IFHP Therapy for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ontario
Starting life in a new country can bring hope and safety, but it can also involve grief, uncertainty, separation from family, financial pressure, immigration stress and memories of difficult experiences. Refugees, asylum seekers and protected persons in Canada may be able to access temporary healthcare coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program, commonly known as the IFHP.
The IFHP may include eligible mental health counselling services when specific coverage and approval requirements are met. This guide explains who may qualify, what documents may be needed, how counselling coverage works, how to find an approved provider and what to expect from therapy in Ontario.
What Is the Interim Federal Health Program?
The Interim Federal Health Program is a federal program that provides limited and temporary healthcare coverage to certain people in Canada who may not yet have provincial, territorial or private health insurance.
The program is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Medavie Blue Cross manages eligibility verification, provider registration, prior approvals and claims administration.
IFHP benefits can include basic medical coverage, prescription medication benefits and supplemental services. The exact benefits available depend on a person's immigration category, eligibility period and current program rules.
IFHP is not the same as OHIP. It is designed to provide temporary coverage during a period when an eligible person may not otherwise have access to a public healthcare plan.
Who May Be Eligible for IFHP Coverage?
IFHP coverage is available to specific groups. Depending on current rules and individual circumstances, these may include:
- Refugee or asylum claimants
- Protected persons
- Government-assisted or privately sponsored resettled refugees
- Certain people detained under Canadian immigration legislation
- Some temporary resident permit holders who are victims of human trafficking
- Some temporary resident permit holders who are victims of family violence
- Other groups specifically identified by the federal government
The length and type of coverage can differ between categories. In many cases, eligibility is activated or cancelled automatically according to immigration status. Some people may need to apply for an IFHP eligibility certificate.
A therapist cannot determine immigration status or guarantee program eligibility. The provider can use the information on your eligibility document to verify whether your IFHP coverage is currently active.
Does IFHP Cover Mental Health Counselling?
Mental health counselling is listed as an eligible supplemental benefit under the IFHP. However, this does not mean every therapy service, provider or session is automatically covered.
Coverage may depend on:
- Your active IFHP eligibility and benefit category
- Whether the therapist is registered as an IFHP provider
- Whether the service meets the program's benefit rules
- Whether prior approval has been obtained when required
- The number and frequency of approved sessions
- Current co-payment requirements
Mental health services delivered by allied health professionals generally require prior approval through Medavie Blue Cross. Your provider may need to submit clinical information explaining why treatment is recommended and what goals will be addressed.
It is important to wait for confirmation before assuming a service will be reimbursed. Ask the provider to explain any expected client payment, approval status and limits before beginning ongoing sessions.
How the IFHP Mental Health Counselling Co-Payment Works
As of May 1, 2026, eligible IFHP clients are generally responsible for 30% of the cost of supplemental healthcare products and services. The IFHP pays the remaining 70% of the eligible amount.
Mental health counselling is included among the supplemental benefits affected by this change. This means that counselling should not automatically be advertised as completely free for every IFHP client.
The precise amount a client pays may depend on the approved service and eligible fee. Before attending therapy, ask:
- Has my active IFHP eligibility been verified?
- Has prior approval been granted?
- What amount will IFHP pay?
- What amount am I expected to pay?
- Are there any services or fees that are not eligible?
- How many sessions have been approved?
What Documents Do You Need to Access IFHP Services?
You need an accepted document showing that you are eligible for IFHP coverage. Depending on your situation, this may include:
- An Acknowledgement of Claim and Notice to Return for Interview letter
- A Refugee Protection Claimant Document
- A Refugee Protection Identity Document
- An Interim Federal Health Certificate
- Another current document issued by IRCC or the Canada Border Services Agency that confirms eligibility
The document normally contains identifying details and a Unique Client Identifier, often called a UCI. An approved provider can use this information to check coverage through the secure provider portal.
Keep your documents safe and bring or securely provide them to the clinic when requested. You may also be asked for your current address, telephone number, date of birth and other information required to confirm identity.
If you believe you should qualify but do not have an accepted document, contact IRCC or review the current application process for an IFHP eligibility certificate.
How to Find an IFHP Mental Health Provider
Not every therapist or psychotherapy clinic participates in the IFHP. To use program benefits, you generally need a provider who is registered and able to submit claims through the program.
Steps to find a provider
- Confirm that your IFHP eligibility is active.
- Search the Medavie Blue Cross IFHP provider directory by location and service type.
- Contact the clinic and ask whether it is currently accepting IFHP clients.
- Ask whether the provider offers virtual or in-person sessions.
- Provide the requested eligibility document securely.
- Ask the provider to confirm prior approval and your expected co-payment.
- Do not assume coverage until verification is complete.
Availability can change, and a provider appearing in a directory may not be accepting new clients. A clinic may also have a waiting list or restrictions based on therapist availability, language or area of practice.
Does IFHP Therapy Require Prior Approval?
Medavie Blue Cross indicates that mental health services provided by allied health professionals require prior approval. Registered social workers, psychotherapists and counsellors may fall within this type of process depending on the benefit grid and provider category.
Prior approval means that the provider sends a request before delivering the approved course of treatment. The request may include:
- The reason counselling is recommended
- Relevant symptoms and functional concerns
- Proposed treatment goals
- The requested number or frequency of sessions
- Clinical information required by the program
Approval is not guaranteed. It may be limited to a particular number of sessions, period of time or treatment plan. Additional sessions may require a new request or supporting recommendation.
Ask your provider whether the first appointment is an assessment, whether it is eligible under the program and when you can expect confirmation about ongoing treatment.
