NIHB Mental Health Counselling in Alberta: How First Nations and Inuit Clients Can Access Free Counselling

Eligible First Nations and Inuit clients can access mental health counselling at no cost through Indigenous Services Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. The program covers up to 22 hours of counselling every 12 months with an enrolled provider: an initial assessment of up to 2 hours, plus up to 20 hours of counselling. The provider handles the approval and billing, so you do not pay out of pocket. Counselling can be in person or by secure video or phone.

Who is eligible for NIHB mental health counselling?

According to the NIHB Mental Health Counselling Benefits Guide, you may be eligible if you live in Canada and are:

• A First Nations person registered under the Indian Act
• An Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization
• An infant under 18 months whose parent is an eligible client

You must also be registered with a provincial or territorial health plan, such as the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, and not covered under a separate agreement, for example a self-governing First Nation with its own health program.

What does NIHB cover?

• Initial assessment: up to 2 hours, with no prior approval needed
• Counselling: up to 20 more hours, approved in advance by NIHB
• Total: up to 22 hours every 12 months, with additional hours considered in exceptional situations
• Format: in person, by video or by telephone. NIHB prefers the initial assessment to be in person where possible. Instant messaging and email are not eligible.
• Travel: medical transportation may be covered to reach the nearest appropriate provider, in some situations

Counselling can address a wide range of concerns, including trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship and family stress, and intergenerational trauma.

How to get started, step by step

1. Choose an enrolled provider. Ask the counsellor whether they are enrolled with NIHB for mental health counselling. Disha Counselling & Wellness Centre provides NIHB counselling and handles the paperwork.
2. Share your details. You will usually provide your name, date of birth and status number or Inuit beneficiary number so the provider can confirm eligibility.
3. Attend the assessment. The first one or two hours focus on what is happening, your goals and what kind of support fits.
4. The provider requests approval. Your counsellor sends the treatment plan to NIHB for the counselling hours.
5. Begin counselling at no cost. The provider bills NIHB directly.

Online counselling for Indigenous clients across Alberta

Not every community has a counsellor nearby, and travelling to a city can be costly or uncomfortable. NIHB covers counselling by secure video and phone, so you can meet a counsellor from home, a community health centre or anywhere private. Learn more about online counselling in Alberta.

What culturally safe counselling should feel like

Many First Nations and Inuit people carry the effects of residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, racism in health care and intergenerational trauma. Culturally safe counselling means:

• You set the pace. Nothing is forced, and you choose what to talk about.
• Your knowledge of your own life, community and culture is respected.
• Ceremony, Elders, family and land-based healing can be part of your plan, alongside counselling.
• The counsellor is honest about what they do not know and willing to learn.
• Trauma-informed care puts safety, choice and trust first.

If a counsellor does not feel like a fit, it is okay to ask for someone else.

Other free and low-cost options

• Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310, free 24/7 counselling and crisis support for Indigenous people across Canada, by phone or online chat.
• Community health and wellness programs: many First Nations and Inuit communities offer their own mental wellness teams.
• Refugees and refugee claimants: may be eligible for counselling through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

Read more about free counselling in Alberta through NIHB and IFHP.

Frequently asked questions

How many counselling sessions does NIHB cover?

NIHB covers up to 22 hours every 12 months: an initial assessment of up to 2 hours, plus up to 20 hours of counselling with prior approval. Additional hours may be considered in exceptional cases.

Do I have to pay anything for NIHB counselling?

No. When you see an enrolled provider, the provider bills NIHB directly, so eligible clients do not pay for covered hours.

Does NIHB cover online counselling?

Yes. Counselling by secure video or telephone is covered. Instant messaging and email are not.

Can a social worker provide NIHB counselling?

Yes. Registered social workers with a clinical counselling orientation can enrol as NIHB providers, alongside psychologists and other regulated mental health professionals.

Where can I get help right now?

Call the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 any time, call or text 9-8-8, or call 911 in an emergency.

Reviewed by Mukesh Mishra, MSW, RCSW, Registered Clinical Social Worker and ACSW-approved RCSW supervisor at Disha Counselling & Wellness Centre. Last updated September 30, 2026. This article is general information and is not a substitute for individual professional advice.