NIHB Mental Health Counselling for First Nations and Inuit

Online Counselling With NIHB-Registered Providers Across Canada

Psychotherapy for You provides secure online mental health counselling for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program, commonly known as NIHB.

Our client care team can help connect you with an eligible NIHB provider who understands your needs, preferences and therapy goals.

Find My NIHB Therapist

What Is NIHB Mental Health Counselling?

The Non-Insured Health Benefits program provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for professional mental health counselling.

This coverage complements other mental wellness services available through communities, provincial or territorial health insurance, private insurance and other publicly funded programs.

NIHB mental health counselling can provide support for concerns such as:

• Anxiety and depression

• Trauma and PTSD

• Grief and loss

• Stress and burnout

• Relationship difficulties

• Emotional distress

• Life transitions

• Indigenous identity and intergenerational experiences

The support you receive will be personalized according to your individual needs and goals.

What Does NIHB Cover?

Eligible clients may receive coverage for up to 22 hours of professional mental health counselling per calendar year with an eligible provider.

NIHB-covered services may include individual or group counselling provided on a fee-for-service basis. Additional counselling hours may be approved on a case-by-case basis when further support is required.

Coverage is subject to current NIHB policies, eligibility requirements and established fee guides.

Who Is Eligible for NIHB Coverage?

To qualify for NIHB benefits, a client must be a resident of Canada and meet one of the following requirements:

• Be a First Nations individual registered under the Indian Act

• Be an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization

• Be a child under two years old whose parent is eligible for NIHB

For some clients, a First Nations or Inuit health authority or self-government may be responsible for providing health benefits. NIHB generally considers other available provincial, territorial, private or publicly funded coverage first.

Direct Billing to NIHB

Providers enrolled with NIHB can generally submit eligible claims directly through Express Scripts Canada.

When direct billing applies, eligible clients may not need to pay upfront for covered counselling sessions.

Our client care team will explain the information required and help connect you with an appropriate NIHB-registered therapist. Coverage and approval will be confirmed according to NIHB requirements.

Online NIHB Counselling Across Canada

Online counselling allows you to meet with your therapist securely from your home or another private location.

Benefits of online NIHB counselling include:

• Access to therapy without travelling long distances

• Secure and confidential appointments

• Flexible scheduling

• Access to therapists with different specialties

• Support from a familiar and comfortable environment

• Personalized therapist matching

The therapist must be eligible to provide services in the province or territory where you are located at the time of your appointment.

How to Begin NIHB Counselling

1. Contact Our Client Care Team

Tell us that you would like to access counselling through NIHB. We will explain the information needed to begin.

2. Tell Us What You Are Looking For

Share your concerns, therapy goals and any preferences you have for your therapist.

3. Get Matched With an Eligible Provider

We will help connect you with a suitable NIHB-eligible therapist who can provide services in your province or territory.

4. Begin Online Counselling

Attend secure and confidential online sessions from a private location that feels comfortable for you.

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