EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs) are a vital part of teachers’ overall compensation and wellness support. These programs offer confidential, professional services to assist teachers and their dependants in managing personal, family, financial and mental health issues.

While EFAP services are available across Alberta school divisions, they are not provided by a single supplier. Most Alberta teachers access EFAP services through the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP), which partners with GreenShield. However, teachers in Calgary Public, Calgary Catholic and Fort McMurray Catholic school divisions access EFAP services through different providers. Although these programs aim to offer similar support, the specific services and access points might differ. Members in these divisions should check directly with their employer’s EFAP provider for details.

For teachers covered by ASEBP, EFAP services are provided through GreenShield and available to both the member and their dependants. These services aim to offer timely, confidential support across a wide range of needs.

For ASEBP coverage, a dependant includes both eligible children and a spouse or partner. A spouse or partner must be either legally married to the member or in an adult interdependent relationship. Eligible children must be registered under a parent’s provincial health care plan and meet specific criteria. This includes children under age 21 who are unmarried and financially dependent on a parent (including adopted children, eligible foster children and wards of the court), as well as children under age 25 who are unmarried full-time students enrolled in three or more courses per semester. Coverage may also extend to adult children who are unmarried, unemployed and dependent due to a mental or physical disability. Members who are unsure about eligibility should confirm their specific circumstances with ASEBP.

ASEBP and GreenShield EFAP Services

A key feature of the ASEBP EFAP is that it offers free access to a variety of professionals, with service hours that reset each year on January 1. This includes support from mental health experts, dietitians, financial advisors, legal professionals and other wellness practitioners.

Mental health support is a vital part of the program. Members and their dependants can access short-term counselling for issues like anxiety, depression, burnout and personal stressors. This includes individual counselling, as well as couples and family counselling. If more help is needed beyond the available EFAP hours, members can continue treatment with the same provider and seek reimbursement through their extended health benefits, according to plan rules.

Alongside traditional counselling, the EFAP offers targeted supports such as culturally appropriate counselling services for Indigenous members and families, specialized children’s mental health programs and structured digital tools like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) modules and resilience-building programs.

Beyond mental health, the program offers what can best be described as “total health and life services.” Members can access professional advice and coaching on nutrition, career planning, major life transitions and overall wellness. Financial and legal consultation services are also available, often on an unlimited or expanded-access basis, providing practical guidance on debt management, retirement planning, estate matters and family law.

GreenShield provides crisis support at all times, ensuring immediate help is available 24/7.

Accessing EFAP Services

ASEBP-covered members can access EFAP services by registering through the GreenShield platform or by contacting their support line directly. To get started, visit https://asebp.ca/efap/. Once registered, members can choose providers, book services and explore supports tailored to their needs. ASEBP-covered members can contact ASEBP at 1-877-431-4786 or email [email protected], and a benefit specialist will assist you.

Members who are not covered by ASEBP should access EFAP services through their employer specific provider:

• Calgary Public Schools:: Telus Health 
by going to https://one.telushealth.com or
by calling 1-833-754-3702

• Calgary Catholic School Division: Employer-managed EFAP 
on the Intranet, by selecting Departments > Human Resources > Employee Benefits > Employee & Family Assistance Program or,
by calling the EFAP administrator at 403-500-2774

• Fort McMurray Catholic Schools: Homewood Health
by going to https://homewoodpathfinder.com/employee-assistance-program/ or 
by calling 1-844-959-2917

Because service models vary, members in these divisions should confirm their coverage details directly with their provider.

WORTH SHARING

EFAP services are a valuable but often underused benefit for teachers. They aim to offer early, preventive support, helping members resolve issues before they become more serious and require extended leave or medical care.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that EFAP services are short-term, solutionfocused supports. They are not meant to replace ongoing clinical care when more intensive or specialized treatment is necessary.

Teachers with questions about accessing EFAP services, available supports or coverage details should contact their EFAP provider directly.

Teachers who require guidance on how EFAP services interact with their benefits, or who need support navigating ASEBP or other group health benefit providers, are encouraged to contact Teacher Employment Membership Support (TEMS) at 1-800-232-7208.

Read the full Worth Knowing.
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