What Can Refugee and Newcomer Therapy Help With?
People arrive in Canada with different experiences. Some may have survived war, violence, persecution, detention, displacement or dangerous travel. Others may be dealing primarily with the stress of uncertainty, family separation, housing, employment or adapting to a new environment.
Therapy may support concerns such as:
- Anxiety, panic or constant worry
- Depression, hopelessness or low motivation
- Traumatic memories, nightmares or flashbacks
- Grief and separation from family or community
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling unsafe even after reaching safety
- Immigration and hearing-related stress
- Isolation and loneliness
- Culture shock and identity changes
- Family or relationship conflict
- Parenting stress
- Difficulty trusting others
- Anger, irritability or emotional numbness
- Adjustment to school, employment or Canadian systems
Therapy should not pressure you to discuss traumatic experiences before you feel ready. A trauma-informed therapist will focus on safety, consent, trust and pacing.
Counselling can also help when there is no single traumatic event. Resettlement itself can involve repeated stressors that affect emotional health and daily functioning.
What Happens During Your First Therapy Session?
The first session is usually an opportunity to explain what has been difficult and what kind of support you are seeking. You are not expected to tell your entire story immediately.
A therapist may ask about:
- Your current emotional and physical symptoms
- Sleep, appetite, energy and concentration
- Your living situation and support system
- Family separation or relationship concerns
- Past mental health treatment
- Medical conditions and medication
- Immediate safety concerns
- Your goals for counselling
The therapist should explain confidentiality, session length, cancellation policies, virtual technology and the IFHP billing or co-payment process. You can ask questions about the therapist's experience, approach and language abilities.
You may request an interpreter when language is a barrier, but interpreter availability and coverage should be confirmed in advance. Some people prefer a therapist who speaks their first language or understands their cultural background.
Is IFHP Therapy Private and Confidential?
Therapy is generally confidential. A registered professional should explain how your information is collected, stored and shared.
There are limited exceptions to confidentiality. These can include situations involving an immediate risk of serious harm, suspected abuse or neglect where reporting is legally required, or a court order. The exact rules depend on the professional's regulated role and applicable law.
Billing and prior-approval processes may require the provider to submit certain information to Medavie Blue Cross or the program administrator. Ask what information will be shared and why.
Participating in therapy is not the same as an immigration interview. Your therapist's role is to support your mental health, not decide your refugee claim. However, do not assume that clinical records can never be requested through a legal process. Ask the therapist about recordkeeping and privacy if you have concerns.
Virtual IFHP Therapy Across Ontario
Virtual therapy allows eligible clients to attend appointments using a secure video platform from home or another private location. This can help people who live far from an approved provider or face transportation, mobility, work or childcare barriers.
To participate, you usually need:
- A smartphone, tablet or computer
- A reliable internet connection
- A private or reasonably quiet space
- An email address or telephone number for appointment information
- To be physically located in Ontario during the session when working with an Ontario-based provider
Virtual therapy may not be appropriate for every situation. A provider may recommend local, in-person or emergency support when safety, privacy, technology or clinical needs make video sessions unsuitable.
Cognizant Psychotherapy offers virtual mental health counselling to clients across Ontario and is listed on its website as an IFHP-authorized provider. Eligibility, prior approval, availability and current client costs must be confirmed before ongoing treatment begins.
Ask About IFHP Mental Health Counselling
Cognizant Psychotherapy offers virtual support for refugees, asylum seekers and protected persons across Ontario. Contact the clinic to confirm eligibility verification, current availability, prior approval requirements and any client co-payment before treatment.
Request a Free Consultation Call (416) 509-6265Frequently Asked Questions About IFHP Therapy
What does IFHP stand for?
IFHP stands for the Interim Federal Health Program. It provides limited, temporary healthcare coverage to eligible refugees, asylum claimants, protected persons and certain other groups in Canada.
Does IFHP cover therapy in Ontario?
Mental health counselling is an eligible supplemental benefit, but coverage depends on active eligibility, an approved provider, benefit rules and prior approval when required.
Is IFHP counselling completely free?
Not generally under the rules effective May 1, 2026. IFHP pays 70% of eligible supplemental benefit costs, including counselling, and the client pays 30%. Confirm the exact amount before treatment.
Do I need OHIP to use IFHP?
IFHP is intended to provide temporary coverage to eligible people who may not yet have provincial, territorial or private health insurance. Your current eligibility must be verified.
Do I need a doctor's referral for IFHP therapy?
Requirements depend on the current benefit grid and the type or extension of treatment requested. Mental health counselling by allied health professionals generally requires prior approval. Ask the provider what documentation is needed.
Can an asylum seeker receive mental health counselling?
An eligible asylum claimant may have access to IFHP benefits. The provider must verify active coverage and obtain any required approval before treatment.
Can IFHP therapy be provided online?
Some registered providers offer virtual counselling. Availability, professional jurisdiction, program eligibility and billing requirements should be confirmed before booking.
How can I check my IFHP eligibility?
An approved provider can verify eligibility through the secure Medavie Blue Cross portal using your immigration healthcare document and Unique Client Identifier. You can also contact Medavie Blue Cross for program assistance.
What if I need urgent mental health help?
If you are in immediate danger in Canada, call 9-1-1. If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone else, call or text 9-8-8 for crisis support.
Program and medical disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and was last fact-checked on July 17, 2026. IFHP eligibility, benefits, co-payments, prior approvals and provider participation can change. Confirm current information with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Medavie Blue Cross and the healthcare provider. This article is not legal, immigration or medical advice.
