About Us

Why the change from Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP) to Employee Wellness (EW)?

We still provide all of the services that we provided under our EFAP name but we changed to Employee Wellness because we wanted a name that reflects and incorporates our expanded services. In addition to our counselling and consultation services, we now also provide 24/7 Critical Incident Stress Management debriefings, and customized team sessions, as part of our “Taking Care of Me” Workshop Series.

What credentials does my therapist have?

All of our Clinicians, Wellness Educators and Debriefers are senior-level, registered therapists, counsellors and psychologists with 10-20 years of professional experience.

Counselling Delivery Options

In what ways can I receive counselling?

Counselling is available in person (face-to-face), by phone, and through secure video.

Can I have an individual debriefing?

Yes. An individual debriefing can be arranged if you experienced an event that has caused you distress.

Services

What kind of issues do you help with?

We provide support for a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, eating disorders, OCD, couple, family, and work-related issues. Please call us to learn more if your concern is not listed here.

What kind of services do you provide for individuals and teams?

We offer individual health coaching, emotional coaching and parent coaching. For teams we offer customized sessions through our “Taking Care of Me” Workshop Series. Click here to learn more about these workshops.

What is a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) and when should I request one?

A CISD is usually initiated following a particularly disturbing event in the workplace that has had an emotional or psychological effect on the staff. Once you notify us, we’ll send a senior-level Debriefer to your worksite, to facilitate a confidential group debriefing for all those who experienced, and were affected by the critical incident.

Access

How can I access Employee Wellness (EW)?

You can call us 24/7 at 1-800-505-4929 or e-mail us at booking@employee-wellness.ca A customer service representative will contact you within the next business day to set up an appointment. Counselling services are available face-to-face, by phone or video, as well as online.

Can my partner/child/parent access Employee Wellness (EW) services?

Yes. If you are an employee of one of our represented client organizations, your partner and dependent children (as long as they are listed on your benefits) can access our services. Your parent(s) can also participate in joint counselling sessions with you.

Can my children wait in the waiting room while I have my session?

No. Unfortunately, we do not have space or personnel to mind children, or other family members, during your session.

Can I continue in couples counselling after having individual sessions?

Yes. This is possible, but we ask that you discuss this with your therapist so they can work with you to determine the best approach.

Can my manager call Employee Wellness (EW) and request more sessions for me?

No. Managers may not request sessions on your behalf. If you feel you need more sessions, we encourage you to speak directly to your therapist.

Can I see my therapist privately at the end of my sessions?

No. Therapists are not available for private counselling because their services are provided through the Employee Wellness Programs as an employee benefit. Should you require more sessions, please discuss this with your Employee Wellness therapist.

Cost

Is there a cost?

No. VCH pays all costs associated with EW services as a benefit to you and your family.

Eligibility

How many sessions am I entitled to receive?

While there is no defined number of sessions you are entitled to receive, we operate using a short-term therapy model which means we focus on identifying issues or major concerns, problem-solving and providing support to help you quickly develop strategies to address your goals. However, we also have the flexibility to grant extensions, and provide additional support and we offer these on an as needed, case-by-case basis.

Who in my family is eligible to receive EW services?

Your partner/spouse and your dependent children (as long as they are listed on your benefits), are eligible to receive our services. Additional family members can also qualify, provided they are part of your therapeutic session(s), and you are present and participating during the session(s).

Are casuals covered by this program?

Yes

Confidentiality

Is it confidential?

Yes. All Employee Wellness (EW) services are confidential, and adhere to BC laws governing confidentiality. All information gathered at EW is stored on separate, local servers that are independent of any Health Authority system. Your information can only be shared with your consent.

Is this service separate from the employer?

Yes. We function as an autonomous program within VCH and all information, except as required by British Columbia law, is confidential.

Privacy

Where is my information stored?

Your information is stored on private, secure servers in Vancouver, BC and is not stored on any Health- Authority servers.

Disclosure

What information does VCH receive from Employee Wellness?

Twice per year, Employee Wellness distributes a statistical report, containing aggregate (high-level summarized, non-identifying) data, to the joint union Management Advisory Committee. Unless mandated by court order or requested with client consent, Employee Wellness does not share any client data.

Can I request access to my own information?

Yes. If you would like access to your personal information, please call us so we can advise you on the correct procedures to follow.