Understanding the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program
For Indigenous communities in Canada, access to culturally competent mental health services is a crucial part of healing and emotional well-being. The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, provided by Health Canada, is designed to help eligible Indigenous clients access a variety of health services, including mental health care. As a Calgary psychologist and therapist, I offer culturally sensitive support that integrates both modern psychological practices and traditional healing methods to promote holistic healing.
What is the NIHB Program?
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program is a federally funded initiative that provides Indigenous clients in Canada with coverage for health services that are not included in provincial or territorial health plans. This includes services like prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, and, importantly, mental health services.
Indigenous people eligible for the NIHB program include those who are registered under the Indian Act, as well as certain Inuit and Métis populations. Coverage under the program helps reduce the financial barriers that might otherwise prevent access to necessary healthcare, including psychological support and therapy. Mend Psychology offers direct billing to NIHB.
How NIHB Can Cover Mental Health Services
For those dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout/career concerns or relationship problems, the NIHB program can be an invaluable resource. The program covers a range of mental health services, including:
Therapy and Counselling: Coverage for therapy provided by a psychologist in Calgary. This may include individual therapy, group therapy, and even specialized therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to address trauma.
Psychiatric Services: The program may also cover the cost of psychiatric consultations or ongoing treatment with a psychiatrist, helping to ensure clients get the mental health care they need.
Traditional Healing: The NIHB program acknowledges the importance of traditional healing in many Indigenous cultures. Coverage for traditional healing practices, including consultations with Elders or Healers, may be available, offering a complementary approach to modern mental health care.
The Importance of Culturally Sensitive Therapy in Indigenous Mental Health
When it comes to Indigenous mental health, culturally sensitive therapy is critical. Many individuals from Indigenous communities have experienced systemic, historical trauma, including the impact of residential schools, forced displacement, and other forms of systemic injustice. These experiences are deeply embedded in the collective psyche and can profoundly affect mental health, creating barriers to emotional healing.
Culturally sensitive therapy recognizes the unique experiences, values, and beliefs of Indigenous individuals, incorporating an understanding of the social, historical, and cultural contexts that shape their mental health. In my work as a Calgary psychologist, I aim to provide therapy that respects Indigenous traditions and integrates practices that promote holistic healing.
This may involve:
Creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel understood and respected.
Integrating traditional healing methods (where appropriate and desired by the client) into therapy sessions, acknowledging the important role of community, spirituality, and connection to land in healing processes.
Understanding the effects of intergenerational trauma, and working with clients to heal from the emotional pain passed down through generations.
By offering a blend of modern therapeutic techniques and respect for traditional healing, therapists can help clients experience more profound, lasting healing.
Accessing NIHB Coverage for Mental Health Services in Calgary
If you're an Indigenous individual in Calgary, the NIHB program can help cover the costs of your mental health care. Your eligibility for coverage is based on your Indigenous status, and the process of accessing these benefits involves working with your healthcare provider to ensure the appropriate services are covered. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, I recommend reaching out to Health Canada's NIHB program or speaking with a local mental health professional who is familiar with the process.
Moving Toward Holistic Healing
In Calgary, where many individuals from Indigenous communities are seeking care, the importance of culturally sensitive, trauma-informed therapy cannot be overstated. Whether you are dealing with emotional distress, trauma, or mood disorders, the NIHB program provides a vital resource for accessing both traditional and modern therapeutic approaches.
Healing is a journey, and integrating both psychology in Alberta and traditional healing practices ensures that clients receive the most comprehensive support possible. With access to mental health services under the NIHB, you can begin your path to recovery and emotional well-being with the confidence that your therapy will respect and honour your unique cultural background.