As a leader in culturally attuned therapy, Shanti Psychotherapy is an approved provider of mental health services for the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) with Medavie Blue Cross. With us, you will not have to explain the cultural and political circumstances that brought you here. We match you with a therapist who understands this already and, wherever possible, speaks your language. This means your pathway to healing begins quickly, and in a safe environment where your story is honoured.
Eligibility and Fees for the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
The Interim Federal Health Program provides temporary health coverage to refugee claimants, resettled refugees, and other protected persons while they wait to receive provincial health insurance. IFHP’s Supplementary Benefits cover mental health counselling with a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) or Registered Social Worker (RSW) on our team. We offer support for stress, anxiety, low mood, trauma, grief, sleep problems, family separation and the strain of settling into a new life.
This copay program covers 70% of our fee, and we bill Medavie Blue Cross directly, so you only pay your share at each session. Fees are set by the IFHP benefit grid and may change. Since May 1, 2026, the IFHP fee for mental health counselling in Ontario is $205.00 per session. Of this, they cover $143.50; you would pay $61.50.
Interpretation services, if required, are also covered separately in this program. We always inform you of the exact amount of your share before your sessions begin. This amount will remain the same whether you meet in person or online.
If cost is still a problem, don’t let it stop you from reaching out. Contact one of our Intake Counsellors so we can walk you through all options available at Shanti Psychotherapy. Untreated anxiety, depression and trauma rarely stay quiet. They show up in your sleep, work, and every relationship, and they profoundly affect the people you love most. Surviving what you’ve been through took courage. Asking for help is part of that same strength. You deserve care, and a therapist who understands your story. We’ll make sure you don’t face this alone.
Getting Started with Us Under The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)
Obtain a Letter From Your Primary Healthcare Provider
IFHP requires this letter before therapy can begin. It should outline why you require mental health care.
Refer to this pamphlet if you do not have a healthcare provider, or contact one of our Intake Counsellors for guidance
Contact An Intake Counsellor at Shanti Psychotherapy
Have your IFHP information and your healthcare provider’s referral letter ready when you contact us.
This FREE 20-minute call will help us assess your needs and match you with the best-suited clinician.
Paperwork and Appointments
The first few appointments with your therapist will let them assess your needs and help you get to know them.
From there, we submit the paperwork to Medavie Blue Cross. Once approved, we will contact you to set dates for your therapy sessions.
What to Bring To Your First Appointment
Whether we meet in person or online, we will require the following documents from you:
- Your IFHP eligibility document that shows your UCI number and coverage dates.
- Photo ID.
- The letter from your healthcare provider.
Feel free to ask questions – remember, there are no wrong questions.
Psychotherapy In Your Language
Healing is easier when you can express yourself in your mother tongue without translating your feelings into another language. We have a large team of multilingual therapists and can offer psychotherapy in the following languages:
- Cantonese
- English
- Farsi
- Gujarati
- Hindi
- Mandarin
- Polish
- Punjabi
- Tamil
- Turkish
- Urdu
- ….. and more!
If your language of choice is not listed above, we can arrange for an interpreter at your sessions.
Clinic Locations
We offer online therapy and in-person sessions at one of our clinics:
- Toronto (Pape and Danforth): 745 Danforth Ave, Suite 202
- Etobicoke: #204-5399 Eglinton Avenue West
- Scarborough: 4544 Sheppard Avenue East
- Niagara: 14 Duke Street, St. Catharines
- Online: Secure video sessions anywhere in Ontario
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) FAQ’s
Yes. Shanti Psychotherapy is a registered mental healthcare provider with Medavie Blue Cross for IFHP and we bill your coverage directly.
Yes. IFHP requires a letter from a doctor or nurse practitioner that names your health concern and recommends counselling or psychotherapy. We can’t start treatment sessions until IFHP approves them.
In Ontario, a one-hour session is $205. IFHP pays $143.50 and your co-payment is $61.50. Online clients in Alberta pay $51.00 and in British Columbia $48.00. We’ll confirm your amount before your session.
IFHP covers an initial assessment time (up to 4 assessment sessions) and up to 10 one-hour counselling sessions per calendar year. Your clinician will talk with you about your goals and plan your sessions together.
Yes. Online sessions are available in Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
We have a large team of multilingual therapists who understand your cultural background and speak your language. If we do not have a clinician who speaks your preferred language, we can arrange for an interpreter at your sessions.
Yes. Children and teens covered by IFHP can receive counselling with the same doctor or nurse practitioner letter. Our team has deep experience supporting young people and families.
Most of the therapy we offer is covered, including trauma-focused approaches such as EMDR and CBT. A few services are not covered by IFHP, including hypnotherapy and expressive arts therapy.
Yes. What you share in therapy is confidential. We share only what IFHP needs to approve and pay for your sessions. Your clinician will explain exactly what is shared before you begin.
Let us know as soon as your coverage changes. We’ll help you continue therapy sessions through private insurance, provincial coverage or our Making Therapy Accessible Program MTAP.
You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone
Whatever brought you here, you have a place at Shanti. Here are three ways to contact us:
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) Information For Medical Professionals
Thank you for helping your patients access mental health care. Shanti Psychotherapy is a registered IFHP mental health care provider offering trauma-informed, culturally attuned psychotherapy in many languages, in person and online.
Your referral letter should include the following:
- Your patient’s name, date of birth and IFHP UCI number
- The diagnosis or presenting concern
- A recommendation (prescription) for psychotherapy or counselling
- Your name, signature, licence number and contact details
How to Refer:
We need this referral to start the process with Medavie Blue Cross, the insurance provider that administers the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).
- Provide your patient with a copy of the letter.
- Email it to intake.shantipsychotherapy@gmail.com
- Secure fax to 647-722-4575
- Use our Medical Referral Forms.
Our Intake Team will contact your patient, complete the assessment and handle IFHP approval and billing. With your patient’s consent, we’re happy to keep you updated on their care.
