Home » Programs » Refugee Physiotherapy Program

Physiotherapy and Counselling Under the IFHP

The Interim Federal Health Program covers refugees, protected persons and refugee claimants until provincial coverage begins, and two of the things it covers are physiotherapy and mental health counselling. We provide refugee physiotherapy services and counselling at two clinics, and the part that matters most to you is settled before any treatment starts: what your coverage includes and exactly what you will pay at the desk.

4.8 on Google, 300 reviews
Same-day appointments
Multilingual care
North York and Richmond Hill

What the IFHP covers, and what you pay

The program has two halves. Basic benefits cover doctor visits, hospital care and ambulances, and those remain free. IFHP physiotherapy coverage sits in the second half, supplemental benefits, alongside mental health counselling, prescription medication, urgent dental and vision care, occupational therapy and assistive devices.

Since 1 May 2026, supplemental benefits carry a co-payment. The program pays up to 70% of the covered amount and you pay the remaining 30% directly to the provider, plus $4 for each prescription filled or refilled. Some beneficiaries are exempt, which is checked in the provider portal rather than guessed at.

Hands filling in a form at a table
70%
Program pays
30%
You pay the provider
$4
per prescription fill or refill
Type of care
What you pay

Doctor, hospital, ambulance

Nothing. Basic benefits are unchanged

Physiotherapy and counselling

30% of the covered cost, unless you are exempt

Prescription medication

$4 per fill or refill

Care received before 1 May 2026

No co-payment applies

Providers are required to tell you the co-payment amount before treating you, not after. We do that at booking where we can, and at the desk before your first session at the latest. If the amount is a problem, say so, because knowing early gives us room to plan the number of visits around it.

A counsellor listening to a client in a quiet room

Counselling under the IFHP

Pain and stress after displacement usually arrive together, and the program covers both. For IFHP counselling in Toronto, the requirement is that the practitioner holds one of a specific set of registrations: Registered Psychologist, Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Counselling Therapist, or a licensed Social Worker.

Shadi Pourafzal, Registered Psychotherapist

Registered Psychotherapist, trained in EMDR. Works in English and Farsi.

Sessions cover anxiety, low mood, sleep problems and trauma, and they can run alongside physiotherapy in the same clinic without repeating your story twice. More on the service is on the psychotherapy page.

What physiotherapy is used for here

Most people arrive with something that has been going on for a long time, often longer than they have been in Canada.

A physiotherapist treating a patient's arm on a treatment table
Problem
What treatment works on

Old injuries that never got treated, and pain from heavy physical work

Shoulder and knee pain

Joint pain limiting lifting, stairs and standing

Pain from long periods of walking or standing, and old untreated sprains

Injuries that healed badly

Fractures or wounds that healed without rehabilitation, leaving stiffness and weakness

Deconditioning

Strength and endurance lost during a long period without regular activity

Treatment is one to one with a physiotherapist, and what happens in a session is explained in plain language before it happens. Afrooz Shah treats in Farsi, Hindi and Urdu as well as English.

What to bring, and how to start

Three steps, and the first one is the one people get stuck on.

A person holding a set of documents
1

Bring your IFHP document.

Whatever you were given: an Interim Federal Health Certificate, a Refugee Protection Claimant Document, or an Acknowledgement of Claim. Photo ID helps but the coverage document is the one that matters.

Clinic staff checking a patient file at the front desk
2

Let us check your coverage.

We look up your file, confirm which benefits are active and whether the co-payment applies to you, and tell you the number before booking treatment.

A physiotherapist treating a patient at the Richmond Hill clinic
3

Come in for the assessment.

No doctor’s referral is needed for physiotherapy in Ontario.

If your coverage was issued in the last few days and does not show up yet, that is normal. It takes at least two business days for a new certificate to appear in the system, and eligibility is not affected by the delay. Bring the document and we will work it out.

Where to come

Two clinics, one phone number, and the same approach at either.

The Toronto clinic is at 951 Wilson Ave, Unit 15 in North York, open seven days a week and close to the Wilson Ave bus routes. The second clinic is at 9555 Yonge St, Unit 307 in Richmond Hill, on the Viva Blue route along Yonge St. Both have free parking.

A city bus on a Toronto street
5.0Based on 84 Google reviews
See all 84 reviews on Google
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sedna kh
Posted on Google

I had a wonderful experience at this physiotherapy clinic! The staff were knowledgeable, kind, and made me feel completely comfortable during every session. The treatments were personalized and…really helped relieve my pain. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for professional and caring physiotherapy services.

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Pedro Javier Ortiz
Posted on Google

Great services , Specially from Dishan a lot good exercises.

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alireza araghi
Posted on Google

I have been using Toronto Wellness physiotherapy and massage services for a year and I am very satisfied. The politeness, accuracy, skill and customer service of the staff…are excellent. I congratulate the management and staff here. You are wonderful! 🌹❤️🌹

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Kimia Mirzaei
Posted on Google

Very professional and welcoming team. The care I received at Toronto Wellness & Physio Centre made a real difference in my recovery. Clean environment and easy scheduling. Highly…recommended.

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Adrina Tp
Posted on Google

I had a wonderful experience at this physiotherapy and massage clinic.

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M Nojomi
Posted on Google

.Great staff and environment, the receptionists and physiotherapist are great.

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Feri Foladi
Posted on Google

I have a great experience at this centre.the staff specially at the reception are very kind an lovely. Miss Vishrutiben is a great physiotherapist.

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Amir Kazemi
Posted on Google

I had the best massage ever at Toronto Wellness Physio Center! I was impressed by how clean, calm, and welcoming the environment was. The staff are incredibly friendly…and professional, and they really go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and cared for.The massage itself was exceptional — relaxing, therapeutic, and exactly what I needed. You can tell they truly know what they’re doing, and they tailor the experience to your needs.I will definitely be coming back and would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for high-quality wellness care in Toronto.

