Crisis Counselling Benefits

Short-term crisis intervention mental health counselling may be provided by a recognized professional mental health therapist when no other services are available to the recipient.

What is covered?

• The initial assessment;
• Development of a treatment plan; and
• Fees and associated travel costs for the professional mental health therapist when it is deemed cost-effective to provide such services in a community.

Who can provide crisis intervention mental health counselling?

Crisis intervention mental health counselling must be provided by therapists registered with a regulatory body from the disciplines of clinical psychology or clinical social work, in the province or territory in which the service is provided.

In exceptional circumstances, service providers from disciplines other than clinical psychology or clinical social work may be considered.

How do eligible recipients access crisis intervention mental health counselling?

Recipients should contact the Regional Office or a local First Nations and Inuit Health Authority to determine if community mental health programs are available. If no programs are available, recipients will be provided with a list of approved providers.

Is there an appeal process when a benefit is not covered?

Eligible recipients can appeal a decision to decline funding for a benefit. Please refer to the Appeal Procedures section for more details.