NIHB & Indigenous Mental Health
Accessible, culturally sensitive mental health care, with no out-of-pocket cost at the point of service.
Lambton Counselling Services has registered NIHB providers in Sarnia. We bill Health Canada directly, so eligible clients pay nothing at the point of service.
Understanding NIHB coverage for mental health
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program is a federal benefit program administered by Health Canada. It provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health services, including mental health counselling.
Lambton Counselling Services has registered NIHB providers. Eligible clients can access counselling at our practice with no out-of-pocket cost at the point of service, because we bill Health Canada directly.
Who is eligible?
First Nations individuals registered under the Indian Act, and recognized Inuit clients, may be eligible for NIHB mental health benefits. Eligibility is determined by Health Canada. We recommend contacting Health Canada’s NIHB program directly, or speaking with your Band office, to confirm your eligibility and the level of coverage available to you.
Coverage transparency
What NIHB mental health coverage typically includes:
- A set number of counselling sessions per year, renewable annually.
- Services provided by registered psychotherapists and registered social workers.
- Both in-person and, where applicable, virtual sessions.
Our commitment:
We understand that navigating benefit programs can be confusing and, at times, discouraging. Our intake coordinator will work with you to verify your coverage before your first appointment, so there are no surprises.
We also recognize that mental health in Indigenous communities is shaped by both individual experience and collective history, including the intergenerational effects of residential schools, forced displacement, and systemic harm. Our practitioners approach this work with cultural humility and deep respect.
You pay nothing at the point of service
For eligible NIHB clients, Lambton Counselling Services handles all billing directly with Health Canada. You won’t be asked to pay out of pocket and then seek reimbursement. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your care.
To get started, contact us with your NIHB registration details and we’ll walk you through the process.
We handle the paperwork, so you can focus on your care.
Access the support you deserve
Our intake coordinator is here to answer any questions about coverage and next steps.