EAP means Employee Assistance Program.
EFAP means Employee and Family Assistance Program.

These are services that an employer may purchase to help their employees deal with personal issues which in turn could affect them at work. Employers recognize that being mentally and physically healthy both matter.

Most companies invest time and energy training their employees and realize a person’s performance at work is influenced by their personal life. Thus, most businesses feel it is important to invest in their employees’ mental health to ensure business success.

FAQ

Your employer contracts with a service provider, like Walmsley, to provide counselling service to their employees. There are many different EFAP programs: Some programs limit the number of sessions they will pay for per calendar year or per contact. Employees simply call the phone number provided and are connected with a counsellor. EFAP programs are voluntary and confidential.

  • Individual & family crisis
  • Grief and loss
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Career and work
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Anger
  • Couple & marital
  • Accidents / emotional trauma
  • Depression
  • Adolescents
  • Children

No. No identifying information is provided to the employer. On a yearly basis, the employer may ask for information on all of their employees as a group. For example, Of the 208 employees who used the service in the last year, 112 of these were members of the ABC Union and the remainder were identified as management or non-union. 93 employees came for couple concerns, 55 for parent / adolescent conflict, 13 for child / parent conflict, and 47 for individual problems (work related stress, substance abuse, anger management, etc). Most employers encourage their employees to use the EFAP service, and see it as a benefit to both the business and their staff.

Walmsley make every effort to ensure that no one is aware of your involvement in counselling. In certain situations, such as abuse of a child, a criminal offence, or when there is a requirement by law, a counsellor must report to the appropriate authorities. In situations when a counsellor receives a legal subpoena, there is a requirement by law that information is provided to the court. No other information can be released unless you have signed a written consent giving your permission. Your situation may be discussed with another counsellor/supervisor during consultation.

The best thing to do is call someone at your place of work who usually looks after personnel questions. They will be able to tell you how to access your EFAP if you have one. Usually employers have a handout from the contracted provider and a phone number for you to call for information.

Yes. Just like your health and welfare benefits, the EFAP does not stop when you are away from the worksite

Can I pay for by own counselling after my EFAP sessions are used up?
Yes, you can pay for counselling services yourself after the EFAP sessions are used up. Your counsellor should make you aware of the following:

  • other options for services such as, a referral to a free agency
  • other counsellors to choose from so you don't feel that your counsellor is the only one you can see
  • and a discussion with you about fee payment.
walmsley Associates

Can I pay for by own counselling after my EFAP sessions are used up?
Yes, you can pay for counselling services yourself after the EFAP sessions are used up. Your counsellor should make you aware of the following:

  • other options for services such as, a referral to a free agency
  • other counsellors to choose from so you don’t feel that your counsellor is the only one you can see
  • and a discussion with you about fee payment.