Does the Interim Federal Health Program provide coverage for mental health services?

Yes. The IFHP Basic Coverage covers:

• mental health services provided by physicians (such as psychiatrists, general or family practitioners), or
• services provided by mental health hospitals.

The IFHP also covers mental health services provided by allied health professionals (such as clinical psychologists, psychotherapists, or counselling therapists) under the IFHP Supplemental Coverage (PDF, 484 KB). To become an IFHP registered provider, allied health professionals must be licensed in the province or territory in which they practice with their provincial or territorial licensing body.

Notes:

• The IFHP does not require prior approval for the services provided by physicians or mental health hospitals.
• Medavie Blue Cross requires prior approval for mental health services provided by allied health professionals.