Counselling Funding
FNHA Mental Wellness & Counselling
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) provides mental health counselling coverage for eligible First Nations people living in British Columbia. Kirsten Boulier, RCSW is registered as a mental health provider with FNHA.
Understanding FNHA counselling coverage
FNHA's Mental Wellness & Counselling benefit helps eligible First Nations clients access counselling with registered providers throughout British Columbia.
Who is eligible?
FNHA Health Benefits are available to First Nations people with Status who meet the Medical Services Plan definition of residency in British Columbia.
Eligible clients can access counselling with an FNHA-registered mental health professional, including registered clinical social workers.
How much counselling is covered?
The Mental Wellness & Counselling benefit generally provides a pre-determination for up to 22 hours of counselling.
When further treatment is clinically needed, a provider may request additional hours through FNHA's exception process.
Other insurance & funding
FNHA funding may need to be coordinated with other benefits or publicly funded services available to you.
FNHA as a last payer
If you have another insurance plan or public program that covers counselling, that coverage may need to be used before FNHA funding is applied.
FNHA asks about other available funding when counselling coverage is requested.
Services funded elsewhere
Counselling that is already being paid for by another agency, insurer, or public program is generally not also reimbursed through the FNHA Mental Wellness & Counselling benefit.
FNHA Health Benefits or Pacific Blue Cross can confirm how this applies to your individual circumstances.
Current availability
Kirsten is registered to provide counselling through the FNHA Mental Wellness & Counselling program.
FNHA reimburses registered clinical social workers at a maximum rate that is lower than Kirsten's standard counselling fee, and FNHA clients cannot be charged the difference. FNHA-funded counselling is therefore offered within Kirsten's reduced-fee capacity.
All of Kirsten's sliding-scale and reduced-fee spaces are currently full.
FNHA maintains a searchable directory of registered providers throughout British Columbia. You can use the service finder below to look for another provider with current availability.
Find an FNHA-Registered ProviderFrequently asked questions
Does FNHA cover the full cost of counselling?
FNHA pays providers according to its approved fee schedule. Kirsten's regular counselling fee is higher than the FNHA reimbursement rate, and FNHA clients cannot be charged the difference.
Can I use FNHA if I also have extended health benefits?
Possibly, but other available insurance or public funding may need to be used first. The way benefits are coordinated depends on your individual coverage.
How many counselling sessions does FNHA cover?
FNHA generally provides a pre-determination for up to 22 hours of counselling. Additional hours may be requested when they are clinically necessary.
Do I need a referral from a doctor?
A physician referral is not generally required to access the Mental Wellness & Counselling benefit. Coverage is arranged through an FNHA-registered provider and is subject to FNHA eligibility and benefit approval requirements.
Can I see any therapist and use FNHA funding?
No. The counsellor must be registered with FNHA as an approved mental health provider in order to bill FNHA for covered counselling services.
Is Kirsten currently accepting new FNHA-funded clients?
No. Kirsten's current sliding-scale and reduced-fee spaces are full. The FNHA Regional Service Finder can help you locate another registered provider with availability.
Does Healing Quest Counselling accept NIHB?
Healing Quest Counselling is not currently registered with the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. In British Columbia, eligible First Nations clients generally access mental health counselling coverage through FNHA.
Eligibility and benefit coverage are determined by FNHA and may change. For questions about your individual coverage, contact FNHA Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.