Employee Assistance Program (EAP): TELUS Health

As part of our commitment to supporting your wellbeing, we are pleased to provide you and your family with access to the TELUS Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This service is designed to offer immediate and confidential help for work, health, and life concerns, available 24/7, 365 days of the year.

Our Employee Assistance Program, provided through TELUS Health, is a voluntary and confidential service that offers expert support and counseling to help you navigate challenges at work, in your health, and in your personal life.

Who is eligible to use the EAP?

Right now, the EAP is available to eligible employees, as well as their spouse/partner and immediate family members, who currently have access to the group benefits package. 

Why Use the EAP?

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and challenges may arise at any time. Whether you are experiencing stress at work, facing personal struggles, or just need someone to talk to, the Employee Assistance Program is here to provide the support and resources you need. This service is offered at no cost to you—it is part of our commitment to supporting your overall wellbeing.

How to Access your EAP

We want to ensure that accessing support is as easy and convenient as possible. You can get help through the following ways:

Phone IconBy Phone: Speak with a professional consultant 24/7 for expert advice, strategies, and referrals.

  • Phone (English): 1-844-671-3327
  • Phone (French): 1-855-360-5485

Mobile phone icon

Online: Visit TELUS Health One to explore hundreds of resources, articles, assessments, and more.

  • Shared Login Username (English): eap-lakeheadu
  • Shared Login Password (English): EAP
  • Shared Login Username (French): pae-lakeheadu
  • Shared Login Password (French): PAE

Website icon with www.// in a bubbleMobile App: Download the TELUS Health One app for instant access to EAP services on the go!

Google Play app store logo with clickable link     Apple app store logo with clickable link

Remember to be kind to yourself; you are doing the best you can.

Key Features of the Program

The program can help with finding solutions for your work, health, and life:

  • Support wellbeing: Stress, mental health concerns, grief and loss, crisis situations.
  • Manage relationships and family: Communication, separation/divorce, parenting.
  • Deal with workplace challenges: Stress, performance, work-life balance.
  • Tackle addictions: Alcohol, drugs, smoking cessation, gambling.
  • Find child and elder care resources: Childcare, schooling, nursing/retirement homes.
  • Get legal advice: Family law, separation/divorce, custody.
  • Financial helpline support: Debt management, bankruptcy, retirement.
Career Counselling: Resiliency Coaching

The Resiliency Coaching program, part of TELUS Health's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offers support to employees dealing with stressful work situations. Accessible via phone, the TELUS Health One app, or the website, the program connects individuals with a resiliency coach who provides personalized sessions to assess their professional satisfaction and develop strategies for improvement. The coaching explores career direction, skill development, coping strategies, and overall outlook, helping employees better manage life demands, improve work performance, and boost self-confidence. 

Learn more!

Coping with loss

Dealing with the loss of a friend, family member, or co-worker can be overwhelming, especially when you are expected to maintain your daily routine. Talking to a counsellor can provide support and help you manage feelings of grief, anger, or anxiety. Counselling can also guide you in supporting others affected by the loss and help you find community resources and support groups.

Learn more!

Dealing with anxiety and/or depression

TELUS Health’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides support for individuals dealing with depression and anxiety. These conditions can affect mood, thoughts, energy levels, and daily activities such as work and relationships. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent symptoms of depression or anxiety, you can contact the EAP anytime for confidential help, including support, information, and referrals. Resources and articles on these topics are also available through the TELUS Health One platform.

Learn more!

Financial Wellbeing

Financial wellbeing is as important as physical and mental health. It involves feeling in control of your finances, being able to handle financial setbacks, and working toward your financial goals, such as retirement. Many people delay financial planning, leading to challenges later in life.

Through TELUS Health’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), financial counselors provide support in areas like budgeting, debt management, credit rebuilding, mortgage questions, and more. EAP also offers tax consultations with qualified professionals, providing information on federal tax issues.

The program features an online financial toolkit, offering resources for budgeting, saving, managing debt, and reducing financial stress. A financial assessment tool helps users evaluate their financial wellbeing and provides personalized recommendations. All resources are accessible through the TELUS Health One platform.

