​​Clients of the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP) in BC are now eligible for coverage for 62 hours of mental health counselling with prior approval. Before the change, prior approvals covered 22 hours of counselling. 

In addition, prior approvals no longer expire after 12 months.   

Sessions with registered counsellors, social workers and psychologists are eligible for coverage. Providers need to submit a prior approval request before starting services and can re-submit if a client needs more than 62 hours of counselling. 

The IRS RHSP is a national program that provides emotional, cultural and mental health support to former students of residential schools listed in the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Services are also available to eligible family members, regardless of status. 

Clients may visit www.fnha.ca/benefits or call 1-855-550-5454 to learn more about coverage for mental health counselling. Providers with questions about this change should contact the Health Benefits Provider Relations team at hb.mentalhealth@fnha.ca​.​