NIHB Mental Health Counselling for Indigenous Clients — Online Across Ontario and In-Person in Pembroke
Looking for an NIHB approved counsellor in Ontario?
Our counsellors are NIHB providers offering mental health counselling to eligible Indigenous clients throughout Ontario.
We offer online counselling across Ontario, as well as in-person Indigenous wellness counselling in Pembroke.
When you contact us, we'll explain what information we need from you to get started.
Our counsellors are NIHB providers offering mental health counselling to eligible Indigenous clients throughout Ontario.
We offer online counselling across Ontario, as well as in-person Indigenous wellness counselling in Pembroke.
When you contact us, we'll explain what information we need from you to get started.
NIHB Direct-Billing: No Upfront Payment
We direct bill the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Mental Health Benefits program on your behalf, so you don't have to pay for your counselling session upfront, or submit your counselling receipts yourself.
To get started, we simply need your NIHB client identification number (this is your status, treaty, or N number) to confirm approval for NIHB mental health coverage.
To get started, we simply need your NIHB client identification number (this is your status, treaty, or N number) to confirm approval for NIHB mental health coverage.
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✓ NIHB Direct-Billing
✓ Indigenous-Focused Support ✓ Online Counselling Across Ontario ✓ In-Person Counselling in Pembroke ✓ Adults, Youth, Couples & Families |
Looking for an NIHB Counsellor in Ontario?
Finding the right counsellor shouldn't mean calling multiple providers to find out whether they accept NIHB. Our Ontario counsellors are NIHB providers, making it easier to access counselling without having to navigate the billing process yourself.
We offer online counselling throughout Ontario, with in-person counselling available in Pembroke.
Whether you're looking for an Indigenous counsellor, culturally responsive mental health support, or simply an NIHB approved counsellor, we can help you find an appropriate provider.
You don't need to figure out which counsellor is right for you on your own. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll help connect you with an available counsellor.
We offer online counselling throughout Ontario, with in-person counselling available in Pembroke.
Whether you're looking for an Indigenous counsellor, culturally responsive mental health support, or simply an NIHB approved counsellor, we can help you find an appropriate provider.
You don't need to figure out which counsellor is right for you on your own. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll help connect you with an available counsellor.
Online NIHB Counselling Across Ontario
Online counselling makes it possible to access mental health support without travelling to an office.
Our Ontario NIHB counsellors offer online appointments for eligible clients throughout Ontario, subject to individual provider availability and applicable NIHB requirements.
Online counselling may be especially convenient if you:
You can meet with your counsellor from a private location that works for you.
Our Ontario NIHB counsellors offer online appointments for eligible clients throughout Ontario, subject to individual provider availability and applicable NIHB requirements.
Online counselling may be especially convenient if you:
- Live in a rural or remote community
- Have difficulty travelling
- Prefer counselling from home
- Have a busy schedule
- Prefer the privacy and convenience of online appointments
You can meet with your counsellor from a private location that works for you.
In-Person NIHB Counselling in Pembroke
Prefer to meet with someone in-person?
We offer in-person Indigenous wellness counselling in Pembroke, Ontario with a Métis Indigenous wellness counsellor, Veronica Miller, MISW, RSW (she/they).
This may be a good option if you live in Pembroke or the surrounding area and would prefer in-person support.
We offer in-person Indigenous wellness counselling in Pembroke, Ontario with a Métis Indigenous wellness counsellor, Veronica Miller, MISW, RSW (she/they).
This may be a good option if you live in Pembroke or the surrounding area and would prefer in-person support.
What Can an NIHB Counsellor Help With?
People seek counselling for many different reasons.
Depending on your counsellor and their areas of practice, counselling may provide support with:
You don't need to know exactly what type of counselling you need before contacting us. If you're unsure where to start, simply tell us a little about what you're looking for and we'll help you find an appropriate counsellor.
Depending on your counsellor and their areas of practice, counselling may provide support with:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and low mood
- Grief and loss
- Trauma, intergenerational trauma, and difficult life experiences
- Family and relationship concerns
- Life transitions
- Emotional regulation
- Burnout and overwhelm
- Parenting and family challenges
- Cultural identity and wellness
- Coping with difficult experiences
- General mental health and emotional wellbeing
You don't need to know exactly what type of counselling you need before contacting us. If you're unsure where to start, simply tell us a little about what you're looking for and we'll help you find an appropriate counsellor.
