Niwa Therapy Centre
Therapy for refugee claimants and protected persons
If you're a refugee claimant or protected person in Ontario, the Interim Federal Health Program may cover your therapy. It requires a prescription from a doctor and pre-authorization before sessions start — and we handle that paperwork with your doctor so you don't have to.
IFHP
paperwork coordinated for you
IFHP
coverage coordinated
$0
to eligible claimants
3
languages: EN · FR · FA
Ontario
fully virtual
Who provides the care
Pouya Bakhshaei, MD
Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #15729)
English · Farsi
Sara Gharibi
Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #9902)
English · French · Farsi
How IFHP covers therapy
IFHP includes mental health care, but not automatically. A doctor has to prescribe psychotherapy, and the program has to pre-authorize sessions. We work directly with your doctor to get the prescription and submit the pre-authorization.
What we help with
We work with anxiety, depression and low mood, trauma and PTSD, grief, sleep problems, and the particular strain of waiting — for a hearing, a decision, or a family member. Sessions run in English, Farsi, and French.
If you're not IFHP-eligible
Most extended health plans reimburse a Registered Psychotherapist, and we hold a limited number of reduced-fee spots. Ask us before assuming you can't afford it.
Privacy
What you say in therapy is confidential and protected under Ontario health privacy law. Nothing is shared with immigration authorities, your lawyer, or anyone else without your written consent.
Prefer something to print or keep on file?
A one-page summary you can print or hand to a client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does IFHP cover therapy automatically?+
No. IFHP includes mental health care, but a doctor has to prescribe psychotherapy and the program has to pre-authorize sessions. We work directly with your doctor to get the prescription and submit the pre-authorization.
What does it cost me if I'm covered?+
Nothing. For eligible claimants with an approved pre-authorization, IFHP pays for the sessions — you pay nothing at any point.
Who writes the prescription?+
A physician or nurse practitioner. We work with your doctor to arrange it; if you don't have one, tell us and we'll help you figure out the next step.
How long does approval take?+
It varies. We submit the pre-authorization promptly, and your free 15-minute consultation can happen while it's being processed so you're not left waiting to be heard.
What if I'm not IFHP-eligible?+
Most extended health plans reimburse a Registered Psychotherapist, and we hold a limited number of reduced-fee, sliding-scale spots. Ask us before assuming you can't afford it.
What languages are available?+
Sessions run in English, Farsi, and French, and you're welcome to bring your own interpreter.
Is my information private?+
Yes. What you say in therapy is confidential under Ontario health privacy law. Nothing is shared with immigration authorities, your lawyer, or anyone else without your written consent.
How do sessions happen, and how do I start?+
Sessions are virtual — by secure video or by phone — anywhere in Ontario. To start, submit a referral or send us a message, and we'll set up your free 15-minute consultation.
Questions about IFHP coverage?
We coordinate the paperwork with your doctor. Reach us and we'll walk through whether IFHP covers your care.