Employee and Family Assistance Program- EFAP

Call 1-844-852-7572 to access a variety of counselling services. 

What does your EFAP offer?

  1. Free, round-the-clock counselling
    The EFAP is a free and confidential service offering short-term counselling and referral services. Your EFAP can be accessed 24/7 by phone, web or mobile app. Upon contacting the EFAP, an appointment with a qualified professional will be given to you within 24 hours and a consultation should take place within 3 to 5 business days of your initial call. If your situation requires immediate support, your call will be directed to a qualified professional who can provide counselling over the phone.

    Note that if you have preferences for a counsellor (language, gender, specific ethnic background, or expertise in a specific field), inform the Care Access Centre Representative when you first call. It is important to note that for specific preferences, counselling may be available virtually only and employees may experience a longer than usual wait time to have an appointment. If the delay to obtain an appointment is greater than 10 business days, contact them again or send an email to benefits [at] mcgill.ca if you would like us to follow up with our representative on your behalf.
  2. Direct access to qualified professionals
    Our EFAP provider, TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks), 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.
  3. Guaranteed confidentiality
    All services provided by the EFAP are confidential and anonymous, within the limits of the law. The University only receives quarterly reports regarding the use being made of the program and will never know that you have used the services unless you choose to share that information.
  4. 6 sessions per reference period (June 1-May 31)
    ​Your EFAP includes up to 6 sessions of counselling per issue.
  5. Referrals to longer-term support
    If long-term or specialized counselling is required, the counsellor will assist you with a referral to another resource within the community. Consultation with this resource may involve a fee. Consult the McGill Supplemental Health Plan for information about coverage for psychological services.

Who is eligible?

This program is available to regular staff members* who are members of the McGill University benefits program, their spouse and dependent children. The services of the EFAP are provided by the University as part of your Benefits program. You can invite your dependents to access certain features in Telus Health One as a means to find confidential help and advice on hundreds of topics.

*Eligibility for this program does not continue post-retirement.

Platform and mobile application

Eligible members and their family also have access to the TELUS Health One platform and mobile app. The platform offers several tools and content related to mental, physical, social and financial well-being. Learn more and sign up here.

Variety of counselling services

SERVICES

MODE OF COMMUNICATION

NUMBER OF SESSIONS

DURATION OF EACH SESSION

SHORT-TERM PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLING:
Provides support for personal and emotional issues.

Phone, Videoconference, or in person 

6 per issue

50 minutes

LEGAL SUPPORT SERVICES:
provides consultation with professional lawyers to answer legal questions.
(with minor exceptions such as labour laws, immigration)

Phone

1 per year

Up to 1 hour

FINANCIAL SUPPORT SERVICES:
provides consultation with financial professionals to answer financial questions
(with minor exceptions such as investment recommendations, highly specialized or complex requests)

Phone

1 per year

Up to 1 hour

CHILDREN AND ELDER CARE:
personalized approach to provide you with tools to alleviate stress and identify caregiving services.

Phone

1 (one consultation per request)

Up to 1 hour

NUTRITION SERVICES:
offers consultation with Registered Dieticians on any nutritional matter or concern.

Phone

3

The number of sessions will depend on each individual's needs up to a maximum of 3 sessions

HEALTH COACHING:
by Registered Nurses who can provide information and advice.

Phone

3

1st session: 1 hour
2nd session: 30 minutes
3rd session: 30 minutes

SMOKING CESSATION

Phone or online program

4 per year
+ interactive online activity journal

 

1st session: 1 hour
Other sessions: 30 minutes

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