Morneau Shepell is Canada's First EAP Provider to Offer Video Counselling

New service offers online privacy and convenience

TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2011 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell Ltd., under its Shepell-fgi brand, is continuing to set the precedence in delivery of service by offering Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support through video counselling. Using the Internet and live video communication, employees can access the same high-quality professional counselling services they've traditionally enjoyed, now via live, 'face-to-face' audiovisual conversations, all from the privacy and convenience of their own home.

"Building on innovative technology," says Rita Fridella, Senior Vice-President, Operations and Chief Clinician, Shepell-fgi, "we are able to offer our clients the most advanced video conferencing services. These not only provide organizations with a level playing field of care for all their employees, but also the highest levels of privacy and confidentiality, as well as outstanding clinical efficacy."

Communication occurs between the individual and counsellor via a webcam, telephone (or microphone) and Internet connection, with both parties able to see and hear each other as if they were in the same room. Using state-of-the-art technology provided by WebEx, service is customized to the client environment, while security of the data exchanged between the counsellor and client is preserved.

Video counselling makes accessing a network of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers, more convenient for employees and their immediate family members. It overcomes limitations caused by people's busy work schedules, health issues and/or family life. Whether employees are shift workers, single parents with limited time, or family members who may not live at home, this new enhancement gives them access to specialists who may not otherwise be available to them.

This service meets the rigorous standards of the EAP Council on Accreditation. It's also another modality offered by Shepell-fgi in addition to the recently launched First Chat —an online chat consultation service that provides employees with accessible, instant, and confidential counselling support. Morneau Shepell's video counselling program was pre-launched over the summer with a sampling of existing clients who gave it 100% satisfaction rates.

"With so many people not receiving the mental health care they need in our country," continues Fridella, "it's important that we see these individuals in the moment and provide treatment, allowing them to get back to living fulfilled and productive lives."

Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is the largest Canadian-based firm offering industry-leading benefits and pension consulting, outsourcing, as well as health and productivity solutions. The company works with clients to develop innovative solutions that integrate with their business strategies to achieve results. Through Benefits and Health Solutions Consulting, Pension Consulting, Health Management, Administration Solutions and Shepell-fgi's Employee Assistance Program, Morneau Shepell helps clients reduce costs, increase employee productivity, and improve their competitive positions by supporting their employees' financial security, health and well-being.

Established in 1962, Morneau Shepell has grown to serve over 13,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, it has offices in the United States and over 95 locations across Canada. Morneau Shepell Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). For more information, visit www.morneaushepell.com.