Learn more!

Legal Resources

TELUS Health provides various legal resources to support individuals in need of legal assistance.

  • Document Preparation: An online tool offers guidance on drafting legal forms such as wills, powers of attorney, and complaint letters.
  • Legal Consultation: Users can receive a free, 30-minute telephonic consultation with a lawyer in most areas of law (excluding business and employment law) through the legal referral service.
  • Local Attorney Referral: If necessary, TELUS Health helps find a licensed attorney in your area, and users may qualify for discounts on retainer fees if they choose a lawyer from the network.
  • Legal Library: A comprehensive library contains hundreds of articles and FAQs on various legal topics, including bankruptcy, divorce, family law, estate planning, immigration, and landlord/tenant issues.

Learn more!

Support for Families and Children

TELUS Health's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides support for mild to moderate behavioral issues and family communication, with specific guidelines for children. Parents typically play an active role in their child's care, and children under 16 can access support based on their ability to understand informed consent. For those 16+ (14+ in Quebec), parental consent is not required.

Support for children:

  • Under 8 years old: EAP rarely provides counselling for children under 8 due to the short-term model and the child's developmental stage. In these cases, consultations are held with parents, and a family file may be set up for parental support.
  • Ages 8-13: Counsellors assess if EAP is suitable. If not, alternative recommendations, such as community resources, are provided. If suitable, a family file is opened, and parents are encouraged to attend the first session.
  • Ages 14-15: No consultation is required, but a family file is created. Parents are advised to attend the first session. If the child can demonstrate an understanding of confidentiality, a file may be opened in their name, protecting their privacy.

In cases of more serious mental health symptoms, like anxiety or depression, specialized treatment beyond EAP’s scope may be recommended.

Learn more!

Research Services

TELUS Health offers research services to help individuals find community resources such as child care, eldercare facilities, housing options, and specialists. The service provides confidential support to make the process less daunting. You can also access online resources for comparing child care options, finding home care services for older adults, and planning a move. The service can be accessed through their platform or by phone.

 Learn more!

Recognizing the Impact of Trauma

Understanding your feelings during a crisis is crucial, as traumatic experiences can elicit strong emotional reactions that impact daily functioning. It is important to recognize and validate your feelings by honoring your emotions, avoiding comparisons with others, and practicing self-compassion.

Common initial reactions may include shock, numbness, fear, and exhaustion. As time passes, you might begin to feel more stable but still experience intense emotional fluctuations, which are normal when processing trauma. Physical and mental impacts can include unexplained fatigue, difficulty sleeping, lack of energy, and trouble concentrating.

To care for yourself during this time, focus on:

  • Physical health: Eat nutritious foods, engage in enjoyable physical activities, ensure adequate rest, and be mindful of substance use.
  • Emotional health: Participate in activities you love, connect with supportive friends and family, talk to others with similar experiences, and reach out to spiritual or health professionals.

Learn more!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When I try logging in, it is asking me for “email or username or company code”. What do I put?

→ The login credentials are shared among all employees.

For English, you would use the following:

  • Shared Login Username (English): eap-lakeheadu
  • Shared Login Password (English): EAP

For French, you would use the following:

  • Shared Login Username (F): pae-lakeheadu
  • Shared Login Password (F): PAE

Who is Eligible to Use the EAP?

→ The TELUS Health EAP is available to all employees who have access to group benefits, as well as your spouse/partner and immediate family members.

How Many Counseling Sessions Can I Access?

→ The number of sessions depends on your situation and what is deemed clinically appropriate. If longer-term support is required, TELUS Health will refer you to community services for ongoing care.

What Are the Qualifications of Counselors?

→ All counselors in the TELUS Health EAP network are highly qualified, with either a master’s or doctorate degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, and at least three years of clinical experience.

Is the EAP Confidential?

→ Yes, all interactions are completely confidential within the limits of the law. Your employer will not be informed that you have accessed the program unless you choose to disclose it.