First Nations & Inuit mental wellness
NIHB counselling
at MHASO.
Understand your coverage.
Take the next step with support.
01. Who can access NIHB?
Start with eligibility.
You must live in Canada and meet one of the following NIHB eligibility categories:
01. Registered
First Nations people
First Nations people who are registered under the Indian Act, commonly referred to as having Indian status.
02. Recognized Inuit
Inuit recognized by one of the Inuit land claim organizations identified in NIHB’s eligibility rules.
Your clinician and service must be eligible.
The office can help you confirm which clinician and appointment options are suitable for NIHB coverage.
Approval requirements matter.
Your provider checks eligibility and approval requirements. NIHB generally requires prior approval for counselling beyond the initial assessment.
Confirm billing before your appointment.
Ask about direct billing, other insurance, and any possible charges so you know what to expect.
03. Counselling at MHASO
We approach counselling with respect for your cultural background, experiences, and goals. Tell us what matters to you and what helps you feel heard.
Our team supports people with concerns including:
- Anxiety, depression, and stress
- Trauma and difficult experiences
- Family and relationship challenges
- Substance use and recovery
Discuss your preferences, clinician fit, and current in-person, virtual, or phone options with the intake team.
03. Your next step.
You can start with a question.
1
Connect with our office
Call or complete our online intake. Let us know you would like to ask about counselling through NIHB.
2
Clarify your coverage.
Have your NIHB client identification and any other benefits information available. We’ll explain what is needed for your appointment.
3
Plan your first appointment.
Discuss a suitable clinician, availability, approvals, and billing before you book. Bring your questions about the counselling process.
Questions about NIHB?
Talk with Raymond Walli.
You don’t need to know every program detail before you reach out. We can help you work through the next steps.
A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Common questions.
For questions about your own coverage, contact our office or your NIHB regional office.
Do I need to be in crisis to access counselling?
No. NIHB can support planned mental health counselling. The counselling benefit is not an emergency service; immediate support options are listed below.
Will I have to pay for my sessions?
NIHB-enrolled providers generally bill the program directly. Before booking, confirm with MHASO whether your clinician and service are covered, how billing will work, and whether any costs may apply.
Can NIHB cover family counselling?
NIHB coverage belongs to each eligible individual; it is not blanket family coverage. Ask MHASO to check eligibility and approval requirements for the people taking part in counselling.
What if I need more counselling hours?
Additional hours beyond the annual 22-hour allowance may be considered based on individual circumstances. Your clinician can discuss the request process with you. Extra hours are not automatically approved.
Need support right now?
NIHB counselling is not an emergency service.
Immediate danger
Call 911
Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 988 · 24/7
Hope for Wellness
For Indigenous people across Canada.
1-855-242-3310