Counselling That Respects Indigenous Experiences and Wellness
Your experiences, identity and goals matter.
Our network includes Indigenous counsellors and counsellors who provide culturally responsive care to Indigenous clients.
Depending on the counsellor, their experience may include supporting clients around:
If working with an Indigenous counsellor is important to you, let us know when you contact us.
We'll do our best to match you with an appropriate available provider.
Our network includes Indigenous counsellors and counsellors who provide culturally responsive care to Indigenous clients.
Depending on the counsellor, their experience may include supporting clients around:
- Indigenous identity and cultural connection
- Family and community relationships
- Grief and loss
- Life transitions
- Personal wellness
- Difficult or traumatic experiences
- Stress and emotional wellbeing
- Cultural identity and belonging
If working with an Indigenous counsellor is important to you, let us know when you contact us.
We'll do our best to match you with an appropriate available provider.
Meet Our Ontario NIHB Counsellors
Our Ontario NIHB-approved counsellors offer online counselling, allowing you to access support from home. In-person services in Pembroke with NIHB direct billing are provided by a Métis Indigenous wellness counsellor, Veronica Miller, MISW, RSW
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Veronica Miller, MISW, Registered Social WorkerNIHB Indigenous Wellness Counsellor
🟢Adults · Youth · Couples · Families
🟢Trauma & PTSD · Anxiety · Depression 🟢Weekdays · Evenings · Online · In-Person (Pembroke) |
Culturally Grounded Support
"I want a space where I don’t have to explain or justify my identity or experiences."
As a Métis, 2-Spirit counsellor, I bring my own lived experience alongside my professional training. I integrate Indigenous ways of knowing and wellness, including Medicine Wheel teachings and Two-Eyed Seeing, with evidence-based approaches. I offer a holistic, culturally safe space for Indigenous clients and families.
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Fatima Noorali, CCC, Registered PsychotherapistNIHB Mental Health Counsellor
🟢Adults · Youth · Groups
🟢Self-Esteem · Body Image · Anxiety · Depression · Career Counselling · Fertility & Postpartum 🟢Weekdays · Evenings · Online |
Self-Esteem, Body Image & Life Transitions
“I don't feel like myself anymore, and I want to feel confident again.”
I support adults and youth working through self-esteem, body image, anxiety, career decisions and personal growth, as well as fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and parenting challenges. I also use creative and art-based approaches.
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Dr. Maria Wallis, Registered Social WorkerNIHB Mental Health Counsellor
🟢Adults · Youth
🟢Racial Trauma · Trauma & PTSD · Anxiety · Depression 🟢Evenings · Weekends · Online |
Racial Trauma & Systemic Experiences
“My experiences with racism have affected me, and I want a therapist who actually understands that.”
I work from an intersectional and systemic lens, recognizing that trauma isn't just about individual experiences, it can be shaped by racism, discrimination, power and belonging. I help adults and youth process these experiences while reconnecting with their strengths, identity and sense of safety.
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Karthiga Mahendran, Registered PsychotherapistNIHB Mental Health Counsellor
🟢Adults
🟢Anxiety · Stress · Trauma & PTSD · Depression 🟢Weekdays · Evenings · Online |
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma & Stress
“I'm overwhelmed, constantly worried, or carrying things from my past, and I'm ready for things to feel different.”
I work with adults using a compassionate and practical approach, helping you understand what's happening while building tools to manage anxiety, depression, stress and trauma.
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Jean Chen, Registered Social WorkerNIHB Mental Health Counsellor
🟢Adults · Youth · Couples · Families
🟢Anxiety · Depression · Personal Growth 🟢Evenings · Weekends · Online |
Youth, Families & Life Challenges
“We’re struggling, and I don’t know where to start, or who can help.”
I have 20+ years of experience supporting youth, adults and families, including extensive work with schools. I can help you work through anxiety, depression, family challenges and life transitions, while also helping you navigate schools, community resources and other systems when things feel overwhelming.
Not Sure Who to Choose?
That's okay. You don't need to figure it out alone.
You can speak with a counsellor through a free 15-minute consultation before moving forward.
Tell us what you're going through, whether you prefer online or in-person counselling, and any preferences you have for your counsellor.
We'll help you find an available Ontario NIHB provider who may be a good fit.
You can speak with a counsellor through a free 15-minute consultation before moving forward.
Tell us what you're going through, whether you prefer online or in-person counselling, and any preferences you have for your counsellor.
