This blog is specifically dedicated to newcomers, refugees, and asylum seekers in Canada
Mental Health and Freedom Inc. offers free, IFHP-covered, trauma-informed psychotherapy for refugees and refugee claimants experiencing emotional distress related to displacement, war, persecution, family separation, resettlement stress, and adjustment difficulties, including adjustment disorder.
Psychotherapy services are delivered by licensed and supervised mental health professionals using culturally sensitive and evidence-based approaches, including trauma-informed CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and somatic interventions. Eligible services are covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) and provided at no cost to clients.
If you’re a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or victim of trafficking, you may be eligible for free mental health counselling and psychological assessments in Canada through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). These services are fully covered under IFHP and provided by licensed therapists, psychologists, and social workers experienced in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.
This program supports emotional stabilization, recovery from trauma, and successful long-term integration by removing financial barriers to mental health care. Free psychotherapy services for newcomers enable them to thrive in a new country where the system and culture feel unfamiliar, and help them feel safe and supported to navigate through all their life changes. We offer psychotherapy services in English and Farsi.
What Mental Health Services does IFHP Cover?
FHP covers a range of mental health services to support your well-being during a difficult transition:
- Individual counselling for adjustment disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and more
- Family and couples counselling
- Mental health assessments
- Culturally responsive therapy in your preferred language (depending on therapist availability)
All services are billed directly through Medavie Blue Cross; therefore, newcomers do not pay anything out of pocket for attended sessions.
Who is Eligible for Mental Health Services through IFHP?
You may be eligible if you are:
- Refugee claimant waiting for your hearing
- Resettled refugee (Government-Assisted Refugee or Privately Sponsored Refugee)
- Protected person
- Victim of human trafficking
- Immigration detainee
Your coverage must be active and verified through Medavie Blue Cross before starting therapy or assessments.
Assessments
You can get free mental health counselling and psychological assessments in Canada through IFHP. For refugees, claimants, and protected persons. Newcomers do not need to pay, and submission is completed through our clinic.
Physician Referral
The IFHP program requires that a doctor complete a Physician Form to approve coverage for counselling services. If you need help finding an IFHP-approved doctor in your area, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you throughout the process.
Book your first session today with Matin (Maddie) Motamed, who works with Blue Cross to support refugees: https://mentalhealthandfreedom.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/1
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