Cost

For employees

On-campus counselling is provided at no charge. The cost of off-campus counselling typically ranges from $60-$125 per hour. Partial reimbursement up to annual limit per covered person is available through the Extended Health Care plan provided counselling is given by a registered psychologist or counsellor with a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW). A letter from your physician recommending counselling is required with the latter. Please consult Human Resources for information on eligibility for University of Waterloo's Extended Health Care plan.

For dependents

An eligible dependent must use off-campus resources and see counsellors/professionals off-campus.   Counsellors on-campus are only available to employees.   For information about dependent eligibility for University of Waterloo's Extended Health Care plan, please contact Human Resources or view the on-line benefits information. 

Reimbursement

Partial reimbursement up to an annual limit per eligible covered person is possible through the Extended Health Care plan for counselling provided by a Registered Psychologist or counsellor with a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW). In the case of an MSW, the insurance carrier requires a written recommendation from the employee's physician supporting the need for counselling. 

Paid time off work

University of Waterloo's Policy 67 states that the university will continue salary and benefits for any regular employee who is pursuing treatment which has the prospect of being successful in a reasonable length of time.

Program experience indicates that most Employee Assistance Program (EAP) cases take about six, one-hour counselling sessions for problem resolution, however the maximum sessions available on-campus is ten sessions.