Understanding Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for Mental Health
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, administered by Indigenous Services Canada, provides eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals with comprehensive coverage for a range of medically necessary health services, including mental health counselling. This program is designed to fill the gaps left by provincial healthcare systems and private insurance.
Below is a guide on how to access your mental health benefits in both Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for NIHB coverage, a client must be a resident of Canada and meet one of the following criteria:
- A registered First Nations person holding a valid Status Card under the Indian Act
- An Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization
- A child under the age of 2 whose parent is an eligible NIHB client
What Mental Health Services Are Covered?
- Session limits: Eligible clients are covered for up to 22 hours of professional mental health counselling per calendar year, including an initial clinical assessment of up to 2 hours.
- Extensions: If more intensive support is needed, additional hours can be requested and approved on a case-by-case basis within the same calendar year.
- Types of therapy: The allotted hours can be used for individual, family, or group counselling sessions.
- Recent 2026 scope expansion: Recognized NIHB mental health counsellors can now act as eligible recommenders for specific medical supplies and equipment, including gender identity items, where permitted under their provincial scope of practice.
How Billing Works
To avoid out-of-pocket expenses, you must work with a mental health provider who is officially enrolled with the NIHB program.
Enrolled providers, including registered social workers, registered psychotherapists, and psychologists in good standing with their provincial colleges, submit their claims through Express Scripts Canada. This allows them to bill the federal government directly, so you do not pay fees at the point of service.
Evolution Counselling and Wellness is a registered NIHB provider and offers direct billing for eligible clients located in both Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Navigating Your Benefits and Contact Information
Navigating federal health benefits can sometimes be complex, but there are dedicated regional navigators and offices available to assist with eligibility and pre-approvals.
For Clients in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Qalipu First Nation Members: NIHB Manager 709-634-3144
- Mental Wellness Navigator: 709-679-2238
- NIHB Atlantic Regional Office: 1-800-565-3294
For Clients in Ontario
- Chiefs of Ontario Navigator: 1-877-517-6527
- NIHB Ontario Regional Office: 1-800-640-0642 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm)
How to Use Your NIHB Benefits with Evolution Counselling and Wellness
Step 1: Reach out to discuss your needs and confirm whether NIHB is the right billing pathway for you.
Step 2: Provide your NIHB client identification number and any relevant eligibility details.
Step 3: We submit claims through direct billing so you do not need to pay out of pocket for approved services.
Step 4: Begin virtual counselling from anywhere in Ontario or Newfoundland and Labrador.
Why Choose Evolution Counselling and Wellness as Your NIHB Provider?
- Approved NIHB provider offering direct billing for eligible clients
- Virtual therapy access for clients across Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador
- Focus areas including men’s mental health, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger, and first responder support
- Holistic and trauma-informed care with practical clinical support
- Free 15-minute Clarity Call to determine fit before starting
Emergency Support
Please note that the NIHB mental health counselling benefit is designed for scheduled, ongoing therapy and is not an emergency response service.
If you are experiencing emotional distress and need culturally safe, immediate support, call the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310 or access their online chat 24/7.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or the national suicide crisis helpline at 9-8-8.
Book a Free Consultation
If you would like help understanding your NIHB mental health coverage or confirming whether direct billing is available for your situation, the next step is to book a free 15-minute consultation.
