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Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits

Mental health counselling coverage for eligible Indigenous clients

Offered by
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
Official source: sac-isc.gc.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
A First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act, commonly referred to as a person who holds Indian status.
See full eligibility

Overview

The program provides coverage for professional mental health counselling for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients in Canada, up to 22 hours per calendar year. It supports assessment, individual, couple, and group counselling, with additional hours possible on an exception basis.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Legal structures
Public or Parapublic institution

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Mental health counselling forms updated

The forms listing now includes mental health counselling prior approval, claim request, and appointment confirmation forms.

See more

The ISC forms by category page now shows mental health counselling forms for prior approval, claim request, and appointment confirmation. This is a process update affecting the documents and steps associated with mental health counselling benefits, with no visible change to eligibility, funding, or deadlines.

Official source: sac-isc.gc.ca
August 14, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • A First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act, commonly referred to as a person who holds Indian status.
  • An Inuk recognized by one of the Inuit land claim organizations.
  • A child less than 2 years old whose parent is an NIHB-eligible client.

Who is not eligible

  • People who are not residents of Canada
  • Clients who are not eligible under NIHB
  • Services provided by non-eligible providers
  • Claims for services funded by another program or plan

Eligible expenses

  • Professional mental health counselling sessions
  • Initial assessment sessions
  • Individual, couple, and group counselling
  • Reimbursement for eligible services paid out of pocket

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Missed, no-show, or cancelled appointments
  • Administrative time, travel time, waiting time, and after-hours on-call availability
  • Services that are not mental health counselling, including general social work, life coaching, and educational or vocational counselling
  • Workshops, seminars, camps, retreats, and training sessions
  • Services already paid by another program or plan

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Activities funded

  • Professional mental health counselling.
  • Assessment session(s).
  • Individual counselling.
  • Couples/group of 2 counselling.
  • Group counselling.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Confirm client eligibility
    • Verify that the client is eligible for NIHB coverage.
    • Check whether other health coverage applies first.
  • Step 2: Find an eligible provider
    • Use an NIHB-enrolled or eligible mental health counselling provider.
    • Confirm the provider is licensed in the relevant province or territory.
  • Step 3: Request prior approval when required
    • Submit the Mental Health Counselling Prior Approval and Claim Form.
    • Send the request by fax, email, or through the online web account.
  • Step 4: Deliver the service and submit the claim
    • Providers bill directly through Express Scripts Canada when enrolled.
    • If the client paid upfront, submit a reimbursement request with receipts.

Documents Needed

  • Completed Mental Health Counselling Prior Approval and Claim Form
  • Client identification number
  • Supporting proof of other coverage, if applicable
  • Receipts for client reimbursement requests

Processing and Agreement

  • Prior approval requests are assessed within 5 business days, 80% of the time, under normal circumstances.
  • The provider is notified of the decision through their selected communication preference.
  • Claims are reviewed for eligibility and supporting records before payment.
  • Payments may be recovered if claims are not properly supported or are ineligible.
  • Client reimbursement requests, including all required documentation, must be received within one year from the date of service.

Contacts

ssnasvsnihb@sac-isc.gc.ca

Official sources

Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits

Program guide

How to identify yourself as an NIHB clientNon-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental Health Counselling Benefits GuideWho is eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program for First Nations and Inuit
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits Program

What is the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits?

The program provides coverage for professional mental health counselling for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients in Canada, up to 22 hours per calendar year. It supports assessment, individual, couple, and group counselling, with additional hours possible on an exception basis.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits program?

To be eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits program, you must: The client must be a resident of Canada. The client must be a First Nations person registered under the Indian Act, an Inuk recognized by one of the Inuit land claim organizations, or a child less than 2 years old whose parent is an NIHB-eligible client.

What expenses are eligible under Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits?

Professional mental health counselling sessions Initial assessment sessions Individual, couple, and group counselling Reimbursement for eligible services paid out of pocket

Who can I contact for more information about the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits?

You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) by email at ssnasvsnihb@sac-isc.gc.ca.

Where is the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits available?

The Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits program is available across Canada.

Is the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits is a Grant and Funding