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.
Important Update (Effective May 1, 2026):
IFHP therapy coverage through Medavie Blue Cross now covers 70% of session fees, with 30% paid by you, the client. We recognize that this change may create financial barriers to accessing care, and we understand how disappointing and stressful this may feel. In response to this change, many of our therapists offer sliding scale or reduced-fee options to support accessibility- you can find more information on participating therapists listed below.
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
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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
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As an IFHP client, you may be eligible for therapy services through our clinic, including:
Psychotherapy
Counselling therapy
Trauma-informed mental health support
As of May 1, 2026, Medavie Blue Cross covers 70% of approved therapy fees under IFHP. The remaining 30% is the client’s responsibility.
We will bill Medavie Blue Cross directly for the covered portion of your sessions.
Many of our therapists offer sliding scale or reduced-fee options to help offset out-of-pocket costs. You can find more information about these options in the therapist profiles below.
Please note:
Therapy services require prior approval from Medavie Blue Cross
Our team will help guide you through the approval process
Any out-of-pocket costs will be discussed with you in advance so you can make an informed decision about your care
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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
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Seunghee (Sandy) Cho
Registered Psychotherapist
Offers reduced fee services
*Also provides services in Korean -
Kyla Lipsman
Registered Social Worker
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Sabrina Wei
Registered Psychotherapist
Offers sliding scale
*Also provides services in Mandarin -
Sana Zehra
Registered Psychotherapist
Offers sliding scale
*Also provides services in Urdu & Hindi -
Ting Ting Pan
Registered Psychotherapist
Offers sliding scale