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Let’s talk about direct funding for counselling through the First Nations Health Authority! Read on to see if you qualify, and if it’s a good fit for you.
What is First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) coverage?
The First Nations Health Authority provides coverage for clients who meet certain criteria. This allows them to access counselling from a qualified and vetted counselling provider. This service is available for First Nations people with Status who have lived in BC for at least 3 months. You may be eligible for 22 or more free counseling sessions through this program. You can read all about the program here!
Why choose an FNHA registered provider?
You may have coverage through other extended health care plans as well. This allows you to bill to other kinds of providers. So why choose a FNHA registered counsellor?
While you can build a great relationship with a wide variety of counsellors, registration with FNHA shows that a counsellor is culturally sensitive and has understanding of the experiences of First Nations people. They have completed cultural training and have more lived and or accrued experience than a general counsellor. This can have a positive impact on the relationship you develop with your counselor. All mental health providers registered with FNHA must have a minimum 5 years of counselling experience. On top of this, 3 years of experience counselling First Nations people is required.
How do I know if my counsellor is culturally sensitive?
When a service provider is culturally sensitive, it means that they are aware and informed of your culture, and that they understand how your beliefs, lived experience, and worldview affect your life. They may have a similar cultural background to yours, or totally different, but they are aware of how these factors come into play in a counselling relationship and are able to talk about them openly. They are open to learning more from you about your experiences and how these have shaped your life and your experiences of your culture. A culturally sensitive practitioner is able to help you set goals and solve problems in a way that is appropriate and comfortable for you, your family, your community, and your values. This is a very important piece of having positive outcomes from counselling.
How do I access counselling through FNHA?
You can choose your own counsellor, provided they are registered with FNHA! There is a few ways to search for someone who is covered:
- Call the FNHA Health Benefits line at 1-855-550-5454
- Browse the Health Benefits Mental Health Provider List found here.
- FNHA also has an interactive map that you can use to search for providers here.
If you’re interested in accessing a FNHA covered counsellor through us here at OK Clinical Therapy Group, keep reading!
OK Clinical Therapy Group has many wonderful counselors who are registered through FNHA and are accessible online, in person at our various 8 locations across BC, and at flexible times including evenings and weekends. You can read more about some of them here, or give us a call or email any time to discuss your options.
Browsing the provider list online can be intimidating, and we are here to help you find the best fit for a counsellor! Our organization takes care of all the benefits and pre-determination forms for you. All we need is your name, email, and status number, and we’ll submit the application on your behalf. For more information, feel free to text or call 250-718-9291, and we’ll get you connected with the best FNHA counsellor to fit your needs. You can also email us at info@okclinical.com
For specialized services, our team is ready to help you explore ur various counselling programs. You can also check out our General Counseling Services, learn about the Types of Therapy we offer, or visit our booking page here.
Written by: Zoe Reindl-Heit, Practicum Student
