Family Support and Counseling Services

Family support EAP supports with mild to moderate behavioral issues or family communication. Generally, caretaker(s) need to be an active participant in the care of their child as they are best equipped to navigate their child’s situation. In the United States, TELUS Health counselors reference a guide that indicates the age of consent for mental healthcare and substance abuse treatment established by each state, as well as guidelines regarding rights to access a clinical record. The TELUS Health EAP is meant for short-term problem solving and support. At times, some clinical needs may fall outside of the scope of EAP. In these situations, we will work with the client to navigate their health insurance with the support of our insurance coordinators. Counseling Our network comprises generalist counselors with specialized training with children and teens. Given the general nature of EAP counseling, the intention of our service is to offer talk therapy which may not be suitable for children. Other forms of therapy not offered through EAP may be more appropriate (such as play therapy). Counselor specialization may be available through alternate modalities, such as telephone or video, but these are not recommended, as they are less effective with children. Counselors will manage clients with all presenting issues within the scope of their practice. Clinical counselors cannot ethically practice outside of their area of skill or training. When a child is exhibiting adult-like mental health symptoms (e.g. anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress), the child is best served by a child psychologist or another specialist who can assess, diagnose and recommend the most appropriate treatment, all of which falls outside the scope of EAP.

Support for children Child age 8 and under A child specialist and TELUS Health counselor will work with caretaker(s) to assess the clinical needs and determine the most clinically appropriate referral. • Typically, we do not offer counseling to children under 8 as they are rarely suited to the short-term model • Intake staff or counselors will do the consult/screening with caretaker(s) - If counseling is required, the referral will be set up as a family file for parenting support - The counselor will advise caretaker(s) that a family appointment will be made with a counselor with the understanding that EAP is rarely suited to support children under 8 due to the short- term model and expertise of our clinical team, the cognitive development level of the child being insufficient for cognitive behavioural talk therapy, and the suitableness of other therapy options and modalities - We do strongly recommend that caretaker(s) seek counseling on how best to support their children Child between 9-13 A parent or legal guardian must request the service and participate in any counseling. • Counselor does screening/consult for fit - If EAP is not deemed a suitable solution • Alternate recommendations are provided, such as family/community resources or parental coaching - If EAP is a suitable solution • A family file is opened • We strongly recommend that caretaker(s) attend the first session with the counselor without their children • Counselor will determine if they will see the child solo or as part of a family • If EAP is deemed not a suitable solution after this initial meeting, the counselor will provide alternate recommendations such as family/community resources or parental coaching Child between 14-17 A parent or legal guardian is encouraged to request the service and a decision for family or individually counseling is determined with the clinical guidance of counselors. • No counselor consult is required • A family file is opened • We strongly recommend that caretaker(s) attend the first session with the counselor without their children • Counselor will determine if they will see the child solo or as part of a family • If EAP is deemed not a suitable solution after this initial meeting, the counselor will provide alternate recommendations such as family/community resources or parental coaching • Provided that a child can demonstrate their understanding of confidentiality and risk, a file may be set up in the child’s name at which point the child will be protected by confidentiality THS5423-04-2024-V5