UBC provides faculty and staff with a range of supports to help manage mental health challenges — to help leaders find and leverage these supports we have compiled a list of mental health-related tools and resources.
Mental health support for you and your team
Our Employee and Family Assistance Program, and our Extended Health Plan are two important resources to support faculty and staff with mental health challenges. The Not Myself Today Ambassador program is a great resource for teams looking to de-stigmatize mental health challenges and foster a safe and supportive work environment.
Employee and Family Assistance Program - TELUS Health
TELUS Health provides resources to help you improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Access TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks):
- Visit https://one.telushealth.com/ or download the TELUS Health One app for Android and Apple
- Log in using Company Code: ubc
- You will then be redirected to a CWL page. Enter your login name, password, and multi-factor authentication as you normally would.
After you’ve logged in, you can explore the following resources, tools and content.
Immediate mental health support
Call 1-866-424-0770, or use First Chat on the TELUS Health One website/mobile app to organize a session with a clinical counsellor. When you connect with a counsellor via TELUS Health, you will be speaking to someone who has a minimum of a master’s degree in a related field and is licensed with at least five years of EFAP-specific experience.
CareNow
CareNow is a self-guided program based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy that can help you work through some mental health concerns, from stress, anxiety, to communication issues and challenges with work-life balance.
Learn more about TELUS Health on the EFAP page or contact efap.info@ubc.ca.
Mental health services through extended health benefits
Access registered/licensed clinical psychologists and social workers, or clinical counsellors through the psychological services provision under your extended benefits plan.
Helpful links
- Find out how to register to get access to Sun Life and where to locate your coverage
- Find the right health-care provider
- Learn about making a claim through Sun Life
- Review these Tips to help you choose a counsellor
If you have any questions about your benefits package, please contact 604-822-8111 or email benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.
Become a Not Myself Today ambassador
The Not Myself Today (NMT) program connects people and teams with resources, lesson plans and direct support to help de-stigmatize mental health challenges and foster a safe and supportive work environment.
Review some of the resources that demonstrate the value of becoming an NMT ambassador.
If you are interested in more NMT resources, you can learn more on the Not Myself Today page.
General resources
I’m looking for general mental health resources to share with my team.
Share the link to UBC's comprehensive webpage of staff and faculty mental health resources.
Suggest that individuals learn about mental health through UBC Thrive, an annual mental health literacy campaign.
Ensure your teams know how and where to register for mental health training or education programs:
- Visit UBC's mental health training, on-demand workshops and consulting services webpage for a full list of available training programs.
- You can also search under "Wellbeing" in the Workplace Learning Catalogue for upcoming trainings.
Consider enrolling your department or unit in the Not Myself Today program. This workplace-based mental health campaign comes with online modules, activities and resources related to mindfulness, stress management, positive culture change and more.
My team is working remotely and I’m looking for general tips to support their mental health.
Ensure ongoing communication and connection — encourage ongoing formal and informal opportunities for virtual connection within your team. Use virtual meeting options with video on. Share community events. Reinforce that you are accessible to meet with direct reports as needed to address concerns. Embed a wellbeing check-in in one-on-one and team conversations.
Encourage your team members to support their wellbeing — openly acknowledge the importance of mental health. Frequently share services and resources that are available virtually or by phone to support faculty and staff wellbeing including EFAP and extended health benefits. See how our benefits helped leaders support faculty and staff in these scenarios.
Recognize the impact of isolation — look out for significant changes in a team member’s personality or work, as it may be a sign that they are struggling or need support.
Foster an appreciative work culture — thank individuals and teams for their ongoing contributions regularly. Recognize efforts especially when workload and uncertainty are high.
Be flexible and encourage work life balance — model supportive behaviours such as taking vacations and breaks, practice self-care and prioritize and balance your workload. Encourage flexible approaches to work hours when appropriate. And don’t forget to manage your own stress, here’s a few tips to help you stay on track.
Are there specific mental health resources for IBPOC/BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ and/or disability communities?
Familiarize yourself, and consider sharing this list of BC-specific mental health resources and supports for specific communities including people with disabilities and those who identify as IBPOC/BIPOC, Indigenous, and LGBTQ2S+: Mental Health Resources for Diverse Communities.
If you are looking to support to support transgender, Two-Spirit, and non-binary (T2SNB) employees at work, access the Supporting T2SNB Employees toolkit here.
Additional resources:
- KUU-US Crisis Line Society: www.kuu-uscrisisline.com; 1-800-588-8717 (Toll-free), 250-723-4050 (Adult Line)
- Residential School Survivors Society: www.irsss.ca, reception@irsss.ca, or 1-800-721-0066
- Residential School Survivors and Family: 1-866-925-4419 (24 hour crisis line)
I supervise UBC faculty or staff with no UBC benefits coverage. What supports are available to them?
