Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling Benefit Information

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Questions and Answers

What Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling is covered by the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program?

• The initial assessment;
• Development of a treatment plan;
• Individual; conjoint (a couple); family; or group (with unrelated individuals) therapy sessions can be provided; 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.

How do I access Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling?

If you are eligible under Health Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits Program, you should contact the Health Canada regional office to determine if community mental health programs are available.

If no programs are available, you will be provided with a list of registered providers.

Why does the NIHB Program cover only Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling Benefits?

The NIHB Program covers short-term crisis intervention mental health counselling on a temporary basis when no other services are available.

This is not intended to resolve continuing or difficult issues, but to provide a temporary resource until other services (provincial programs, social programs) can be accessed.

Who can provide Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling Benefits?

Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling must be provided by therapists registered with the regulatory body for clinical psychology or clinical social work within the province or territory where the service is provided.

In exceptional circumstances, service providers from disciplines other than clinical psychology or clinical social work may be considered. Each Health Canada regional office maintains its own list of registered service providers.

Is there an Appeal Process when a benefit has been denied?

A client, parent, legal guardian or representative may initiate an appeal when a benefit has been denied by the NIHB Program.

For a case to be appealed, a signed note or letter from the client, parent or legal guardian, accompanied by supporting information from the service provider or prescriber (e.g. doctor) must be submitted to the NIHB Program. There are three levels of appeal available.

For more information on the appeal process, please refer to the Appeal Procedures section on Health Canada's NIHB website, or contact the Health Canada regional office nearest you.

Are there any Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling Benefits not covered by the NIHB Program? (Exclusions)

Yes, there are some items which are not covered as a Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling Benefit under the NIHB Program and are not eligible for appeal. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• Substance abuse counselling/therapy;
• Court-ordered assessment/therapy services to clients;
• Educational and vocational counselling;
• Long-term counselling/non-crisis counselling; and
• When another program or agency is responsible for providing the service.

How does NIHB respect my privacy?

Health Canada's Non-Insured Health Benefits Program is committed to protecting clients' privacy and safeguarding the personal information in its possession. When a benefit request is received, the NIHB Program collects, uses, discloses and retains personal information according to the applicable federal privacy legislation.

Where can I get more information about the NIHB Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling Benefit?

For more information you can call the Health Canada regional office. NIHB Short-Term Crisis Intervention Mental Health Counselling Benefit Information can also be found under the Benefit Information section of Health Canada's NIHB website.

How do I contact the Health Canada regional office in my area?

A list of Health Canada regional offices is available on the Health Canada website.