Floodgate Coaching, Counselling and Consulting is pleased to offer FREE counselling services to First Nations and Inuit clients, provided by Becky Hills, Registered Psychotherapist, through NIHB.

With a Status Card, you may be eligible for therapy paid for by the NIHB program. If you are First Nation or Inuk, the Canadian government, through Indigenous Services Canada, may cover costs for up to 22 hours per year of mental health counselling.

Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) are part of a continuum of mental wellness programs provided by Indigenous Services Canada and are intended to provide coverage for professional mental health counselling to complement other mental wellness services that may be available to clients or in communities. (please see https://nihb-ssna.express-scripts.ca/en for more information)

Why choose Floodgate as your service provider?

Becky has spent many years not only working with Indigenous Peoples, but also living in First Nation Communities where her children also attended elementary school. She is able to provide culturally sensitive and culturally relevant service with a deeper understanding and knowledge of the challenges faced by Canada’s First People.

Mental Health Counselling

Get the support you need to address issues that matter to you. These may include:

  • Intergenerational trauma,
  • Residential school survivors
  • MMIWG
  • Trauma
  • Abuse
  • Substance use
  • Relationship Issues
  • Separation/Divorce
  • Parenting
  • Anger Management
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Grief
  • Suicide Thoughts/Self-Harm

Services are offered online through secure video conferencing (or by phone) and are available to adults, teens, individuals, couples, and families. Groups may also be available and can be customized.

What About Privacy?

Many people are concerned about privacy but usually find creative ways to find quiet spaces away from other people. Often community centres, libraries or band offices are happy to make internet-enabled meeting rooms available.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible, a client must be a resident of Canada, and one of the following:

  • a First Nations individual who is registered according to the Indian Act (commonly referred to as a "Status Indian")
  • an Inuk recognized by one of the Inuit land claim organizations as outlined in Inuit client eligibility for NIHB
  • a child less than 2 years old, whose parent is an NIHB-eligible client

Eligible clients can receive up to 22 hours of counselling per year. In some cases, those hours can be extended. This allotment of time recognizes that healing of trauma and treatment of mental health issues requires ongoing engagement and support.

If you are First Nations or Inuk, Floodgate Coaching, Counselling and Consulting can validate eligibility and handle the claims process for you as we are experienced with the complexities of dealing with government agencies. You, and possibly your dependents are likely eligible if you have a Status Card. If you do not have one, the government of Canada suggests obtaining one to preserve NIHB and other benefits.

Are there any upfront fees?

You do not have to pay any fees out of pocket as we will process claims directly with NIHB.

How to get started?

Please go to our booking page and choose the “Starting the Process” option. From there you can book a free 20 minute consultation with Becky at a time that suits your schedule. During this session you will learn more about the process for NIHB and see how Becky can help meet your individual or family counselling needs.

When can I start?

Almost immediately. As a private mental health agency, we have no waiting lists. Help is just a few clicks away!

Book An Appointment

Service available through secure video: Psychotherapy for all residents of Ontario. Counselling Services across Canada. Coaching and Consulting Services nationwide and internationally.

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