Because therapy should be accessible to everyone, always.
At Mississauga Psychotherapy Centre, we understand that the cost of therapy can feel like a barrier for many individuals and families. That’s why we’re committed to providing information and resources to help you explore available funding options. Whether you’re navigating government programs, workplace benefits, or specialized funding for victims of crime or marginalized communities, we want to make sure you have the tools you need to access the care you deserve.
Resources To Consider:
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
Website: Interim Federal Health Program: What is covered – Canada.ca
What is it: The Interim Federal Health Program provides limited, temporary health coverage including mental health services to protected persons, refugees, and certain other groups in Canada who are not eligible for provincial/territorial health insurance.
Who it covers: Refugees, protected persons, refugee claimants, and certain others not eligible for provincial health care.
What it Covers: Limited, temporary coverage for medical and mental health services. Coverage amounts are based on your individual benefits.
How to Apply: Eligible individuals are automatically enrolled when their status is granted (e.g., through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). All that is needed is your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) which is found on any refugee documents you may have
Veteran Affairs Canada (VAC)
Website: Mental health and wellness | Veterans Affairs Canada
What is it: Veteran Affairs Canada offers mental health services and counselling to veterans, current and former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and RCMP, and their families
Who it covers: Veterans, current and former CAF and RCMP members, and their eligible family members.
What it Covers: Mental health services including individual therapy, trauma counselling, addiction support, crisis services, and peer support. Coverage amounts are based on your individual benefits.
How to Apply: Veterans can call 1-866-522-2122 or apply online via My VAC Account.
Family members can apply through VAC Family Support Services.
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program
Website: Mental health counselling benefits for First Nations and Inuit
What is it: NIHB covers mental health counselling for registered First Nations and recognized Inuit individuals. Services can be accessed through approved providers.
Who it covers: Registered First Nations and recognized Inuit people, regardless of location in Canada.
What it Covers: Every 12 months, an eligible client can receive up to 22 hours of counselling performed by an eligible provider on a fee-for-service basis (such as individual or group counselling). Additional hours in the same 12 month period may be provided on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply: Let us know and we will submit requests for coverage on your behalf.
Alternatively, call the regional NIHB office for guidance.
Ceridian Cares
Website: Dayforce Cares
What is it: Funding that provides financial assistance to individuals in need across Canada, including funding for mental health services in some cases.
Who it covers: Individuals or families in Canada facing financial hardship (including those needing mental health services).Recipient must be a Canadian Resident, 18+ and an individual or family in need of financial assistance.Note that they will not accept requests for ongoing long-term therapies needed for more than 6 months, such as physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, etc, without a specified short/medium-term goal or outcome.
What it Covers: Financial assistance for health-related services, including therapy (must show need).
How to Apply: Apply online through Ceridian Cares.
Application requires detailed personal information, explanation of need, proof of expenses, and supporting letters (e.g., from therapists or doctors).
Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
Website: Child Disability Benefit (CDB)
What is it: The child disability benefit (CDB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions.
Who it covers: Families of children under 18 who have a severe and prolonged disability and are eligible for the Canada Child Benefit.
What it Covers: Monthly tax-free benefit; helps families pay for disability-related expenses including therapy.
How to Apply: Apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) first by submitting Form T2201 with your doctor’s assessment.
Once approved, the CDB is automatically added to your Canada Child Benefit payments.
The Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Counselling Program
Website: Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) counselling program | ontario.ca
What is it: Short-term counselling for children and youth victims of internet sexual exploitation and their impacted family members. The goal of the program is to quickly provide support to victims by helping them find a counsellor in their area and directly covering those counselling sessions. The counselling is meant to help with recovery from the victimization that has been experienced and improve coping skills.
Who it covers: Canadian children, youth, and families impacted by online child sexual exploitation.
What it Covers: Coverage eligibility at $1,500 for each eligible child or youth, and $1,000 for impacted immediate family members. Up to 50 free trauma-informed counselling sessions with approved providers.
How to Apply: Contact Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre directly or get a referral through local police or child protection services.
Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
Website: Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program
What is it: Short-term counselling for children and youth victims of internet sexual exploitation and their impacted family members. The goal of the program is to quickly provide support to victims by helping them find a counsellor in their area and directly covering those counselling sessions. The counselling is meant to help with recovery from the victimization that has been experienced and improve coping skills.
Who it covers: All Survivors of Indian Residential Schools, regardless of Indigenous status or place of residence within Canada, are eligible to receive services from the Resolution Health Support Program.
In recognition of the intergenerational impacts that the Indian Residential School system had on families, Resolution Health Support Program services are also available to family members of former students of Indian Residential Schools.
Family members include:
- spouse or partner
- those raised by, or raised in the household of, an Indian Residential School Survivor
- any relative who has experienced the effects of intergenerational trauma associated with a family member’s time at an Indian Residential School
What it Covers: Mental health counselling, emotional support, and cultural support (e.g., elders, traditional healers).
How to Apply: Please contact the Indigenous Services Canada regional office in your province or territory (or, for those in British Columbia, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)) to access services through the Resolution Health Support Program.
Jordan's Principle
Website: Jordan’s Principle
What is it: Jordan’s Principle is a human rights principle established by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) to make sure that First Nations children do not face gaps, delays, or denials in accessing government services because of their identity as First Nations children. This grant ensures First Nations children can access needed health, social, and educational services, including therapy and mental health services, without delay.
Who it covers: All First Nations children (on- and off-reserve)..
What it Covers: Health, social, and educational services, including mental health counselling, assessments, and therapy.
How to Apply: Apply through Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinators, online submission, or by calling 1-855-572-4453.
NOTE: Proof of First Nations status and description of needs required.
Inuit Child First Initiative.
Website: Supporting Inuit children
What is it: Funding that provides Inuit children with access to essential services, including mental health support, regardless of where they live in Canada.
Who it covers: All Inuit children, no matter where they live in Canada, can request funding through the Inuit Child First Initiative. They must be: recognized by an Inuit land claim organization and under the age of majority in their province/territory of residence
What it Covers: Health, social, and educational services, including therapy and mental health support.
How to Apply: Apply through Inuit Child First Service Coordinators or by calling 1-855-572-4453.
Proof of Inuit status and service need must be provided.
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