Care-First & your mental health: what changes on January 1, 2027

What is Care-First?

Care-First is Alberta’s new auto insurance system. For collisions on or after January 1, 2027, people injured in a crash claim care and benefits through their own auto insurer, whoever caused it. Most collision lawsuits end, and recovery becomes the goal of the claim.

The government describes treatment under Care-First as unlimited, as long as it supports your recovery. Today, medical and rehabilitation benefits stop at $50,000 within two years.

Is mental health covered?

Yes, when it’s related to the collision. Care-First benefits include mental health conditions connected to your claim, and psychologist care is one of the examples the government gives of treatment that can be covered when it contributes to recovery.

Fear of driving, nightmares, poor sleep, low mood and irritability are common after a crash. They’re a real part of recovery, and left alone they can slow physical healing and a return to work.

How psychological care gets approved

Physical injuries such as neck, shoulder and back injuries and concussion have a pre-approved Program of Care for the first 12 weeks. Mental health isn’t on that injury list. It goes through a care and treatment request instead: a treatment plan your practitioner sends to your insurer for approval.

For mental health, the request comes out of a first mental health assessment, on a Care-First form called CF-MH-1. It covers your symptoms, a diagnosis, how your daily life and work are affected, your goals and the number of sessions recommended.

Alberta’s guide says that first assessment is done by a physician, psychologist or registered clinical social worker, and your insurer approves it before it happens. Your family doctor is often the simplest place to start. Once your insurer approves the plan, your therapy with us can begin.

You can start at any point

A care and treatment request can be sent at any time in your recovery. You don’t have to wait for physical care to end, and you can do physiotherapy or chiropractic care and therapy at the same time.

Which collisions does it apply to?

The date of the collision decides. If your collision happens on or after January 1, 2027, Care-First applies, whatever your policy renewal date. Collisions before then stay under the current system.

What if your insurer says no?

Ask your insurer to explain the decision and what would change it. Care-First includes a dispute process, and the Alberta Automobile Care-First Tribunal hears disputes about benefits instead of the courts.

How Bethesda helps

• A free 15-minute call to talk through what’s happened
• Help with the next steps, including your first mental health assessment
• Virtual sessions six days a week, until 11 PM on weekdays
• Progress reports with outcome measures, so your insurer can see your recovery
• Direct billing to your insurer once care is approved

This article is general information, not medical, legal or insurance advice. For advice about your situation, talk to your health care provider, your insurer or a lawyer.