Mental Health Sessions Billed to NIHB — Between Community Visits

Continuity of Care for First Nations & Inuit Clients

Vivian Timmins offers mental health counselling sessions that can be billed directly to the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program — specifically designed for the time between her in-community visits. If you are a registered First Nations or recognized Inuit client, you may be eligible for up to 22 hours of counselling coverage each calendar year through NIHB. These sessions help bridge the gap so your healing journey never has to pause just because your practitioner has returned home.

Vivian’s Trusted Approach to Wholistic Mental Wellness

Vivian Timmins is an Indigenous social work educator, researcher, and Wholistic Wellness Practitioner with deep roots in community-based healing. She has worked alongside Residential School Survivors, MMIWG families, and community members navigating trauma, grief, and identity.

Her practice is built on the understanding that wellness is not fragmented. Rather than isolating mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health into separate categories, Indigenous healing practices understand wellness as relational, interdependent, and grounded in community, land, and spirit.

Vivian’s credentials include a Bachelor of Social Work degree, college accreditations in Native Community Care, Counselling and Development, and Social Service Worker, and ongoing Master’s level study. She facilitates professional development modules through the Centre for Indigegogy on topics including Wholistic Healing Practices and Indigenous-led responses to gender-based violence.

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WHY

NIHB-Billed Sessions Matter for Indigenous Clients

✅ Barriers to Access

Many First Nations and Inuit clients face long wait times, travel burdens, and a shortage of culturally safe mental health providers. NIHB mental health counselling is intended to complement other mental wellness services that may be available — but only if you can find the right provider.

✅ The Continuity Gap

When a trusted practitioner visits your community periodically, the weeks in between can feel like a gap in care. NIHB-billed sessions between visits keep that momentum going. You stay connected to someone who knows your story.

✅ Culturally Safe Care

Finding a counsellor who understands both clinical frameworks and Indigenous worldviews can be challenging. Vivian offers a space where ceremony, culture, and evidence-informed practice are not in conflict — they work together.

✅ No Cost to You

Eligible NIHB clients receive coverage for up to 22 hours of counselling per calendar year, with additional hours available in exceptional situations through an extension request.

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Sesassions Per Year

Years of Experience

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Successful Therapy

MEET OUR THERAPIST

Our Team

Daniel Stewart

Clinical Director | Psychologist

Nikki Anderson

Clinical Director | Psychologist

Bradley Grosh

Clinical Director | Psychologist

Bradley Grosh

Clinical Director | Psychologist

What the NIHB Mental Health Counselling Benefit Covers

The NIHB program provides coverage for professional mental health counselling to eligible First Nations and Inuit clients residing in Canada. Benefits include:

🔹 Initial assessment

up to 2 hours to understand your needs and develop a plan

🔹 Ongoing counselling

up to 20 additional hours per calendar year

🔹Individual or group sessions

group sessions are offered when all participants are eligible

🔹 In-person or virtual delivery

Videoconference sessions are covered

🔹Extension requests

additional hours may be approved on a case-by-case basis

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for NIHB mental health counselling?

Registered First Nations and recognized Inuit clients residing in Canada may be eligible for NIHB mental health counselling benefits. Coverage is available when these benefits are not otherwise covered through private, provincial, or territorial health insurance plans.

How many hours of counselling does NIHB cover?

Eligible clients can receive up to 22 hours of counselling per calendar year — typically 2 hours for the initial assessment and up to 20 hours of ongoing counselling. Additional hours may be approved through an extension request.

Do I need a referral to book a session with Vivian?

A referral from a physician or nurse practitioner is typically required for NIHB mental health counselling coverage. Vivian's team can help guide you through the process during your initial inquiry.

Can I choose my own counsellor under NIHB?

Yes, as long as the provider is enrolled with NIHB and meets the program's eligibility criteria. Vivian is an approved NIHB provider.

What if I need more than 22 hours?

Additional hours in the same calendar year may be covered on an exception basis. An application for an extension request must be submitted for review.

Are virtual sessions covered?

Yes. NIHB mental health counselling coverage includes sessions delivered by videoconference, making it easier to access care between community visits or when travel is not possible.

THE PROCESS

Our Approaches

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

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Mindfulness-Based Approaches

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Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)

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Trauma-Based Therapy

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DID YOU KNOW?

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Books We Recommend

"Finding a counsellor who truly understands both clinical frameworks and Indigenous worldviews has always been a challenge for me. Vivian offers a space where ceremony, culture, and evidence-informed practice are not in conflict—they work together. The fact that sessions can be billed directly to NIHB made it possible for me to continue my healing journey between her community visits without any financial stress. I am deeply grateful for her compassionate and wholistic approach."

Sarah Cardinal – Edmonton, Alberta

“I was struggling to find a provider who could bridge the gap between my in-community visits. Vivian’s sessions have been a lifeline. She understands the unique barriers First Nations clients face, including long wait times and travel burdens. Knowing that my sessions are covered under NIHB’s 22-hour annual benefit gave me the peace of mind to focus fully on my wellness. Highly recommended.”

Michael Beardy – Thunder Bay, Ontario

"Vivian’s approach to wholistic wellness is unlike anything I’ve experienced. She doesn’t isolate mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health into separate categories; instead, she understands wellness as relational and grounded in community and spirit. The continuity of care through NIHB-billed sessions has kept my momentum going when I otherwise might have felt a gap in support. A truly culturally safe and transformative experience."

Jennifer Nakogee – Moose Factory, Ontario

"As an Inuit client, finding a counsellor who is both clinically skilled and culturally attuned is rare. Vivian’s background working with Residential School Survivors and MMIWG families gave me confidence that she truly understands trauma, grief, and identity. The virtual sessions billed to NIHB were seamless, and I never had to worry about paperwork or reimbursement. I felt heard and supported in a way that honoured my culture."

David Qitsualik – Iqaluit, Nunavut

🚀 Get Started with NIHB-Billed Mental Health Sessions

If you are a First Nations or Inuit client looking for consistent, culturally grounded mental health support between Vivian’s community visits, NIHB-billed sessions may be the right fit for you.

Reach out today to confirm your eligibility, book an initial assessment, or ask questions about the NIHB process. Vivian’s team will walk you through each step — from referral to first session — with care and clarity.

📅 Book a Session | 📧 Ask About NIHB Eligibility | 🌐 viviantimmins.ca