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Source verified July 9, 2026
Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits
Mental health counselling coverage for eligible Indigenous clients
Latest source updateLast Update: May 17, 2026Latest change: The client reimbursement page now requires reimbursement requests and supporting documents to be received within one year of the service date, and the page title was broadened to the full NIHB program name.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 17, 2026
Latest change: The client reimbursement page now requires reimbursement requests and supporting documents to be received within one year of the service date, and the page title was broadened to the full NIHB program name.
NIHB reimbursement deadline updated
The client reimbursement page adds a new filing deadline: reimbursement requests and all required documents must be received within one year of the service date. The instructions for submitting claims otherwise appear unchanged, aside from minor wording and formatting updates, and the page title now uses the full Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit name. The change mainly affects the reimbursement timeline and slightly broadens the page heading, but it does not introduce a new portal, funding condition, or eligibility rule.
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Professional mental health counselling for eligible clients
- Initial counselling assessment and treatment planning
- Individual counselling sessions
- Couples or group counselling sessions
- Telehealth counselling in eligible cases
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
Official resources
Official page
Program guide
Application form
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
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.
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.
- Reimbursement requests must be submitted within 1 year of the service date.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits GuideVision care coverage for eligible First Nations and Inuit
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.
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 for eligible clients
Initial counselling assessment and treatment planning
Individual counselling sessions
Couples or group counselling sessions
Telehealth counselling in eligible cases
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits?
Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Mental health counselling benefits is funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)