NIHB Counselling in Nova Scotia & New Brunswick
Mental Health Counselling Covered by the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program
Cost should not be the reason you go without support. If you are a registered First Nations or recognized Inuit client, the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program through Indigenous Services Canada may cover your mental health counselling. Healing In Therapy provides NIHB service delivery across numerous Canadian provinces through secure virtual sessions.
What Is NIHB Mental Health Counselling?
NIHB is a federal program that covers a range of health benefits for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients when those services are not available through provincial health insurance, private insurance, or other publicly funded programs. The mental health counselling benefit covers sessions with eligible registered providers, including registered psychotherapists, registered social workers, and registered psychologists.
Under current NIHB policy, eligible clients can access up to 22 hours of counselling per calendar year, with additional hours considered on a case-by-case basis. Program details can change, so we confirm current coverage with you before you begin.
Who May Be Eligible
- Registered First Nations people with status under the Indian Act
- Inuit recognized by an Inuit land claim organization
- Infants under 18 months of age whose parent is an eligible client
If you are unsure whether you qualify, reach out. We can walk through it with you.
Not All of Our Therapists Are NIHB-Approved
Not every therapist on our team is approved to provide services under NIHB. To make sure your sessions are covered, we recommend contacting us directly rather than booking with a therapist on your own. We will match you with an NIHB-approved therapist who fits both your benefits and your therapeutic needs, so you get the right support from your very first session.
How to Get Started
- Contact us: Call, text, or email and let us know you would like to use your NIHB benefits.
- Get matched: We pair you with an NIHB-approved therapist whose experience fits what you are looking for.
- Use private coverage first: If you have personal or workplace insurance, NIHB requires that coverage to be used before it approves sessions. Let us know what benefits you have so we can plan together.
- Begin your sessions: Your therapist handles NIHB billing directly where possible, so you can focus on your care rather than paperwork.
What NIHB Counselling Can Help With
- Anxiety, stress, and feeling overwhelmed
- Depression and low mood
- Trauma, including intergenerational trauma
- Grief and loss
- Substance use concerns
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and identity
Why Choose Healing In Therapy
Our therapists work with clients across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. We approach every person with respect for their culture, history, and lived experience, and we work collaboratively at a pace that feels safe for you.
If You Need Support Right Now
NIHB counselling is not an emergency service. If you are in crisis, call or text 9-8-8, call 911, or contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Ready to Use Your NIHB Benefits? Contact Us
Call or text (417) 971-9596, email info@healingintherapy.com, or complete the contact form on our website, and let us know you are looking for NIHB-covered counselling.
Important: Use Your Private Insurance First
NIHB is a payer of last resort. If you have personal or workplace health insurance, such as Manulife, Green Shield, Sun Life, or a similar plan, NIHB requires that this coverage be used up before it will begin approving eligible sessions. Please use your private coverage first, and tell your therapist about all of the benefits you have. We can then use all of your benefits together, in line with NIHB rules, so you get the most from your coverage.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes and reflects NIHB program details at the time of writing. Program policies may change, become outdated, or contain inaccuracies, so please confirm current coverage with NIHB or our team. Healing In Therapy resources are intended to be used in conjunction with therapy and are not a substitute for professional mental health care.