Employee & family assistance program (EFAP)
EFAP is a confidential program that provides short-term professional counselling, informational resources, and referral services. This program is designed to provide information, advice, and support as you navigate life's challenges and milestones.
Emergency counselling
If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis and require immediate counselling services, phone 1-844-880-9142 to speak with a crisis counsellor.
Access EFAP
Employees and their dependents can access EFAP 24/7 through the TELUS Health Total Wellbeing platform. On the platform page, enter "UVic" as the organization to be redirected to UVic single sign-on.EFAP services
UVic's EFAP provider, TELUS Health, is committed to equity, dignity and inclusion. TELUS Health employs counsellors who have experience supporting people from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Care is provided in multiple languages. EFAP is 100 per cent covered by UVic for all employees and their dependents. EFAP is also available to members of the UVic Retirees Association (UVRA) and their surviving spouses.
EFAP offers several programs to support you through the challenges of daily life. Topics include:
- short-term professional counselling
- family and relationship management
- workplace challenges
- addictions support
- legal advice from professional lawyers
- financial guidance from finance professionals
- nutrition consultation with registered dietitians
- health coaching by registered nurses
- mental health resources
The platform includes self-paced learning modules, informational articles, and the opportunity live-chat to help connect you with the support you need.
What to expect
When you call TELUS Health, an automated message will present you with three options to connect you with appropriate support:
- Individual urgent or crisis assistance.
- Standard appointment booking or re-booking.
- Critical incident response.
After selecting an option, you must answer several questions to match your situation to the right service and to ensure security/privacy. These questions will likely include your mother's maiden name and/or your date of birth.
For safety reasons, every caller will be asked about the possible risk of harm to themselves or others at the start of the call.
From there, next steps will vary according to your situation.