Mental Health Support for Métis Citizens in Alberta

PsychSolutions is eligible to offer funded mental health services through the Ni Natoohtaan Psychology Benefit Program, supporting Métis citizens across Alberta.

Funded Counselling for Métis Citizens in Alberta

If you’re a Métis citizen living in Alberta, you may now be eligible for 12 free counselling sessions through the Ni Natoohtaan Psychology Benefit Program. This program is run by the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) in partnership with Alberta Blue Cross. It’s designed to support long-term and complex mental health needs—and PsychSolutions is an approved provider.

What’s Included?

  • Coverage Information: Each session is covered up to $225. Please note that the first session is not included in this coverage. Any remaining balance beyond the covered amount will be invoiced and is the responsibility of the client.
  • 12 covered sessions with a registered psychologist or registered social worker
  • Sessions are direct billed to Alberta Blue Cross—no out-of-pocket payments
  • In-person or virtual therapy options
  • Mental health assessments and internet-based CBT (iCBT) included
  • Each session is covered up to $225 (Note: the first session is not included)

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for this program, you must:

  • Be a Métis citizen living in Alberta
  • Have seen a registered therapist at least once (either a psychologist or a social worker) before applying

This benefit is for people who already have a therapist and want to continue care. If you’ve already met with someone at PsychSolutions and want to keep working with them under this program, you may be eligible to apply.

What Do You Need to Apply?

You’ll need to fill out a short application on the MNA website. You’ll be asked to show proof that you’ve already had at least one appointment. This can be:

  • A receipt or invoice from a past session
  • An email showing the date of your appointment
  • A short confirmation email or letter from your therapist

Please note: You must complete the application yourself. If you’re approved, you’ll get a benefit card from Alberta Blue Cross. This card allows us to direct bill your future sessions.

Application Timeline & Availability

  • Applications open twice a year: once in Spring (usually April) and once in Fall (usually October)
  • Only 100 eligible applicants are approved in each intake, and funding can run out
  • You can apply once every 12 months
  • Make sure to follow the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on social media or sign up for their Voyageur Voice newsletter for the latest updates

Important: Getting accepted into the program is not guaranteed, even if you meet all the requirements. Space is limited.

Once Approved:

  • You’ll have 12 months from your first session (or 18 months from the application date—whichever is sooner) to use all 12 covered sessions
  • You must continue working with a registered psychologist or social worker (RSW, MSW)—our team at PsychSolutions meets this requirement

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you’re already working with a therapist at PsychSolutions, we’re happy to support you through this process. We can help you collect the documents you need to apply.

If you’re not yet connected with us but would like to become eligible for this benefit, we invite you to book your first session. You can reach out by phone, email, or our contact form—we’re here to help.