Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a network of professional advisors who are available day or night to provide confidential assistance with concerns that affect clients personal, family, work life or general well-being.

EFAP Details

EFAP is a voluntary, confidential, short-term counseling and advisory service that connects employees and their eligible family members to a network of dedicated professionals who are able to provide assistance 24 hours a day. This network includes psychologists, social workers, addiction and career counselors, childcare and elder care specialists and legal and financial specialists. These professionals are ready and waiting to assist with special concerns, anytime help is needed.

The EFAP provides professional assistance for a wide range of issues, including:

  • Alcohol and drug misuse
  • Bereavement
  • Childcare issues
  • Couple and marital relationships
  • Crisis counseling
  • Depression
  • Eldercare problems
  • Financial concerns
  • Legal issues
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Trauma/critical incidents
  • Work related and career issues
  • And more…

There is no direct cost for the service. Employees contribute a small mandatory fee from each pay cheque, which enables employees to have full access to the services. If long-term or specialized care is required, professional advisors will help with a referral to an affordable community resource. At this point, clients would be responsible for any fees that the benefits plan or provincial health insurance would not cover.

The service is confidential! Clients' personal information is never shared with anyone outside of EFAP without an individual's informed, voluntary and written consent, the exceptions are listed below.

No one at the workplace will know about a client contacting an EFAP unless told by the client.

*Understandably, certain exceptions apply when information must be provided to others, whether or not consent was given-such as when a person appears to pose a serious threat to themselves or others. Also, professionals are legally required to report suspicion of child abuse and to disclose information required by law (e.g. court order).

 

Eligibility

The EFAP benefit is a mandatory employee benefit. 

Termination

Coverage Terminates when employee attains age of 70.

Contact Information

“Care Around The Clock” Call 24-Hours A Day-365 Days A Year

For information, general assistance or to arrange for an appointment with a counselor, simply call the toll free EFAP line.

Toll free services (Saint Mary's University Employee Group Benefit Program): 
EFAP English Services: 1-844-880-9142
EFAP French Services:  1-844-880-9143
TTY Hearing Impaired:   1-800-855-0511

EFAP On-line Services

The EFAP website, one.telushealth.com provides you and your family with any time, anywhere access to professional counselling, information and resources to help resolve challenges you face.

Log-in by using the following credentials:

Username: SMU

Password: benefits

Key site features and functionality

  • Instant, confidential, and secure access to EFAP services and counselling
  • Direct access to EFAP online programs for stress, relationships, fitness and more
  • Helpful articles and videos on a wide range of work, health and life topics
  • Dedicated Manager area
  • Employee Orientation video series to introduce the benefits of and range of concerns that your EFAP can help resolve
  • Annual wellness calendar and archives of newsletters and mental health microsites

EFAP Mobile Access

Online Access allows users to immediately and securely book EFAP support services by following a simple step-by-step process – now, directly from a mobile device!

The TELUS Health One app is free to download on your mobile device. Available on iPhone, iPod, iPad, BlackBerry and Android devices, visit your device app store and search for TELUS Health One app. Be sure to download on every device in your household!

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Contact us

Human Resources
(902) 496-8116
Mailing address:
Saint Mary's University
McNally South 111
923 Robie Street
Halifax NS B3H 3C3