Need help with personal or work-related issues during the hot summer months?
As a faculty and staff member covered by the Concordia Health Plan, it’s worth remembering that you have access to counselling resources year-round through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Why turn to the EAP?
The program provides a broad range of services that can help you respond to a variety of challenges, including illness, disability, and relationship or work changes. Professional counsellors affiliated with Homewood Health, Concordia’s external services provider, offer employees who need support with the following and more:
- Information, resources and assistance;
- Freedom from the burden of handling issues alone;
- Help with problem-solving;
- Encouragement and compassionate support.
What kinds of issues does the EAP cover?
EAP counsellors can assist you with any personal and work-related concerns that may be affecting your physical and emotional well-being. Immediate family members covered under the Concordia Health Plan can also receive help.
Anyone who turns to EAP counsellors can expect confidential help with issues including:
- Stress
- Marital/relationship issues
- Violence
- Family issues
- Bereavement
- Personal and emotional difficulties
- Harassment
- Interpersonal conflicts
- Substance abuse
- Multicultural issues
- Work-related concerns
How can you access the EAP?
Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without a referral. Employees can access English services by calling 1-800-663-1142, or 1-866-398-9505 for French resources. You can also visit the member area of the Homewood Health website or set up a face-to-face meeting.
Employees can call from home or while abroad, and TTY lines are available for those who need hearing assistance.
What happens when you contact the EAP?
When you first contact the program, you’ll speak with an assistance program support specialist. They’ll assess your situation, risk, needs, and preferences, and guide you towards the resources best suited for your situation. In order to confirm what services are available to you, they’ll ask a few brief questions, including your employer institution and date of birth. Rest assured that your identity and call are strictly confidential.
What is the cost of EAP services?
Short-term counselling sessions are free for all eligible employees and family members covered by their health plan.
In cases where long-term or specialized services are required, EAP counsellors can assist you through a referral to an appropriate professional or not-for-profit resource within the community. Employees or their family members assume the costs for additional services, but their provincial health or extended benefits plans may cover these fees.
How do I get more information about the EAP or counselling services?
If you are eligible for Health Benefits at Concordia and want to find out more about confidential services, you can call Homewood Health at 1-800-663-1142, for English, or 1-866-398-9505, for French. You can also send an email to eap@algol.concordia.ca or call extension 3667.
Visit Cspace to learn more about what Concordia’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has to offer.
