First Nations Health Authority provides clients with access to counselling services from mental health providers.
Mental Wellness and Counselling is designed to support clients who are in need of professional assistance to resolve emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness.
Mental Wellness and Counselling Coverage
Health Benefits provides the following counselling services through the MW&C program:
ServiceCounselling HoursCoverage PeriodInitial Assessment2 hours12 monthsCounselling20 hours
Mental Wellness and Counselling Exclusions
Some services are considered exclusions under the MW&C program. Clients cannot seek an exception or appeal for excluded items. MW&C Exclusions include, but are not limited to:
- Assessment services for issues such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and child custody;
- Early intervention programs for infants with delayed development.
- Educational and vocational counselling, including psychoeducational assessments;
- Life skills training;
- Psychiatric emergencies for person(s) at risk of harm to self or others;
- Services funded by another program or agency, including psychiatric and family physician services through BC MSP;
- Services including: psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy, expressive arts therapy, and sex therapy;
- Services that are part of, or to be used for, legal actions including court-ordered assessments; and
- Substance abuse counselling/therapy.
Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program
The Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP) is a national program administered in BC through Health Benefits. Through the IRS RHSP, counselling is available to address mental distress and intergenerational trauma resulting from the legacy of the residential school system in Canada. Services are available for former students who attended a residential school listed in the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Services are also available to the family members of those students. First Nations and non-First Nations individuals are eligible for the program.
IRS RHSP Coverage
Health Benefits provides the following counselling services through the IRS RHSP:
ServiceCounselling HoursCoverage PeriodInitial Assessment2 hours12 monthsCounselling20 hours
IRS coverage is renewable as providers can request additional hours within the 12 months.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health Support Services
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health Support Services (MMIWG HSS) is a national program administered in BC through Health Benefits. Counselling is available to address mental distress and trauma resulting from the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Services are available for survivors, family members, and others affected by the issue. First Nations and non-First Nations individuals are eligible for the program. The program will be in place until June 2020.
Conclusion
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) provides vital mental health and counselling support through programs such as Mental Wellness and Counselling (MW&C), the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP), and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health Support Services (MMIWG HSS). These services are designed to ensure culturally safe, accessible, and meaningful support for emotional healing, trauma recovery, and overall wellness.
If you or someone you know requires support through FNHA-funded counselling services, No Fear Counselling is here to help. Our team provides compassionate and culturally sensitive therapy services across multiple locations in British Columbia, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley, and Richmond.
Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our counselling services.
