NIHB Mental Health Counselling in Ontario
If you are eligible for Non-Insured Health Benefits, you may be able to receive mental health counselling funded through the NIHB program.
At Solution Therapy & Coaching, AL Kaibzhanov, MSW, RSW, is an NIHB-approved mental health counselling provider offering trauma-informed psychotherapy to eligible First Nations and Inuit adults in Ontario.
We can help confirm your eligibility, request the necessary approval and bill NIHB directly for eligible services, so you do not have to manage the claims process yourself.
Respectful, Client-Centred Support
Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is important. Our approach is respectful, collaborative and guided by your individual needs.
You decide what you want to discuss and what you would like to work toward. Your identity, culture, family, community, values and personal experiences can be included in therapy in the ways that feel meaningful to you.
We recognize that mental health can be affected by many experiences, including family and relationship difficulties, grief, discrimination, disconnection, intergenerational experiences and the continuing effects of colonial systems.
We will not make assumptions about your identity, culture or experiences. Therapy is shaped around you as an individual.
Concerns We Can Work On
NIHB mental health counselling may support adults experiencing:
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression
Chronic stress and burnout
Grief and loss
Anger or emotional overwhelm
Emotional-regulation difficulties
Childhood and family experiences
Relationship difficulties
Low self-worth or shame
Emotional numbness or disconnection
Major life transitions
Identity and belonging
The effects of discrimination or systemic harm
You do not need to have a formal diagnosis to contact us. We can begin by discussing what has been happening and what you would like support with.
Our Approach to Therapy
Our approach is warm, collaborative and trauma-informed. Depending on your needs and preferences, therapy may integrate:
Somatic and body-aware psychotherapy
EMDR
Internal Family Systems-informed therapy
Cognitive-behavioural strategies
Mindfulness
Emotional-regulation skills
Grounding and nervous-system awareness
Therapy is paced according to your comfort and readiness. You will not be pressured to discuss painful experiences before you feel prepared.
Your cultural, spiritual and community-based sources of support can be respected and included when you would like them to be. NIHB also recognizes that traditional healing may be available through some First Nations and Inuit communities and organizations. You may choose to access community or traditional supports alongside psychotherapy.
What Does NIHB Cover?
The Non-Insured Health Benefits program is administered by Indigenous Services Canada. It provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for several health benefits, including mental health counselling.
NIHB currently provides eligible clients with coverage for up to 22 hours of mental health counselling per calendar year:
Up to two hours for an initial assessment
Up to 20 additional counselling hours with prior approval
Additional hours may be considered in some circumstances
Coverage depends on your eligibility, available alternative insurance and current NIHB program requirements
Who May Be Eligible?
You may be eligible for NIHB benefits if you live in Canada and are:
A First Nations person registered under the Indian Act
An Inuk recognized by an eligible Inuit land claim organization
A child under two whose parent is eligible for NIHB
Some First Nations and Inuit communities manage mental health benefits through their own organization, health authority or agreement. If this applies to you, we can help identify the appropriate process before counselling begins.
How to Begin NIHB Counselling
1. Contact Us
Book an appointment or send us a message indicating that you are interested in counselling through NIHB. You do not need to explain your entire situation in your first message.
2. Confirm Your Eligibility
We will request the information needed to verify your NIHB eligibility and determine whether another insurance plan must be accessed first.
Your personal information will be handled according to Ontario privacy requirements and professional standards.
3. Discuss Your Needs
We will discuss what brings you to therapy, the support you are seeking and whether our approach is suitable for your needs.
4. Obtain Approval
We will complete the required provider process and request prior approval when necessary. Coverage must be confirmed before counselling continues beyond the initial assessment.
5. Begin Counselling
Once the appropriate coverage has been confirmed, we can arrange your therapy appointments.
Virtual NIHB Counselling in Ontario
We provide secure virtual psychotherapy to adults across Ontario.
NIHB may cover counselling delivered through video or telephone when program requirements are met and virtual care is considered appropriate. NIHB generally expects initial assessments to be completed in person, although a virtual assessment may be approved in exceptional circumstances.
We will confirm whether virtual counselling is eligible in your circumstances before services begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to pay for counselling?
NIHB may pay the provider directly for eligible and approved counselling services. We will confirm your coverage before proceeding. NIHB does not cover missed or cancelled appointments.
Do I need a referral?
You can contact us directly. If NIHB or your community-managed benefit plan requires additional information, we will explain what is needed.
Is virtual counselling covered by NIHB?
NIHB may cover eligible mental health counselling delivered virtually. Coverage depends on program requirements, your location, clinical suitability and approval for a virtual initial assessment when required.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Your privacy and confidentiality are protected according to Ontario law and the professional standards governing Registered Social Workers. We will explain the limited legal exceptions to confidentiality before counselling begins.
How many counselling sessions does NIHB cover?
NIHB currently covers up to 22 hours of eligible mental health counselling per calendar year. This generally includes up to two hours for assessment and up to 20 additional hours with prior approval. Additional hours may sometimes be considered.
What information will I need to provide?
You will need to provide your NIHB client identification information so that we can confirm your eligibility and request coverage. We will let you know what information is required and how to provide it securely.
Begin NIHB Mental Health Counselling
If you are looking for an NIHB therapist in Ontario, we welcome you to contact us.
We can discuss the support you are seeking, confirm whether our services meet your needs and explain the steps required to access NIHB mental health counselling.
Phone: 437-747-6416
Somatic & trauma-informed virtual psychotherapy and education for adults across Ontorio
