Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nations and Inuit 

Access Mental Health Counselling at No Cost 

If you are eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, you may be able to access mental health counselling services at no cost. 

Our team is here to support you through the process. We can help determine your eligibility, guide you through the application, and once approved, we offer direct billing—so there is no out-of-pocket cost to you. 

Contact us today to get started. 

What is NIHB?

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides coverage for a range of health services for eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals. These benefits are intended to complement other health services that may already be available through provincial, territorial, or private plans. 

Mental health counselling is one of the services covered under NIHB, helping individuals access the support they need in a timely and culturally respectful manner. 

Who is Eligible? 

To be eligible for the NIHB program, you must: 

  • Be a resident of Canada, and 
  • Meet one of the following criteria:
    • Be a First Nations person who is registered (commonly referred to as having “Status”) 
    • Be an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization 


If you are unsure about your eligibility, we are happy to help you navigate this.

What is Covered? 

Through the NIHB program, eligible clients may receive coverage for professional mental health counselling services. These services are designed to support mental wellness and may complement other supports available in your community.

How We Support You:

We aim to make accessing services as simple and stress-free as possible: 

  • Eligibility Support: We help confirm whether you qualify for NIHB 
  • Application Assistance: Guidance through the approval process 
  • Direct Billing: Once approved, we bill NIHB directly—no cost to you 
  • Flexible Services: In-person and virtual options available depending on your location 

In-Person and Virtual Options 

We understand that flexibility matters when accessing care. Depending on your location and preferences, we offer both in-person and virtual services: 

  • In-Person Services: Available in community settings such as your home, daycare, school, or other appropriate locations 
  • Virtual Services: Secure online sessions for clients across Nova Scotia, including those in areas where in-person services may not yet be available 


Our team will work with you to determine the best option to meet your needs and ensure you can access support in a way that feels comfortable and convenient. 

More Services

We offer flexible support options to meet you and your family's individual needs

How We Work

We bring the
practice
to the
place
— clinic, home, school, work.
At The Clinic

Our Bayers Rd, Bedford, Annapolis, and Kentville rooms are calm, sensory-friendly, and stocked with the practical things real therapy needs.

At Home

Our Bayers Rd, Bedford, Annapolis, and Kentville rooms are calm, sensory-friendly, and stocked with the practical things real therapy needs.

At Work or School

Our Bayers Rd, Bedford, Annapolis, and Kentville rooms are calm, sensory-friendly, and stocked with the practical things real therapy needs.

At The Clinic

Our Bayers Rd, Bedford, Annapolis, and Kentville rooms are calm, sensory-friendly, and stocked with the practical things real therapy needs.

Why Choose Us

Serving
individuals
and
families
across Nova Scotia

Thrive Therapy was built on a simple belief: everyone deserves the support they need to fully participate in life.

Plain-spoken

No jargon, no acronyms, no euphemisms. If we wouldn't say it at your kitchen table, we don't say it in the clinic.

Whole Family

We treat the person and the people around them. Parents get coached. Partners get included. Caregivers get supported.

Evidence Based

We don't promise quick fixes. We promise real progress — measured in the things you can do this month that you couldn't last month.

Locally Owned

Proudly owned and operated in Nova Scotia, Thrive Therapy is honored to support our community through every stage of life.

Where we stand

We are an inclusive practice

We serve LGBTQ+ families, Indigenous clients, Veterans, and kids of every ability.

Safe & Welcoming

LGBTQ+ Friendly

We Believe

Every Child Matters

VAC Approved

Veteran Friendly

Visit Us

Empowering
lives
across Nova Scotia

Halifax

Suite 329, 7071 Bayers Road

Our home base — three therapy rooms, a sensory gym kids can climb in, and a quiet counselling suite. Easy parking across from the Halifax Shopping Centre.

Bedford

Unit 210, 1550 Bedford Hwy

Our pediatric-leaning satellite. Calmer waiting room for sensory-sensitive kids, after-school slots, and a stroller-friendly entry.

Annapolis, Queens & Tri-County

Mobile + partner clinics

We come to you — home visits, school visits, and partner-clinic days in Yarmouth, Digby, Shelburne, and Liverpool. 

Kentville

Mobile + partner clinics

We come to you — home visits, school visits, and partner-clinic days in Kentville, Greenwood, Berwick, New Minas, and Wolfville.