Mental health support for faculty

There are a number of resources available to support faculty mental health, whether you need help now or want to take preventative measures. To determine which resource is the best fit for your situation, see the "who to talk to" section of this page, or contact us. 

What you need to know

• Conversations with Occupational Health are confidential. You don't need to disclose your situation to your department.

• You are entitled to a leave of absence, should you need one. You are also entitled to your 180 days of sick leave.

• The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides support for short-term, goal-based concerns, through in-person, online, and phone appointments. The program also offers preventative resources. They do not provide support for chronic, long-term issues. Your family members can also access this program!

• Our benefits don’t apply to all types of therapy and practitioners. You can claim treatments by psychologists, and by counsellors who are registered social workers with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Psychotherapy, for example, is not covered.

• Counselling Services is a student service. Faculty in distress should contact Grand River Hospital, Homewood Health, or 911.

Where to find information

Employee supports: initiatives and resources at Waterloo

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

• Human Resources’ Employee Benefits Program booklet (PDF)

• Healthy Workplace Steering Committee

• Policy 14 – Pregnancy and Parental Leaves (Including Adoption)

• Our Leaves page and blog posts on leaves

• Campus Wellness' Thrive Week and related resources

Community supports

• The Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo-Wellington provides recovery-focused programs and services for people of all ages and their families.
• Grand River Hospital offers Emergency Mental Health Care and an inpatient mental health unit, as well as outpatient and withdrawal services.
• Find more community resources on the EFAP website.

Who to talk to