.
  • Eligibility: Based on household income limits. Applications open during specific seasonal windows.
• CKNW Kids’ Fund
  • What it covers: Individual grants for private assessments (through specialized funds like Ashton for Autism), speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, and sensory equipment for low-to-middle income families.
• Chilliwack Children’s Foundation
  • What it covers: Regional financial assistance (based on income) for families residing in the Chilliwack area to access educational tutoring, specialized counselling, medical, and developmental supports.
• Ceridian Cares
  • What it covers: Grants for children’s medical needs, adaptive equipment, and specialized therapies not covered by provincial health plans.

 

4. Independent, Private, and Online Schools (Distributed Learning)

In British Columbia, children enrolled in Independent/Private Schools or Distributed Learning (DL) / Online Schools (such as SelfDesign, Heritage Christian Online School, or Anchor Academy) access educational support through distinct provincial avenues:

• Special Education Grants (Designation Funding): When a child receives a Ministry of Education Special Education designation (e.g., Autism, Intellectual Disorder, Chronic Health), the school sometimes receives supplemental provincial funding (depending on the designation category) used directly for supports, such as Education Assistants (EAs)
• Student Learning Funds: Many accredited online independent schools provide a “Student Learning Fund” to enrolled families. Portions of these funds can often be allocated toward specialized tutoring or educational resources recommended in a formal assessment report.

 

At AKIRA, we work with families, Métis navigators, Jordan’s Principle coordinators, independent school teams, charitable organizations (such as Variety BC and CKNW), and the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to provide direct billing support, detailed quotes, and formal documentation to streamline funding approval.

Families who are not eligible for these funding programs, can use their extended health benefits. Some receipts can be put in parents names to help with coverage.

 

Please contact us to discuss your child’s needs.

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