New Year Message from the Behavioral Sciences Centre

Shared on behalf of the Behavioral Sciences Centre

As we embrace this new year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks for entrusting Behavioural Sciences Centre (BSC) with your EFAP and Wellness needs in 2023. Our gradual return to “normalcy” in the wake of the pandemic, among other stressors in the world, have caused many ups and downs for most people. The team at BSC is honoured and humbled by the countless individuals we meet, the resilience demonstrated and the amazing work we get to do together.

Some key insights from 2023 to share with you!

  • BSC booked 3,447 counselling appointments over the year, which represents 964 unique clients. This is an increase of 27% compared with the previous year.
  • Wait times in the EAP for intake are 6-12 business days, with same day appointments available in urgent scenarios.
  • Twenty-six people in the Northwest accessed consultative psychiatry services through the EFAP within 8 weeks. Currently well below the wait time for this service in the community. This is a new and innovative partnership that is already adding value for EFAP clients. 
  • Across all EAP’s we see a strong emphasis on In-Person Services.  Currently we see 76% of clients in-person compared with 19% by phone and 5% virtual. Some potential reasons for this:
    • People are craving in person connection;
    • The ritual of driving to an appointment helps a person prepare for their session, and driving home/back to work after the appointment gives them time to adjust and reflect on their therapy session.
  • Over the last 3 years, we have noticed an increase in the complexity of concerns presenting in the EFAP. Top concerns for people in our region include:
    • Family & Relationship – 28% (often require a longer session – 1.5hrs)
    • Anxiety 18% and Stress 13%
    • Trauma – we see more and more clients accessing CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). Both of which are trauma therapies. These sessions are typically 1.5 hrs and the course of treatment is longer in duration.

Growing Talent in the North: BSCIP – Behavioural Sciences Centre Internship Program
In our commitment to support the growth of talent within the Northwest region, BSC has successfully hosted six social Work, or Counselling Psychology Interns within BSC. Through the BSCIP we are able to provide complimentary support services within the EFAP, like system  navigation and advocacy for clients.

Compliment Vs Duplicate
Finally, our goal for our EFAP services in 2024 is to focus on complimenting versus duplicating what is available. There are a variety of resources available to support ones wellbeing (ex. Wellness Together Canada, free community based services and coverage through extended health benefits). Our team is focused on helping individuals look at all of the supports within their reach and strategically use services that best meet their current needs. We are committed to continual improvement to ensure BSC services meet the needs of our clients.

Wishing you a gentle year to come,
The BSC Team