We'll help you find an available Ontario NIHB provider who may be a good fit.
How NIHB Counselling Works
1. Contact Us
Tell us you're looking for NIHB counselling in Ontario.
You can let us know whether you prefer online counselling or in-person counselling in Pembroke.
You can let us know whether you prefer online counselling or in-person counselling in Pembroke.
2. Provide your Status/Treaty or N Number to verify NIHB coverage
We'll send you an online consent & intake form by email where you can provide us with your NIHB Client Identification Number. This is your 10 digit status/treaty number for First Nations clients, or N number for Inuit clients. We will need this identification number to verify your eligibility and confirm prior approval from NIHB for session coverage. It's ok if your physical status card is expired, we can still seek NIHB mental health benefits coverage for you.
3. We Help Match you with a Counsellor who Meets Your Needs
We'll consider your preferences, needs, location (online or in-person in Pembroke) and the counsellors currently accepting clients, and we'll help you book your appointment. If there is a specific therapist you would like to work with, feel free to let us know!
4. We Confirm Prior Approval for Coverage and Direct Bill NIHB
Before your first session, we submit a prior approval request to NIHB to confirm session coverage to ensure there are no surprises once you get started. For eligible services, we submit the claim directly to NIHB so you don't have to pay the counselling fee upfront.
5. Start Mental Health Counselling
Once your appointment is booked, you can begin working with your counsellor.
NIHB approves 2 hours for an initial mental health assessment and 20 hours of counselling sessions per calendar year. However, if you run out of session hours for the year, we will submit an extension request for additional session coverage. We'll keep track of this for you. Your session coverage resets each new year, with an additional 20 counselling hours.
NIHB approves 2 hours for an initial mental health assessment and 20 hours of counselling sessions per calendar year. However, if you run out of session hours for the year, we will submit an extension request for additional session coverage. We'll keep track of this for you. Your session coverage resets each new year, with an additional 20 counselling hours.
What Mental Health Benefits does NIHB provide for Indigenous Clients?
NIHB provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for eligible professional mental health services including General Assessments and Counselling for adults, youth, couples, families and group therapy services, when provided by NIHB approved counsellors. Our counsellors are approved NIHB providers who are able to direct-bill for you.
NIHB requires prior approval before starting mental health services with a new therapist. If you have a status, treaty or N number, and live in Ontario, you may be eligible for mental health service coverage. NIHB covers 100% of the session fee for attended eligible services.
NIHB requires prior approval before starting mental health services with a new therapist. If you have a status, treaty or N number, and live in Ontario, you may be eligible for mental health service coverage. NIHB covers 100% of the session fee for attended eligible services.
Ready to Find an NIHB Counsellor in Ontario?
You don't need to spend hours searching for a provider who accepts NIHB.
Our Ontario counsellors are NIHB providers, and we direct bill NIHB for eligible mental health assessment and counselling services.
All you need to get started is your status, treaty or N number. We'll take care of the rest.
Online counselling is available across Ontario.
In-person Indigenous wellness counselling is available in Pembroke.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll help connect you with an available counsellor.
Talk to a counsellor before you choose by booking a free 15-minute consultation to help ensure a good fit!
Our Ontario counsellors are NIHB providers, and we direct bill NIHB for eligible mental health assessment and counselling services.
All you need to get started is your status, treaty or N number. We'll take care of the rest.
Online counselling is available across Ontario.
In-person Indigenous wellness counselling is available in Pembroke.
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll help connect you with an available counsellor.
Talk to a counsellor before you choose by booking a free 15-minute consultation to help ensure a good fit!
Frequently Asked Questions About NIHB Counselling in Ontario
Do you Accept NIHB for mental health counselling?
Yes. Our Ontario counsellors are NIHB providers, and we direct bill NIHB on your behalf.
We'll handle the billing process for eligible services. If you have other health insurance, we can also help coordinate your benefits.
Eligibility may vary but generally, direct-billed therapy is available to:
✅ First Nations individuals with a status or treaty number
✅ Inuit with an "N" number
If you are an eligible NIHB client, we handle the billing process directly with NIHB so you don't have to pay the counselling fee upfront for eligible services.
We'll handle the billing process for eligible services. If you have other health insurance, we can also help coordinate your benefits.
