Effective January 1, 2026, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is transferring mental health services provided by the Indian Residential School (IRS) program to the NIHB mental health program.
This notice explains how new and existing clients will access counselling services during the transition from the IRS program to the non-insured health benefits (NIHB) mental health program through December 31, 2025.
Our goal is to ensure continuity of culturally appropriate mental health care for all clients.
As of January 1, 2026, all clients will follow the new process through WAHA’s community mental health and additions program (CMHA). When contacting the CMHA program, please inform them if you have an existing relationship with a NIHB counsellor.
Changes now in effect
New clients – intake & referral process for self-referral or nursing station referral
New clients may:
- Self-refer directly to the CMHA
- Be referred by their local nursing station
What WAHA CMHA will do:
- Review and assess the referral
- Assign the client to the appropriate in-community service provider, or
- Provide a WAHA referral form for services outside the community if needed
WAHA CMHA contact
- Phone: 705-336-2164 – ask to speak to the intake team
- Fax: 705-336-2746
Referral submission (to IPS)
- The CMHA completes the WAHA client referral form and sends it to Ininew patient services:
- Fax: 1-613-544-1698
- Email: referralsips@kingstonhsc.ca
Existing clients – with prior approval (PA) through IRS
Existing IRS approvals will remain active:
- Until December 31, 2025, or
- Until all 20 approved counselling hours are used for 2025, whichever comes first
- After this, the NIHB counselling service provider must apply to NIHB mental health for a new approval
- Appointment notifications (Until Dec. 31, 2025)
NIHB Counselling Service providers, until December 31, 2025, must continue sending:
- Notices of appointment to IRS-WAHA (primary)
- CC: IRS-Ottawa (tracking hours & client verification)
Requesting additional hours
If a client requires more than 20 hours:
- If a client requires more than the allotted 20 hours per calendar year, the NIHB counselling service provider (non-WAHA) is to review the NIHB Mental Health Guidelines – Section 3.5: Exceptions
- The NIHB clinician will submit a request with a clear rationale
- NIHB mental health will assess requests under its guidelines
Existing relationships
- New NIHB PAs for clients continuing with their existing clinician will not require a new referral
- When contacting WAHA Community Mental Health and Addictions Program, please inform them if you have an existing relationship with a previous NIHB counsellor (previously known as IRS counsellor)
For any questions regarding this change by Indigenous Services Canada, contact:
- Toll Free (available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST): 1-888-301-6426
- Email: Onirsprogram-programmerhs@sac-isc.gc.ca