If someone is experiencing mental distress:
BC-specific
- Access and Assessment Centre, Vancouver General Hospital: 604.675.3700 (7:30am – 11pm)
- Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Interior Health: 250.868.7788 (11:30-9pm) or Kelowna General Hospital 250.862.4000
- Mental Health Support Line: 310.6789 (no area code). This number will connect you to your local BC crisis line without a wait or busy signal, 24 hours a day, crisiscentre.bc.ca
Canada-wide (including BC)
- Crisis Services Canada (24/7): 1.800.784.2433, crisisservicescanada.ca/en or nearest hospital emergency department
- Kids Help Phone: Provides a texting option for Indigenous youth and adults to connect with a First Nations, Metis, or Inuit crisis responder. Youth text 68 68 68 and adults text 741 741 with the word "First Nations" or "Metis" or "Inuit" to be connected to a crisis responder from their nation if one is available (Indigenous crisis responders are not guaranteed but will be prioritized)
General mental health resources:
BC-specific
- Métis Crisis Line: 1-833-MÉTISBC (1.833.638.4722)
- HealthlinkBC: 811, healthlinkbc.ca
- Medimap BC: See available walk-in clinics and wait times, and book an appointment before visiting the location
Canada-wide (including BC)
- Indigenous Mental Health Counselling and Crisis Intervention: 1.855.242.3310, hopeforwellness.ca
International
- Wellness Together Canada (24/7 access for Canadians anywhere in the world. Online assessment and connection to e-mental health resources, individual counselling by phone, text, video)
I supervise student staff. What mental health supports are available to them?
Use the Assisting students in distress guide for the steps that you can take to offer assistance and mental health resources to students or student staff.
Mental health issues in the workplace
I’m managing someone that may be struggling with their mental health. What resources do I share with them and who can I go to for support?
Resources for staff and faculty
- Staff and faculty can visit the Assisting Staff and Faculty in Distress webpage. Under the “Connect to Resources” heading they will find a list of both UBC and community resources based on your level of concern/symptoms.
- Staff and faculty can also access their benefits to get counselling in two ways:
- Access registered/licensed clinical psychologists and social workers, or clinical counsellors through the psychological services provision under your extended benefits plan.
- Call the Employee and Family Assistance Program at 1-866-424-0770 [please note that this is intended to be very focused and short –term support and there may be a wait time based on your availability]
Resources for managers, deans and heads
- Managers, deans and heads can also access the Assisting Staff and Faculty in Distress webpage for how to recognize signs of declining mental health and for ways to respond with concern and empathy.
- Other relevant resources you may want to explore:
- Connect with Stay at Work or Return to Work services at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan.
- Seek advice from staff advisory services in Vancouver or the Okanagan, or your Faculty Relations contact.
- Access UBC's mental health continuum for specific resources associated with different stages of mental health and mental health decline:
- Support for managing difficult workplace situations from TELUS Health, UBC's Employee and Family Assistance Provider.
I need to have a conversation with a team member regarding concerns about their wellbeing and mental health. How can I best prepare?
Access the Assisting Staff and Faculty in Distress webpage for how to recognize signs of declining mental health and for ways to respond with concern and empathy.
Seek advice from staff advisory services in Vancouver or the Okanagan or your Faculty Relations contact.
Register for free coaching sessions to help you prepare for difficult conversations.
Learn more about how to talk about mental health or access a Supportive Conversation Library for tools and strategies to support conversations when mental health might be an issue.
I feel that I could benefit from some additional mental health training. What is available?
Access UBC mental health training for managers.
Explore workplace mental health training through the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Read the Workplace Mental Health Playbook from the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health.
Register for a free micro course on Navigating Extraordinary Times from Athabasca University.
Creating a healthy work environment
I’m looking for mental health resources or programs to run within my department.
Consider enrolling your department or unit in the Not Myself Today program. This workplace-based mental health campaign comes with online modules, activities and resources related to mindfulness, stress management, positive culture change and more.
Lean about available training, workshops and consulting services available to departments, units and teams.
Support your staff and faculty in getting involved by promoting the Healthy Workplace Initiative and Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador programs.
How do I support the mental health of my team in a remote work/hybrid environment?
Visit UBC's comprehensive webpage of mental health resources for leaders, which includes information specific to remote leaders.
Complete the required training for managers and supervisors on the Workplace Learning Ecosystem, enrol today
Share the link to UBC's comprehensive webpage of staff and faculty mental health resources with your team.
Suggest that individuals learn about mental health through UBC Thrive, an annual mental health literacy campaign that includes virtual events.
Ensure your teams know how and where to register for mental health training or education programs:
- Visit UBC's mental health training, on-demand workshops and consulting services webpage for a full list of available training programs.
- You can also search under "Wellbeing" in the Workplace Learning Catalogue for upcoming training.
- TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) offers the following workshop that can help with working remotely:
They are all fee-for-service topics. As of June 21, 2021*, the price per hour session is $645+taxes for a group of less than 40 people, $1095+taxes for 41-100 people and $1295+taxes for 100+ people. To book a session, please email workplacelearning@morneaushepell.com with your booking request, 5 weeks in advance of the date you want the session. *Price is subject to change.
Consider enrolling your department or unit in the Not Myself Today program. This evidence-informed workplace mental health initiative includes a digital portal with downloadable learning materials, activities and resources to support mental health in the workplace.
What actions can I take to support psychological health and safety in my workplace?
The vision for a psychologically healthy and safe workplace is one that actively works to prevent harm to the psychological health and wellbeing of employees. Research indicates that there is a set of factors that contribute to the positive psychological health and wellbeing of workers in Canada. These are the basis for the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
A psychologically safe leader values - and actively contributes - to the psychological wellbeing of their teams. The following videos discuss the key domains, which are based on The National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
Communication and Collaboration
As a leader, it’s important to recognize the value in working collaboratively, practicing transparency and both encouraging and participating in open discussions within your team.
Resources
UBC:
- Helping teams develop performance objectives
- Leading and managing safe, healthy and inclusive communities at UBC
- Staff performance conversations
- One-to-one coaching for UBC staff and faculty
- Facilitation skills training
External:
Social Intelligence
As a leader, it’s important to be accessible to direct reports, to embed wellbeing check-ins into one-on-one and team conversations, and to openly acknowledge the importance of mental health.
Resources
UBC:
- Strengthening Wellbeing and Resilience for Leaders (LinkedIn Learning Path)
- Not Myself Today Initiative
- Creating a Hybrid Team Charter
- Leading and Motivating People with Different Personalities (LinkedIn Learning)
- A Conversational Compass for Better Conversations
-
Document
External:
Problem Solving and Conflict Management
As a leader, you can support direct reports and teams as they work through challenges, particularly when dealing with workload issues or shifting priorities.
Resources
UBC:
- UBC's Conflict Engagement Initiative
- Conflict theatre
- Conflict engagement advising (EIO)
- Mental Health training for managers
- Not Myself Today initiative
External:
Security and Safety
In a psychologically healthy and safe workplace, the psychological impact of uncertain and difficult times or circumstances are openly recognized and support is provided.
Resources
UBC:
- Mental Health tools and resources
- Assisting colleagues in distress
- UBC's Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Safety and Risk Services
External:
Fairness and Integrity
A psychologically safe leader enacts strategies that contribute to fairness and integrity by continuing to develop their own self-awareness and demonstrating humility.
Resources
UBC:
- Leading and Managing Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Communities at UBC (LinkedIn Learning Path)
- Build a More Equitable and Inclusive Workplace (LinkedIn Learning Path)
- UBC supportive consultation services:
Additional resources:
I would like to learn more about promoting a respectful work environment within my unit.
Relevant resources to explore:
- UBC's health and wellbeing resources and programs for staff and faculty
- UBC's bullying and harassment protocol
- Promoting a respectful work environment and successful conflict management at UBC
- Empowering staff and faculty to feel physically safe at work
- UBC Inclusion Self-Assessment Tool (Equity and Inclusion Office)
How can I support the development of strong and resilient individuals and teams?
All managers and supervisors are invited to complete the Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace for Managers and Supervisors, required training which can be accesse in the Workplace Learning ecosystem: enrol today. Developed for people leaders, this required mental health training will help you understand how you can build a supportive workplace culture, address challenging times, and ensure you are aware of your responsibilities to your team and direct reports. Even after you have completed the training, you are welcome to revisit the course and take a look at the additional resources.
Managers and supervisors can consider applying for the Managing@UBC program, a comprehensive leadership development program designed to equip managers with the foundational skills, knowledge and tools to succeed and grow in leadership roles at UBC.
Department Heads, Associate Deans and Directors can consider applying for the Academic Leadership Development Program, designed to enhance and contribute to the personal fulfillment of new academic leaders at UBC.
Read through Building stronger and resilient teams, a leader’s guide (with activities) for developing resilience for you and your team.
Learn about effective approaches to developing leadership skills, team building and supporting faculty and staff success.
I'm looking for mental health resources for myself.
Visit UBC's resource page of mental health tools and resources for staff and faculty.
I’m an HR professional looking for resources for the departments and faculties that I support.
Visit UBC's resource page of mental health tools and resources for HR professionals.
We encourage you to contact us directly if you are seeking specific training to help you address mental health issues with your staff or faculty. Email Crystal Hutchinson, for support if you're located in Vancouver and Amanda Swoboda if you're located in the Okanagan.
Remember: You do not need to be an expert to help someone in need.