How to Become an NIHB Mental Health Provider

If you're a regulated mental health professional and would like to provide counselling services through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program, you'll need to complete the NIHB Mental Health Counselling Provider Enrolment Package.

Although the enrolment package contains several pages, most of the process involves providing your professional information, submitting supporting documents, and agreeing to the NIHB billing terms.

This guide walks you through what to expect before you apply.

Step 1: Confirm You're Eligible for NIHB Mental Health

Before submitting an application, make sure you meet the basic enrolment requirements.

You must:

• Hold a current licence and be in good standing with your provincial or territorial regulatory body.
• Be authorized to practise independently (without supervision).
• Belong to a profession that is eligible for NIHB enrolment in the province or territory where you provide services.

Eligible professions commonly include:

• Registered Social Workers (RSWs)
• Registered Psychologists
• Psychological Associates
• Registered Psychotherapists or Counselling Therapists (where eligible)
• Registered Psychiatric Nurses (where eligible)

Because eligibility differs between provinces and territories, it's important to confirm that your profession is recognized for NIHB enrolment where you practise.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Before starting your application, collect all of the required documents.

Most providers will need:

• Completed NIHB Mental Health Counselling Provider Enrolment Package
• Copy of your professional licence
• Copy of your degree or diploma
• Void cheque or official bank letter (for direct deposit)
• Signed billing agreement

If you're submitting your application electronically through your NIHB web account, electronic signatures are accepted. If you're mailing or faxing your application, handwritten signatures are required.

Having everything prepared in advance helps avoid delays in processing.

Always use the official NIHB forms and guides.

NIHB forms and billing guides are updated regularly. Download the latest versions directly from Express Scripts Canada to ensure you have the most current information.

View Official Forms Page

The enrolment package asks for information about both you and your practice.

You'll typically provide:

• Business name
• Practice address
• Contact information
• Professional designation
• Licence number
• Populations you work with (children, adults, seniors, families, groups)
• Areas of clinical expertise
• Languages you provide services in
• Whether you offer virtual (telehealth) counselling

You'll also have the opportunity to:

• Indicate whether you voluntarily self-identify as Indigenous.
• Indicate whether you're willing to travel to provide services in Indigenous communities.
• Describe any current work commitments with other federal, provincial, territorial, or community-based mental health programs.

Some of this information may be included in provider directories used by communities, navigators, and clients to help locate appropriate mental health providers.

Step 4: Demonstrate Cultural Competency

The NIHB Program encourages providers to demonstrate their experience providing culturally safe care for First Nations and Inuit clients.

Although this information is generally encouraged rather than mandatory, it can help communities identify providers with relevant experience.

Examples include:

• Cultural safety training
• Indigenous mental health education
• Trauma-informed practice
• Experience working with First Nations or Inuit communities
• Reference letters from Indigenous organizations
• Documented training or professional development
• A current résumé outlining relevant experience

Depending on your background, NIHB may request additional supporting information.

Step 5: Be Aware of Conflict of Interest Requirements

Providers enrolled with NIHB are expected to avoid situations that could create real or perceived conflicts of interest.

For example, if you also work with another federally funded Indigenous mental health program or community organization, you may be required to disclose that relationship.

Similarly, providers working for Indigenous community organizations funded through Indigenous Services Canada generally cannot refer those clients into their own private practice and bill those services through NIHB.

Understanding these requirements before enrolling can help avoid future billing or compliance issues.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Applications can be submitted in one of three ways:

• Upload through your NIHB web account (recommended)
• Fax
• Mail

For privacy reasons, completed enrolment packages are not accepted by email.

After You're Approved for NIHB Mental Health

Once your application has been processed, you'll receive an NIHB Provider Number, allowing you to submit claims for eligible counselling services.

As an enrolled provider, you'll also be responsible for:

• Following the NIHB billing policies and Claims Submission Kit
• Keeping your professional registration in good standing
• Updating NIHB if your business information changes
• Staying informed about policy and billing updates
• Maintaining complete clinical documentation
• Responding to claim verification requests if required

Payments are generally issued every two weeks by direct deposit after eligible claims have been processed.

Claims may be reviewed before or after payment, and NIHB may request supporting documentation for up to five years after a claim has been paid. Providers should maintain accurate records throughout that period.

A Note for Existing NIHB Providers

The Mental Health Counselling Provider Enrolment Package isn't only used by new providers.

Current NIHB providers also use the same package to:

• Add a new practice location
• Update an existing office address
• Change a business name
• Update ownership information

Keeping your provider information current helps ensure claims continue to be processed without interruption.

Quick Checklist for Becoming a NIHB Mental Health Providers

Before submitting your application, make sure you have:

✅ Active professional licence in good standing

✅ Independent practice authorization

✅ Profession eligible for NIHB enrolment in your province or territory

✅ Completed enrolment package

✅ Copy of your professional licence

✅ Copy of your degree or diploma

✅ Banking information for direct deposit

✅ Signed billing agreement

✅ Professional profile completed

✅ Cultural competency information and supporting documents (recommended)

Final Thoughts

Becoming an NIHB Mental Health Counselling Provider is generally a straightforward process once you've gathered the required documents. Taking time to complete the enrolment package carefully and ensuring your information is accurate can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Once enrolled, you'll be able to provide counselling services to eligible First Nations and Inuit clients while using the NIHB billing system for approved services.