Important Notice: Program Application is Closed

The funding for this program has been fully utilized for this application period. Ni Natoohtaan will reopen for additional applications in August 2026. The time and date of the next application period will be posted on this website by July 31st, 2026.

Program Eligibility

This program is a limited benefit that will be dispersed until program funds are fully utilized. To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be a registered Citizen of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta
  • Be a resident of Alberta
  • Have an existing relationship with the licensed Psychologist, Social Worker, or Counsellor you are receiving services from

Métis Citizens of all ages are eligible to apply; however, applications for Citizens under the age of 18 must be submitted by a parent/guardian.

Program Benefits

Enrolled applicants will receive:

  • Coverage for 12 sessions with a licensed Psychologist, Social Worker, or Counsellor. Sessions must be utilized within 12 months of the date of your first session or within 18 months of the date of your application, whichever occurs sooner.
  • $225.00 of coverage per session, in line with the Alberta Blue Cross Managed Fee Guide.
  • Service coverage for assessments, treatments, telehealth/virtual services, and Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT).
  • Direct billing from Psychologists and Social Workers using Alberta Blue Cross’s secure online provider portal or manual claim reimbursement through the Alberta Blue Cross member services online website.
  • Direct billing is not available for counsellors; participants must submit counseling reimbursement claims manually for reimbursement through Alberta Blue Cross.
  • Customer service support through the Alberta Blue Cross Customer Services Department.

Note: Please contact your psychologist, social worker, or counsellor to confirm they are an eligible provider with Alberta Blue Cross.

Contact: For questions related to the application process, please contact the Supports and Service Navigators at SSN@metis.org

Psychology Benefit Program FAQ's

All FAQs

Who can I see through this program?

This program covers services provided by a registered Psychologist, Social Workers, or counsellor.  Psychologist must be registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists (cap.alinityapp.com/Client/PublicDirectory), Social Workers must be registered with the College of Alberta Social Workers (www.acsw.ab.ca/site/New_Find_A_social_Worker)

Counsellors must be registered by one of the following associations.

The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)

  • Canadian Clinical Counsellor (CCC)
  • Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA)
  • Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT)
  • Registered Counselling Therapists (RTC)
  • Master Therapeutic Counsellor Designation (MTC)
  • Registered Counselling Supe Designation (RCS)
  • Professional Association of Christian Counsellors (PACCP)
  • Certified Professional Counsellor (CPC)
  • Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation
  • Associate Addictions Counsellor
  • Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor
  • Canadian Indigenous Addiction Counsellor
  • Canadian Clinical Supervisor – Addiction Counsellor
  • International Certified Alcohol & Drug Counsellor
  • The Canadian College of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists (CCPCP)
  • Association of Counselling Therapy of Alberta (ACTA)
  • College of Alberta Psychologists

Alberta College of Social Workers

How do I apply?

You will need to fill out an online application on the Psychology Benefit Program webpage. During application periods, there will be a link to the online application form on the webpage and you will be able to click the link to fill out the application. You will find the webpage for the Psychology Benefit Program here.

What will I need to fill out the application?

The application takes approximately 10 mins to complete and will ask for your basic information (name, date of birth, contact information, etc.). You will need to provide your active Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizenship ID Number, and you will need to upload a document that proves an existing relationship between you and your psychologist/social worker/counsellor.

What kind of document do I need?

You can use a receipt/invoice from a previous appointment, an email confirmation of a previous appointment, a screenshot of your appointment history from your client portal, or an email from your psychologist/social worker/counsellor that explicitly states that you are their client. PLEASE NOTE: Some psychologists/social workers/counsellors charge for such emails so connect with them regarding potential costs. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government will not cover or reimburse any fees or costs associated with obtaining supporting documents.

Can I apply for my child?

Yes, but only if they are under 18 years of age. In that case you will fill out your information as the “principal applicant” and add your child’s information later (this is outlined in the application form). PLEASE NOTE: Your child will need to meet all eligibility criteria (i.e. they will need their own Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizenship ID Number and proof of existing relationship).

Can you send me a copy of the application form in advance?

No. This program requires an online application. If you are unable to complete this, please connect with the Supports and Services Navigators (SSN@metis.org or 780-455-2200), who may be able to arrange a phone appointment where the application can complete with you on the phone. PLEASE NOTE: If the program reached capacity before your application is completed by phone, you will not be enrolled.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Please see the webpage for program benefits.

What coverage will I receive?

Please see the webpage for program benefits.

How long will I have to use my sessions?

Please see the webpage for program benefits.

How many people are enrolled during each intake?

The first one hundred (100) eligible applications are enrolled for each intake. There are four intakes each year and the next intake date will be advertised when each period closes. Dates are subject to change, but you can sign up for the Voyageur Voice e-newsletter or follow the Otipemisiwak Métis Government on social media (Facebook, Instagram) for the most accurate information as soon as it is available. PLEASE NOTE: Completing an application does not guarantee enrollment, even if you meet eligibility requirements, due to the limited capacity of the program.

How often can I be enrolled in this program?

Currently, each Citizen can only be enrolled in this program once.

I have not been able to see a psychologist/social worker/counsellor due to financial barriers. Can I still apply?

This program is only for those with an existing relationship with a psychologist/social worker/counsellor. As such, you will need to show that you have attended at least one appointment with them. It does not matter how long ago you saw them, only that you have seen them before.

If you are looking to see a specific psychologist/social worker/counsellor but have not been able to because of finances, you can ask to see them on a sliding scale or ask for a shorter appointment to bring down costs for your initial appointment, but you will still need to pay out of pocket for this appointment. PLEASE NOTE: A reduction of cost for an appointment is at psychologist’s/social worker’s/counsellor’s discretion and will not guarantee enrollment to the program.

If this does not work for you, please connect with the Supports and Services Navigator (SSN@metis.org or 780-455-2200) for referrals for alternative counselling programs and services.

I am a psychologist/social worker/counsellor. How do I become a provider for this program?

We do not keep a list of providers for this program, nor do we refer Otipemisiwak Métis Government Citizens to specific providers. Instead, this program is for those Citizens that already have a relationship with a psychologist/social worker/counsellor. You are welcome to provide Métis clients with the information about the program and encourage them to apply.