Indigenous Counselling Services
Supporting Indigenous Healing with Respect, Experience, and Cultural Understanding
In 1997, ARCH collaborated with community leaders to develop Healing Together: Our Sacred Journey—an integrated sexual abuse intervention and healing program designed for survivors in North Central Alberta. This work reflects our continued dedication to offering care that is not only trauma-informed, but culturally grounded, respectful, and empowering.
We recognize that healing is a deeply personal process, especially for those impacted by intergenerational trauma, systemic harm, and loss. That’s why we tailor our services to honour each individual’s traditions, experiences, and values—creating a space where meaningful change can happen.
Call Our Intake Team
(780) 428-9223
Psychological Programs and Services Available
ARCH Psychological Services is proud to offer psychological services through several Health Canada–funded programs that support Indigenous individuals and families across Canada. These programs provide access to trauma-informed therapy at no cost to those who qualify, including survivors of residential schools and day schools, individuals impacted by systemic violence, and families navigating the loss of loved ones.
Our team is experienced in delivering care within these frameworks, offering compassionate, culturally safe support rooted in understanding, respect, and healing.
Jordan’s Principle
ARCH Psychological Services supports families in accessing services through Jordan’s Principle, and our team is able to bill directly under this program. We offer a range of services for children and youth, including psychotherapy, counselling, and specialized psychological assessments such as psychoeducational evaluations. These are among the most commonly accessed supports by families we work with.
Navigating these systems can feel overwhelming, especially when advocating for a child’s mental health. That’s why we provide a respectful, collaborative space where families feel supported—not just clinically, but emotionally and culturally. Our clinicians work closely with caregivers to tailor care to each child’s needs, ensuring services are both effective and aligned with their identity, strengths, and lived experiences.
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
ARCH Psychological Services is an approved provider under NIHB. Our team has extensive experience supporting Indigenous clients through trauma-informed, culturally respectful care. We understand the complex and intergenerational impacts many individuals carry and provide services that reflect the emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of healing.
We offer a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can engage in meaningful therapeutic work at their own pace. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, grief, depression, or the long-term effects of trauma, we’re here to help you navigate the NIHB process and begin your path toward wellness and resilience.
Indian Residential Schools Residential Health Support Program (IRSRHSP)
At ARCH Psychological Services, we recognize the lasting impact of Residential Schools on Indigenous families, including the loss of traditional values and the development of complex emotional, behavioural, and spiritual responses. Our approach addresses symptoms such as addictions, domestic violence, and abuse—while working to uncover and address the underlying causes.
Healing from these experiences takes time. We provide a safe, respectful space where clients can engage in the process in a way that honours their pace and personal history. Services are grounded in Indigenous values, with a strong focus on collaboration, connection, and long-term support.
Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)
Through this program, ARCH Psychological Services offers counselling and therapeutic support in a way that is sensitive to both the emotional toll and broader context of this crisis. We recognize that the impacts are often generational, and that healing requires space, time, and a culturally informed approach.
Our team creates a supportive environment where individuals can begin to process trauma, honour their experiences, and rebuild connection. Services are grounded in respect, safety, and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by those affected by systemic violence and loss.
Indian Day School Health Support Services
(IDS HSS)
Eligibility for the IDS HSS program is inclusive, extending to both First Nations and non-First Nations individuals who have a connection to Indian Day Schools. Under this program, a range of support services is provided to promote the well-being of those affected. This includes access to counseling, psychotherapy, and other specialized health services tailored to the experiences of individuals associated with Indian Day Schools.
Our team is experienced in assisting clients to access psychological services through the IDS HSS program, ensuring that the support provided is culturally sensitive and responsive to each individual’s healing journey.
Métis
Community
Once known as “Canada’s forgotten people,” having to overcome various adversities, the story of the Métis people is one of resistance and resilience. In recent years, the Métis have been writing a new chapter in the story with Canada based on recognition, respect, and reconciliation. To support this, as well as the general well-being of the nations, funding has been provided in order to support the mental health of the Métis.
The Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), through its Financial Assistance, offers assistance in covering the costs of therapy for their Citizens who are an Alberta resident, for up to 12 sessions, (up to $225 per session) for appointments with a psychologist. To qualify for this program, you must be an Otipemisiwak MNA Citizen and have a pre-existing relationship with the psychologist you need coverage for. You are also required not to have received coverage under this benefit program previously. MNA limits the first 100 eligible applications enrolled for each intake.
While supporting you in accessing the Financial Support Program for eligible individuals, we provide a non-judgmental, respectful, and safe space where you can explore the interconnectedness and balance of life’s different parts, such as family, community, and spirituality, while receiving flexible, holistic, client-centred care.
Addictions
Alcoholism
Gambling
Pornography
Smoking
Substance Use
A Culturally Safe Approach to Healing, Grounded in the Concerns That Matter Most
Our approach to healing is shaped by our deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, community values, and lived experience. We don’t just focus on symptoms—we take time to understand the full context of a person’s emotional, psychological, and cultural well-being.
Our team is experienced in supporting Indigenous clients through a wide range of mental health concerns, using evidence-based practices delivered in a way that is non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive.
Below are some of the most common areas where we offer support, though every client’s healing journey is approached as uniquely their own.
Addictions
Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Development
Eating Disorders
Healthy Living
Mood
Pain
Paliative Care
Personality
Relationships
Suicide & Self-Harm
Trauma
Workplace
Guided by a Two-Eyed Seeing Perspective
By embracing both perspectives, our team can provide support that is not only evidence-based, but also culturally meaningful and respectful. This allows us to meet clients where they are, ensure psychological safety, and walk alongside them with deeper understanding.
Two-Eyed Seeing guides how we listen, how we support, and how we adapt our services—making space for ceremony, storytelling, language, family, and land-based practices alongside more conventional therapies, when appropriate.
Call Our Intake Team
(780) 428-9223
What To Expect & How To Get Started
Reach Out to Our Intake Team
Get Matched With a Clinician
Begin Services at Your Pace
Take the First Step Toward Healing and Support
All Indigenous counselling services at ARCH Psychological Services begin with a simple intake process. Whether you’re seeking support through Jordan’s Principle, NIHB, IRSRHSP, or another program, our team can help you understand your options and connect with the right clinician.
To get started, call us or fill out the contact form, and we’ll guide you through the next steps with care and clarity.
Have Questions? Call Our Intake Team
