IFHP Benefits
What is the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health coverage, including mental health services, to refugees, asylum seekers, and other eligible newcomers in Canada. At the Centre for Psychodynamic Insights, our psychotherapists are IFHP-approved providers, offering fully covered therapy to help individuals cope with trauma, displacement, and the challenges of starting a new life in Canada.
Key Features of the Program
Who is Eligible for IFHP Coverage?
The IFHP is designed to support refugees and protected persons in Canada who do not yet qualify for provincial or territorial health insurance. Eligibility includes:
Resettled refugees in Canada, such as Government-Assisted Refugees or Privately Sponsored Refugees.
Asylum seekers waiting for a decision on their refugee claim.
Victims of human trafficking with a Temporary Resident Permit.
Rejected refugee claimants who qualify for temporary IFHP coverage.
Family members of resettled refugees, including spouses and children.
If an individual receives permanent residency, their health coverage will transition to provincial health insurance (such as OHIP in Ontario, MSP in British Columbia, or RAMQ in Quebec).
How IFHP Supports Mental Health Care
The experience of war, persecution, forced migration, and resettlement can be deeply traumatic. Many refugees experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, grief, and cultural adjustment difficulties. IFHP provides fully covered mental health care to help individuals heal, adapt, and rebuild their lives.
At the Centre for Psychodynamic Insights, we offer:
Trauma-informed therapy for refugees who have experienced war, violence, displacement, or loss.
Support for PTSD, anxiety, and depression related to migration trauma.
Grief counselling for individuals who have lost loved ones.
Adjustment and resettlement support to help individuals and families navigate life in Canada.
Culturally sensitive therapy that respects diverse backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs.
How to Access IFHP-Covered Therapy
Check Your IFHP Eligibility
Before booking an appointment, confirm that you are covered under the Interim Federal Health Program. You can verify your eligibility by:
Checking your IFHP Certificate of Eligibility, which was issued when you arrived in Canada.
Contacting Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Speaking with a settlement worker or refugee support agency.
Schedule an Appointment
At the Centre for Psychodynamic Insights, our psychotherapists are approved IFHP mental health providers. This means your therapy sessions will be fully covered, with no cost to you. Once eligibility is confirmed, contact us to book an appointment.
You will need to provide your IFHP Certificate Number or UCI (Unique Client Identifier), a valid refugee or asylum seeker document if applicable, and any additional information required for registration.
Why Choose the Centre for Psychodynamic Insights?
We specialize in trauma-informed care for displaced individuals.
Our approach respects different backgrounds, traditions, and experiences.
Because our psychotherapists are IFHP providers, we bill the program directly, so you do not have to pay.
Your safety and well-being are our priority.
