First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Counselling

Approved Mental Health Provider with FNHA

Our FNHA registered counsellors have training and experience supporting indigenous 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in British Columbia with their mental health.

Eligible clients can get FREE mental health counselling through The Centre for Gay Counselling with one of our FNHA Approved Mental Health Providers.

Mental Health Coverage f​or Non-Status Individuals

Even if you do not have status, you may be eligible for mental health coverage through one of the specialized mental health programs funded by Indigenous Services Canada. 

You may be eligible if you are a former student, or are a family member of a former student, who attended a residential school listed in the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. You may also be eligible if you are experiencing trauma or distress stemming from missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. 

See the section below for more information. 

About FNHA Mental Health Programs

Coverage is available for mental health counselling from the Health Benefit programs described below.

You do not need to apply for coverage through a specific program. You will be assigned to a program based on your eligibility by FNHA.

Mental Wellness and Counselling Program:

The Mental Wellness and Counselling (MWC) program is designed to support clients who are in need of professional assistance to resolve emotional distress and enjoy greater wellness. All Health Benefits clients are eligible for the MWC program.

Indian Day Schools Health Support Services:

The Indian Day School Health Support Services (IDS HSS) is a national program administered in BC through Health Benefits. Services are available for former students, or family members of a former student, who attended an Indian Day School. First Nations and non-First Nations individuals may be eligible for the program.

Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program:

The Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program (IRS RHSP) is a national program administered in BC through Health Benefits. Services are available for former students, or family members of a former student, who attended a residential school listed in the 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. First Nations and non-First Nations individuals may be eligible for the program.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health Support Services:

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health Support Services (MMIWG HSS) is a national program administered in BC through Health Benefits. Services are available for survivors, family members and others affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. First Nations and non-First Nations individuals may be eligible for the program.

You can read more about the FNHA mental health programs here.

How to Get Started

1. Book a free phone consultation with our FNHA Approved Mental Health Provider, Victor Wakarchuk. This consultation allows you to get to know each other and discuss what you’d like to focus on in counselling. You can book a consultation by clicking the button below.

2. We’ll submit a request for funding to FNHA on your behalf. Counselling support through FNHA requires approval from FNHA before your first counselling session.

3. Once we’ve gotten approval from FNHA, we’ll contact you to book your first session.

FNHA Mental Health Providers

Victor Wakarchuk Registered Social Worker (RSW) Master of Social Work (MSW) Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) British Columbia BC Gay Men LGBTQ Online Virtual Counseling Counselling Therapy Teletherapy

Victor Wakarchuk

(he/him) • RCC, MSW, RSW