How it works

NIHB covers mental health counselling for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients through registered providers. Mukesh bills NIHB directly, so you don’t pay up front and wait to be paid back.

Mukesh’s promise on fees

If any part of the fee isn’t covered by NIHB and you can’t afford it, you won’t be asked to pay it. Mukesh provides your counselling free of charge.

You don’t need to prove anything or feel embarrassed. Just tell Mukesh. It’s better to talk about this before your first session, so nothing is a surprise. Good questions to ask any provider include whether you will have to pay anything on top of what is billed to NIHB.

What NIHB covers

Up to 22 hours of counselling per calendar year, including up to 2 hours of initial assessment
More hours in some cases, which Mukesh can request
Counselling by video or phone, if you agree

What NIHB doesn’t pay for

Missed or cancelled appointments, so please call as soon as you know you can’t come
Counselling by email or text message
Your phone or data charges

Coverage is for the individual client. A family member who isn’t a client can join a session, but NIHB is only billed for you.

Not covered by NIHB?

If you aren’t eligible, call anyway. Mukesh can talk through the options, or suggest other supports.

Sources: Indigenous Services Canada, NIHB mental health counselling benefits and the guide to the benefit. Program rules can change.