Feeling Really Stressed? Overwhelmed by work or life??

...then help is at hand.

Did you know that one of the benefits of our health plan with the Durham District School Board is access to an Employee Assistance program (EAP)? Our EAP is with Shepell-fgi (formerly known as "Warren Shepell"). Each teacher, as well as each of their family members, is eligible for two counselling sessions per school year. The EAP is a quick way to access counselling services, but members can also consider seeing a psychologist (benefits coverage provides $1000 per year, with a $100 per visit maximum), or having their doctor refer them to a psychiatrist (this is fully covered by OHIP, but a shortage of these doctors mean several months wait before an initial appointment).

Click on the title of today's post to link to the Shepell-fgi website for more information and resources. The following is a quick overview of the EA program:

Shepell-fgi phone numbers: 1-800-387-4765 (English); 1-800-361-5676 (Français)

When should I call Shepell·fgi?

Employees and their family members can call the EAP service, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for completely confidential support, information and assistance. From a personal crisis, to parenting questions, relationship issues to grief counselling, career matters to alcohol and drug concerns, EAP Support Specialists are trained to connect you with the help you need to deal with the issue at hand.

What can I expect when I call?

Assessment:
When you first call, you’ll speak with a qualified EAP Support Specialist who will assess your situation, risk, needs and preferences and guide you to the assistance best suited to resolving your issue. The specialist will ask you a series of questions, including the name of your organization to ensure you’re covered by a Shepell·fgi EAP.

Confidentiality:
Though the specialist collects information including your name, employer, address, reason for calling, etc., this information remains completely confidential and is never released to your employer. You can feel confident no one will ever know you've contacted your EAP, including your employer and co-workers. Steps in place to protect your privacy mean they never: schedule two employees from the same organization back-to-back; give your employer data which could identify you in statistical reports; leave identifying messages at home or work.

Support:
For crisis situations: The EAP Support Specialist ensures you receive immediate help, while urgent counselling matters are given an appointment within 24-48 hours.
For any other questions and concerns: The EAP Support Specialist is there to direct you to the right assistance in the format you’re most comfortable with, whether it's connecting you to a specialized program (such as e-counselling), linking you to a counselling appointment, or sending you a self-directed resource package.
Full Coverage: Payment for EAP services is fully covered through your employer (up to two sessions). With some exceptions, family members are also typically eligible for EAP services. If further counselling is required, you can ask your EAP counsellor to refer you to other assistance, such as a psychologist.