Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

EFAP is available to regular faculty and staff eligible to the McGill University Benefits Program, as well as their spouse and dependent children. Eligibility ends at retirement.

EFAP is a free, confidential service offering short-term counselling and referrals, available 24/7 by phone, web, or app. You'll receive an appointment with a qualified professional within 24 hours, with consultations typically occurring within 3–5 business days. Urgent calls are directed to a professional for immediate support.

If you have counsellor preferences (e.g. language, gender, background, or expertise), let the Care Access Centre know during your first call. Note that specific preferences may result in virtual-only sessions and longer wait times.

Counselling is short-term and solution-focused and includes up to 6 sessions of counselling per issue. If long-term support is needed, your counsellor can help refer you to appropriate community resources. Consult the McGill Supplemental Health Plan for information about coverage for psychological services.

EFAP provides you with direct access to qualified and experienced professionals from different fields (psychology, social work, educational counselling) who are accredited by their respective professional associations.

EFAP services are confidential and anonymous. The University only receives general usage reports and will not know you used the service unless you choose to disclose it. Exceptions to confidentiality are rare and include legal requirements or situations where there is a risk of harm to self or others.