Wellness Support

The Hope for Wellness Helpline offers free, immediate mental health and wellness support to all Indigenous people. Support is available 24 hours a day.

You can talk to a counsellor by calling 1-855-242-3310 or use the secure online chat at HopeForWellness.ca .

Counsellors are trained to listen and provide support that is trauma-informed, culturally grounded and respectful of Indigenous experiences and realities.

Services are available in English, French, Cree and Ojibway (Anishinaabemowin) on request.

This Indigenous Services Canada program provides counselling and cultural support to individuals impacted by underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program and Jordan’s Principle. These services are available across Canada and focus on healing through culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches, including traditional practices, counselling and emotional support.

• Available to all Class Members and potential Class Members 

• Includes services for children, youth, adults and families 

• Offered in both individual and community settings 

• May include support with transportation when services aren’t available locally 

To access these support services, please contact the Indigenous Services Canada regional office in your province or territory listed below or visit the Indigenous Services Canada website .

Regional Offices – Expanded Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Program

Class Members and potential Class Members may be eligible for counselling through two programs:

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program or

The Trauma-Informed Support Program.

Availability of these programs depends on your current eligibility and location.

The majority of Claimants are eligible to access mental health counselling through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program (Canada-wide) and the First Nations Health Authority Mental Health Benefit Program (FNHA MHBP), which is only in British Columbia. 

Class Members and potential Class Members who are not eligible for mental health counselling through NIHB or a designated health authority will be eligible to access mental health counselling through the Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Programs, as described below.

If you’re a registered First Nations or Inuit individual, you may already qualify for mental health support through the NIHB Program, which covers sessions with approved counsellors.

• 22 hours of counselling per calendar year (including 2 hours for initial assessment)
• Additional sessions available on a case-by-case basis
• Services must be provided by NIHB-registered counsellors (e.g., psychologists, social workers)

Refer to the NIHB Guide to Mental Health Counselling Benefits for additional coverage details.

To ensure everyone can access the services they need, help with transportation costs may be available when counselling or cultural support is not offered in your area.

• Travel must be pre-approved by ISC or the designated First Nations Health Authority in British Columbia.
• Follows the Non-Insured Health Benefits Medical Transportation Policy Framework . 
• Applies to both individuals seeking care and support workers, if needed.

Contact your ISC regional office or FNHA in British Columbia (1-855-550-5454) to find out more.