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oveis kazemi
Posted on Google

I had a very good experience with all the staff at Toronto Wellness The physiotherapists at this center are excellent.

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Cihan Tastan
Posted on Google

Friendly customer satisfaction, good massage and physiotherapy, I was satisfied, thank you.

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Nasrin Sobhani
Posted on Google

Toronto wellness physio center is amazing. The team is professional, caring,and really listens to your needs.I ft a big improvement after just a few sessions. Highly recommend.

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Amir
Posted on Google

I’ve completed seven sessions at the Wilson Avenue branch of Toronto Wellness and Physio Center, and I’m extremely satisfied with the care I’ve received.The physiotherapy, led by…Mr. Shashika, was excellent. His accurate diagnosis and effective treatment helped relieve my neuro-muscular issues noticeably.The massage therapy team, managed by two skilled Iranian women, was also fantastic. I especially enjoyed the hot stone massage—relaxing and truly effective.The reception team, led by Ms. Assal, creates a warm and professional atmosphere. She's fluent in Persian, English, and Turkish, and ensures everything runs smoothly.They also work with various insurance plans, which makes accessing care much easier.Highly recommended for quality treatment and outstanding service!

North York (Wilson Ave)

951 Wilson Ave, Unit 15, North York, ON M3K 2A7

Monday to Saturday

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

4.8Based on 183 Google reviews
See all 183 reviews on Google
smt avatar 12683 Posted on Google

I highly recommend Toronto Wellness & Physio Center! The staff are incredibly kind, professional, and welcoming. They truly care about their clients and make you feel comfortable and…valued. The atmosphere is clean, relaxing, and friendly, and the level of care and attention is excellent. It's wonderful to find a place where people genuinely care about your well-being. Thank you to the entire team for your kindness and dedication. I truly appreciate everything you do. Definitely a five-star experience!

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Nooshin Ashkanizadeh
Posted on Google

Had an amazing experience at this physiotherapy clinic. The front desk lady Armita was very nice and welcoming and her interaction made my experience even better. The physiotherapist…Vish was also amazing. Totally recommend it!

smt avatar 11288 Posted on Google

I had a great experience at this clinic. Mahdieh at the front desk was incredibly warm, welcoming, and friendly from the moment I walked in — she made…the whole process smooth and comfortable.The physiotherapist was also excellent. Even after just one treatment session, I felt a significant improvement. The quality of care was professional and effective.Highly recommended!

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Hanieh Poursheikhali
Posted on Google

I visited this clinic for juvenile arthritis, and my physiotherapist was dear Afrouz. She is truly knowledgeable, skilled, and incredibly dedicated. She works with so much care, patience,…and compassion. I had an excellent result and felt supported throughout the entire process. I would also like to thank their lovely receptionist, Sepideh, who is very warm, welcoming, and attentive. She handles requests with care and professionalism. This was honestly the best physiotherapy experience I’ve ever had. Highly recommended!

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Lida Meysam
Posted on Google

Great physiotherapy clinic! Very professional and caring. I feel bettet after the sessions. Nicoya is the best. Mahdieh is nice and helpful.

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Armin Bahrami
Posted on Google

Excellent services, I use the physiotherapy for better athletic performance and they helped a lot.

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Maryam
Posted on Google

had a great experience at this clinic. The physiotherapist was knowledgeable, patient, and really listened to my concerns. I noticed significant improvement after just a few sessions. The…staff is friendly and professional. Highly recommend!

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Pooya Mirzabeygi
Posted on Google

I’ve had a fantastic experience at Toronto Wellness & Physio Centre in Richmond Hill. The clinic is clean, modern, and the staff is incredibly professional.I highly recommend…booking with Negar for Pilates—she is truly a "great one." Her attention to detail and ability to tailor exercises to your specific needs is unmatched. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my core strength and posture since starting with her.If you're looking for expert care and a team that genuinely cares about your recovery, this is the place to go!

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Sasan Salehi
Posted on Google

I went here for both massage and physio and had a great experience. The clinic is clean, and the service is excellent.My masseuse, Banafshe, was fantastic, she…listened to my concerns, focused on exactly what I needed, and I felt a big improvement right away.Highly recommend. I’ll definitely be coming back on a regular basis.

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Berfin Isik
Posted on Google

I’ve been visiting Toronto Wellness & Physio Centre and I couldn’t be happier! The staff are friendly, professional, and attentive, making every visit a great experience. I highly…recommend this clinic to anyone looking for quality care and excellent service! 💛

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homeyra gh
Posted on Google

Great clinic with professional and friendly staff. The physiotherapy. The physiotherapy sessions really helped with my pain. Highly recommended.

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rashin mirzaei
Posted on Google

I had an amazing experience at Wellness Physio Richmond Hill! 🌸 The team is professional, friendly, and truly cares about their patients. The clinic is clean, relaxing, and…after a few sessions I felt so much better. 🙏 Highly recommend this place!

Richmond Hill (Yonge St)

9555 Yonge St, Unit 307, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9M5

Monday to Saturday

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

Questions people ask first

Four come up on almost every first call.

Tell us before we book. Some people are exempt, which we check, and where they are not, the treatment plan can be built around fewer, better-spaced visits rather than abandoned.

Not for physiotherapy in Ontario. Counselling can also be booked directly.

Most people move to OHIP. That changes how treatment is paid for rather than whether you can continue, and we go through the options with you before the switch rather than after.

Treatment is available in Farsi, Hindi and Urdu as well as English, and counselling in English and Farsi. Ask when you book and we will tell you honestly whether we can cover your language.

Book Appointment