The EFAP provider is GreenShield+ and a typical counseling session lasts for approximately 50 to 60 minutes.

Dependents over the age of 16 can access the EAP without their parents or legal guardians consent. However, there may be situations where dependent children access services on their own. In most instances, the successful resolution of a minor’s problem depends on active support from the parent or legal guardian. The EAP counselor will encourage the minor to involve the parent or legal guardian; however the right or obligation to inform or involve them depends on the situation within the limits of the law.

Possibly, depending on the situation. Individuals may wish to review the treatment they are currently receiving, and contact an EFAP to help consider some options. For example, an individual can certainly use EFAP when a completely different problem or concern has arisen. However, an EFAP counselor cannot provide treatment for emotional problems for which you are currently receiving treatment from someone else. Individuals should always tell the EFAP counselor about current or previous medical or psychological treatment.

If you want to discuss them together, you are free to do so. You can talk over as many problems with your counsellor as you think appropriate.

Not unless you tell them. EFAP counselors will deal only with you, not with GNWT management.

No. Participation in EFAP is always voluntary. There are no mandatory referrals. It is understood, however, that the employee’s manager or supervisor can suggest use of the program should the employee’s performance decline or deteriorate.

It should be noted that participation in EFAP does not relieve:

• Supervisor of the responsibility to manage performance; or
• Employee of the responsibility to meet job requirements and expectations.

There is no charge to the employee for service. EFAP fees are paid by the GNWT, and participants in EFAP do not need to pay and then submit for reimbursement. If, however, an EFAP counselor refers an employee to a resource in the community, the responsibility for the fees for those services are the employee’s. The counsellor will provide a number of referral options and will take into consideration the employee’s ability to pay for this service.

Resources are carefully selected through interview by TELUS Health counselors. Only those resources that have extensive preparation and experience in the field are selected. The interview is conducted in the offices of the resource counsellors to ensure that a comfortable, professional environment is provided to the employee (or eligible family member).

Yes. The EFAP counselor will continue to be available as they will help provide follow-up to ensure that the individual’s concern has been addressed, and that the referral to the community resource was (and perhaps continues to be) appropriate.

EFAP provides short-term, solution-focused counselling to individuals who choose to access the service. During the counselling process, the counsellor will assess individuals’ concerns, and help facilitate a process designed to help work towards problem resolution. Most problems can be addressed within a handful of sessions with a counsellor. There is a maximum of six sessions per issue for each employee and each of their dependants. There is no limit on the number of issues a person can have during the year.