Following the Statement on the Discovery in Tk'emlúps, Health Benefits reminds clients and their family members of benefit coverage for culturally-safe and trauma-informed cultural, emotional and mental health counselling services in BC.
Health Benefits covers the services of registered mental health professionals, including psychologists, clinical counsellors and social workers. Health Benefits also offers coverage for the following mental health counselling services:
- Mental Wellness and Counselling Program
- Indian Day Schools Health Support Services
- Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health Support Services
You may be eligible if:
- you are a former student, or a family member of a former student, who attended a residential school listed in the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement
- you are experiencing trauma or distress stemming from missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada
Even if you are non-status, you may be eligible for mental health coverage through one of the specialized mental health programs funded by Indigenous Services Canada.
Health Benefits encourages anyone who is experiencing distress, and loved ones who may need support, to access these resources.
The First Nations Virtual Substance Use and Psychiatry Service provides access to specialists in addictions medicine and psychiatry. The service requires a referral from a health and wellness provider. If you do not have a provider, call the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day at 1-855-344-3800 for referral support.
For more information on culturally-safe mental health supports, visit the FNHA's Mental Health and Wellness Supports page.
Please call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454 if you have question about how to access the supports you may need.
