Therapy for Refugees: The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)

Therapy provided by licensed psychotherapists and social workers who are registered with the IFHP

As culturally-responsive and trauma-informed therapists, we recognize that refugees in Canada have faced and may continue to face unique traumas and challenges that have a profound impact on mental and emotional health. We are honoured to be a registered clinic with the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which allows us to provide government-covered therapy to refugees and asylum seekers who are covered by this program. Our team of compassionate and experienced therapists are here to support you in your resettlement journey in Canada.

Services we provide to IFHP holders

Culturally-responsive, multilingual, and trauma-informed treatments for:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Stress/burnout

  • Trauma

  • Building resilience

  • Learning tools for emotion regulation and coping

  • Acculturation stress

How to get started

  • Fill out the form on this page to get in touch with our team.

  • Our team will email you back within the next business day to match you to the suitable most suitable for your needs and guide you through verifying your IFHP eligibility with Medavie Blue Cross. Once we have obtained their required confirmation (usually provided immediately upon request), you will be able to begin therapy.

Ready to Begin?

We understand how stressful it can be to navigate health systems while settling into a new country. Our team is here to support you every step of the way- compassionately and confidentially. Fill out the form on this page to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions about the IFHP

  • The IFHP is a government-funded program that provides temporary health coverage for individuals who don’t yet qualify for provincial or territorial health insurance. This includes:

    • Refugee claimants

    • Resettled refugees (government-assisted or privately sponsored)

    • Protected persons

    • Victims of human trafficking or domestic violence

    • Certain immigration detainees

  • As an IFHP client, you may be eligible for free therapy services through our clinic, including:

    • Psychotherapy

    • Counselling therapy

    • Trauma-informed mental health support

    These services are fully covered- you won’t need to pay out of pocket. We'll bill Medavie Blue Cross directly on your behalf.

    Please note: Therapy services require prior approval from Medavie Blue Cross. We’ll help guide you through that process.

  • You may be eligible for IFHP if you:

    • Are a refugee claimant

    • Have been resettled as a refugee

    • Are protected under Canadian immigration law and do not yet qualify for provincial health care

    You must not be eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance (like OHIP in Ontario) to receive IFHP coverage.

    In most cases, you don’t need to apply for Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage. Your immigration status determines your eligibility and your coverage is activated or cancelled automatically- eligibility is often determined as part of the immigration or refugee claim process. 

    You may need to apply online if you believe you’re eligible but your claim was rejected.

Meet our IFHP registered therapists

Book a free 15-minute consultation to get started.