Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

What Is The Employee and Family Assistance Program?

The telephone number is 1.800.663.1142 and available 24/7.

Pathfinder Suite is your seamless and simplified online EFAP solution, delivering optimal and uniquely curated journeys online. Have a look at this short video (3 mins) for an introduction on how Pathfinder works. All new and current Homewood Health clients will need to log onto Homewood Health to access Pathfinder. For all VIU employees and dependent family members:

• Our Customer Account Name: Vancouver Island University
• Our Invitation Code: BCI714 (note: 3 capital letters, 3 numbers)

Who Is Eligible?

As a regular or temporary employee, you, your spouse and your dependent children are eligible to use the EFAP. If you are in doubt, just call the EFAP and ask.

What Kinds of Supports Are Covered By the EFAP?

Any personal issue that affects your home life or work life is a legitimate reason to use the EFAP. Marital or family problems, alcohol or drug misuse, depression, anxiety or stress, legal and financial issues, career planning or work-related concerns and childcare and eldercare issues are just some of the areas of support  that are covered by the program. 

Learn about the different types of counselling supports available through Homewood Health.

Learn about many different Life Smart Coaching services under three main themes:

• Life Balance Solutions
• Health Smart Coaching Services
• Career Smart Coaching Services

Who Provides The Service?

The EFAP is provided by Homewood Health, an independent and external group of professional psychologists, social workers and addictions counsellors. They have offices conveniently located in your area.

Reaching out for help can be difficult. Learn what you can expect when you call the Homewood Health client services centre.  

Is It Confidential?

A definite Yes. The EFAP is anonymous and voluntary. It is staffed by professionals who are bound by strict codes of ethics concerning confidentiality. No one will know you have used the EFAP unless you tell them yourself.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of the EFAP is shared equally by Vancouver Island University and its employees or their union. For Administrative and BCGEU employees, the employees’ costs are covered through direct payroll deductions. For CUPE and VIUFA employees, the employees’ share is paid by the unions. On occasion, community resources may be recommended for longer term or specialized counselling. You would be responsible for any fees charged. Your provincial health plan or extended health benefits may cover some of the charges.

EFAP for Indigenous Employees and Family

1. Choosing an Elder or Healer: If you or a covered family member would prefer to meet with an Elder, Knowledge Keeper, or spiritual leader instead of an EFAP counsellor, call 1-800-663-1142 to arrange this.
2. Intake Process: Homewood Health will guide you through a normal intake process. Instead of assigning you a counsellor, they will send you forms to fill out so that your chosen Elder can receive payment.
3. Honorarium for the Elder: Homewood Health will provide a one-time payment (honorarium) to the Elder you choose. This payment is like what they would pay for one case, which usually means up to 4-6 sessions.
4. Number of Cases: You can have a maximum of two cases per year. This can be with the same Elder or a different one. There’s no limit to how many sessions you can have within each case. However, the honorarium is a one-time payment for each case, not for each session. You can meet with the same Elder for two cases within a year.
5. Connecting with an Expert: If you haven’t chosen an Elder during the intake, Homewood Health can connect you with a clinical expert who understands Indigenous culture.