Eligibility may vary but generally, direct-billed therapy is available to:
✅ First Nations individuals with a status or treaty number
✅ Inuit with an "N" number
If you are an eligible NIHB client, we handle the billing process directly with NIHB so you don't have to pay the counselling fee upfront for eligible services.
How much counselling does nihb cover?
NIHB provides eligible clients with coverage for up to 2 hours of initial assessment and up to 20 hours of counselling per calendar year with an approved provider.
If you need additional counselling after your available hours have been used, we can help request additional sessions from NIHB based on your needs. Additional hours are subject to NIHB review and approval.
If you need additional counselling after your available hours have been used, we can help request additional sessions from NIHB based on your needs. Additional hours are subject to NIHB review and approval.
Do you offer online and in-person nihb counselling in ontario?
Yes. We have NIHB counsellors offering online counselling across Ontario.
We also offer in-person Indigenous wellness counselling in Pembroke, Ontario with a Métis Indigenous wellness counsellor.
When you contact us, let us know whether you prefer online or in-person counselling and we'll help you find an available provider.
We also offer in-person Indigenous wellness counselling in Pembroke, Ontario with a Métis Indigenous wellness counsellor.
When you contact us, let us know whether you prefer online or in-person counselling and we'll help you find an available provider.
What types of mental health services are covered by nihb?
NIHB provides coverage for all mental health counselling services, including an initial general assessment.
Our NIHB approved counsellors in Ontario provide online (phone or vide-call counselling) or in-person (Pembroke) mental health assessment and counselling services for Indigenous adults, youth, couples, groups and families.
Our NIHB approved counsellors in Ontario provide online (phone or vide-call counselling) or in-person (Pembroke) mental health assessment and counselling services for Indigenous adults, youth, couples, groups and families.
What if i have private insurance or other health benefits?
If you have private insurance or another health benefits plan that covers counselling, NIHB generally requires that coverage to be used first.
We can coordinate your benefits for you. Once your other counselling coverage has been used or reaches its applicable limit, eligible remaining services can be billed to NIHB according to NIHB requirements and rates.
You don't have to figure out the billing process on your own.
We can coordinate your benefits for you. Once your other counselling coverage has been used or reaches its applicable limit, eligible remaining services can be billed to NIHB according to NIHB requirements and rates.
You don't have to figure out the billing process on your own.
Can I work with An indigenous Therapist?
Yes. We have Indigenous counsellors available through our Ontario NIHB network, including Veronica, a Métis, 2-Spirited Registered Indigenous Social Worker who integrates Indigenous ways of knowing and wellness into her practice.
If working with an Indigenous counsellor is important to you, let us know when you contact us and we'll help you find an available provider who may be a good fit.
If working with an Indigenous counsellor is important to you, let us know when you contact us and we'll help you find an available provider who may be a good fit.
Can i speak with a counsellor before choosing one?
Yes. We offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can speak with a counsellor and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working together.
This gives you an opportunity to ask questions, discuss what you're looking for and make a more informed choice before we proceed with setting up your NIHB prior approval, where required.
You don't have to commit to a counsellor before you've had a chance to see if they're a good fit.
This gives you an opportunity to ask questions, discuss what you're looking for and make a more informed choice before we proceed with setting up your NIHB prior approval, where required.
You don't have to commit to a counsellor before you've had a chance to see if they're a good fit.
What if i want to change counsellors?
That's okay. Finding the right fit matters.
If you don't feel your counsellor is the right match, let us know. We'll help you explore other available NIHB counsellors who may be a better fit for your needs and preferences.
Our goal isn't simply to connect you with the first available counsellor, it's to help you find someone you feel comfortable working with.
If you don't feel your counsellor is the right match, let us know. We'll help you explore other available NIHB counsellors who may be a better fit for your needs and preferences.
Our goal isn't simply to connect you with the first available counsellor, it's to help you find someone you feel comfortable working with.
Online Portal for Clients
Once we are working together, please use the Owl Practice Client Portal to
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Get in touch
> Email: [email protected]
> Alberta (call, text): (587) 557 - 8573
> B.C. (call): 1-866-620-9314
> Ontario (call): (289) 622 - 6727
> Fax: 1-866-620-9314
> Alberta (call, text): (587) 557 - 8573
> B.C. (call): 1-866-620-9314
> Ontario (call): (289) 622 - 6727
> Fax: 1-866-620-9314
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please call or text the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8. If someone's safety is at risk call 9-1-1, or visit your nearest hospital emergency room.
