Free Psychotherapy in Canada through the IFHP Program

Ajax, 2025

Hello everyone, in this post, I’ll explain what the IFHP program is and how you can receive free psychotherapy in Canada through this program.

This information is especially relevant for individuals who are refugee claimants, resettled refugees, or protected persons. The details below apply not only to psychotherapy but also to other healthcare services covered under the program.

If you are in Canada with a work permit, permanent residence, or citizenship, I’ll be sharing a separate post soon about how health insurance works for you.

What is IFHP?

IFHP (Interim Federal Health Program) is a temporary health insurance program provided by the Government of Canada.

It offers free healthcare coverage to individuals who are not yet Canadian citizens or permanent residents and do not have a provincial health card (for example, OHIP in Ontario).

If you have refugee claimant status, meaning your asylum claim is still in process, you are usually enrolled in IFHP automatically.

If you have a document from IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) called a Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD), you are likely covered under IFHP.

Does IFHP Cover Psychotherapy?

Yes.

The IFHP includes mental health services, which means you can receive free psychotherapy sessions from therapists who are registered with the program.

You do not pay for the sessions yourself; the system pays the therapist directly.

Steps to Access Free Psychotherapy

1. Check your document: If you have the Refugee Protection Claimant Document (RPCD) issued by IRCC, you are very likely eligible for IFHP coverage.

2. Confirm that the therapist works with IFHP: Not every therapist accepts IFHP coverage. Before booking an appointment, simply ask, “Do you work with IFHP?”

3. Obtain a referral letter from a doctor: To receive psychotherapy under IFHP, you will need a referral letter from a family doctor or from a walk-in clinic (both are also free under IFHP). Tell your doctor that you would like to receive mental health support and need a Psychotherapy Referral Letter.

4. Provide your immigration and referral documents: Your therapist will review your IFHP document and your referral letter from the doctor, then submit the claim through the IFHP system. You won’t be charged for the sessions.

5. Check your coverage regularly: As your immigration process continues, your status may change. For example, once you become a Convention Refugee, you may no longer be eligible for IFHP. It’s important to check your documents and coverage status whenever your situation changes.

Contact Us for Free Therapy

At IKI Therapy, we offer support to individuals who want to receive free psychotherapy under the IFHP program.

We provide free guidance on how to check your eligibility, understand your documents, and start your therapy process.

Through the IFHP program, you may be eligible for up to 21 free therapy sessions, including an initial assessment session and 10 + 10 therapy sessions.

If you have any questions about the IFHP program or would like to receive free psychotherapy under this coverage, feel free to contact us:

📩 psk.kubilay@gmail.com, +1 (437) 256-9397

📩 duygu.rp@gmail.com, +1 (437) 255-3602

💬 Or fill out the contact form on our website.