Home / Services / Free Counselling (NIHB and IFHP)
Cost should not stand in the way of mental health support. Eligible First Nations and Inuit clients and eligible refugees and refugee claimants can access counselling at no cost through federal health programs.
Registeredclinical social worker
In personor online across Alberta
MultilingualEnglish, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi, Urdu
On this page: What it is Signs How we help How it works Therapists FAQ Book
Quick answer
Disha Counselling & Wellness Centre offers counselling at no cost to eligible clients through two federal programs: the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, which covers mental health counselling for eligible registered First Nations and recognized Inuit, and the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides health coverage for eligible refugees and refugee claimants. We handle the billing directly with the program.
Eligibility and any program requirements depend on your coverage. Contact us and we will help you confirm your eligibility before your first session.
Is this right for you?
Coverage depends on program rules. These are the main groups served.
Eligible registered First Nations individuals under the NIHB program.
Eligible Inuit recognized by an Inuit land claim organization, under NIHB.
Eligible resettled refugees covered by the Interim Federal Health Program.
Eligible refugee claimants with active IFHP coverage.
Eligible family members, including children and teens.
Eligible couples seeking relationship support.
Start with a free 15-minute consultation to ask questions and see if we are the right fit. No referral is needed.
How we help
We provide respectful, trauma-informed care that honours your culture, history and experiences.
Sessions are usually 50 to 60 minutes, in person at our South Edmonton office or online by secure video anywhere in Alberta.
Support for intergenerational, historical and displacement-related trauma, at a pace that feels safe.
CBT, EMDR, grief counselling and family work adapted to your needs.
We bill NIHB or IFHP directly, so eligible clients do not pay out of pocket for covered sessions.
Step by step
A typical path. Your therapist adapts it to you.
A free 15-minute call to share what is going on, ask questions and get matched with the right therapist.
We listen, understand your history and goals, and agree on a plan together.
You build practical skills in session and try them in daily life, at a pace that feels manageable.
We check progress against your goals and adjust, wrap up, or plan follow-up support.
Care from a Registered Clinical Social Worker (MSW, RCSW) who is a Diplomate and Certified in CBT, with EMDR, DBT and Gottman training.
Our office is in South Edmonton, with secure video sessions anywhere in Alberta.
Counselling in English, Hindi, Nepali, Punjabi and Urdu.
We direct bill select insurance providers. Eligible clients can access free counselling through NIHB and IFHP.
Respectful, trauma-informed care for people of every background.
Choose your therapist
Pick someone who feels like a good fit, then book directly with them on Jane or send us a request below.
Registered Clinical Social Worker
Registered Clinical Social Worker in Alberta and Registered Social Worker in Ontario, offering trauma-informed, culturally responsive counselling for individuals, couples and families.
Not sure who to choose? Select “No preference” in the form and we will match you.
No. For eligible clients, we bill NIHB or IFHP directly and the program reimburses us. There is no additional fee or top-up charged to you for covered sessions.
Contact us with your coverage details, such as your status number for NIHB or your IFHP certificate, and we will help confirm eligibility before booking.
Registered First Nations people with a status card and recognized Inuit who are eligible and approved under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. We help you with the approval steps before your first session.
Yes, if you have active Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage. Bring your IFHP certificate or Refugee Protection Claimant Document and we will confirm coverage before booking.
We offer a sliding scale for clients with a low income, no insurance coverage or financial hardship. Fees are set case by case in a short, confidential conversation. See affordable counselling in Edmonton.
NIHB mental health counselling generally does not require a referral. IFHP requirements can vary, so we will check with you when you contact us.
Program rules set coverage limits and approvals. We will explain what applies to you before you start.
The Hope for Wellness Help Line (1-855-242-3310) offers free 24/7 counselling and crisis support for Indigenous peoples across Canada. In an emergency, call 911.
No. You can book directly online or by phone. A doctor’s referral is not required, although some insurance plans ask for one, so check your plan if you plan to claim.
Many extended health plans cover counselling with a Registered Clinical Social Worker. We direct bill select insurance providers, and eligible clients can access free counselling through NIHB and IFHP. Check your plan for coverage details.
Our office is at 3818A 97 St NW #203, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N2, in South Edmonton. We also offer secure online sessions anywhere in Alberta.
Take the first step
Send a request and we will reply to arrange your first session, or book a time yourself on our secure Jane App portal.
587-372-3143
contact@disha.ca
3818A 97 St NW #203, Edmonton, AB T6E 6N2
In crisis? Call or text 9-8-8, or dial 911. This form is not monitored around the clock.
