How to Prepare for a Travel Emergency

By Human Resources Communications on April 23, 2019

You spend months dreaming about your well-earned vacation and planning what you’ll do when you get to your destination. Amid all the details you have to coordinate, don’t forget to also consider your travel insurance and what you would need in the event of a travel emergency. Taking the time to prepare will give you peace of mind when you travel.

The following checklist can help you prepare for a travel emergency. If you have any questions about your travel benefits, please register for our upcoming information session.

Before Your Trip:

  • Print out your health insurance information:
    • Sun Life Travel Card, which includes 24/7 assistance phone numbers for Sun Life’s travel assistance provider Allianz Global Assistance
    • BC Medical Card (make sure you and your dependents are covered under MSP)
    • Medi-Passport brochure with emergency help numbers
    • Your physician’s contact information
  • Review your emergency medical coverage, and if you have questions, email benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca
  • Fill your prescriptions
  • If you have a medical condition, talk to your physician. If you are pregnant, ensure you have your physician’s approval to travel.
  • Determine if you need immunizations and/or are required to carry vaccination certificates

During Your Trip:

Should you require medical care, you or someone travelling with you must first call the Allianz Global Assistance 24-hour operations centre and provide the following information:

  • Your name, or if your dependent requires assistance, your dependent’s name
  • Your current location, including city, state and country
  • Where you are calling from (e.g. hotel/residence, hospital, physician’s office)
  • A phone number (e.g. at your hospital or hotel) where Allianz Global Assistance can reach you and leave a message if necessary
  • Your UBC benefit plan contract number: 025205
  • Your UBC benefit plan member ID number: your seven-digit UBC employee ID number
  • A description of your situation and the care you require

Any invasive and investigative procedures (e.g. surgery or angiogram) must be pre-authorized by Allianz Global Assistance, except in extreme circumstances. If you don’t contact Allianz Global Assistance, your claim could be reduced or declined.

Keep any out-of-pocket records of expenses for medical services or supplies. When you return home, you can submit a claim for reimbursement. Visit the Making a Claim page for detailed instructions on how to submit a claim.

And remember: if your travel destination becomes unsafe during your visit, check the Canadian travel advisories website for advice on next steps.

Bon voyage!

Understanding Your Travel Benefits Information Session

Attend this free, upcoming information session to understand your travel benefits through UBC’s Extended Health plan. It’s a great opportunity to get answers to your questions, such as:

  • Should I purchase additional travel insurance?
  • What is my UBC coverage while travelling?
  • What is the maximum amount I can claim?
  • Am I covered by other plans?
  • What if I am pregnant or have a pre-existing medical condition?
  • What are the exclusions and limitations?

Vancouver Campus | Register now

Date: May 7, 2019
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Centre for Brain Health, Room 101 (lower level), 2215 Wesbrook Mall

Okanagan Campus (via videoconference) | Register now

Location: Reichwald Health Sciences Centre (RHS), Room 257, 1088 Discovery Ave

For more information:

Visit the Benefits While Travelling website for more information about your travel benefits, including:

You can also access the following previous issues of Benefits FYI, where we answer many of your travel benefits questions:

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Preauthorizations and Predeterminations Explained

By Human Resources Communications on April 23, 2019

Under the UBC Extended Health plan, claims for medical equipment costing $5,000 or more require preauthorization prior to purchase.1 Under the UBC Dental Plan, any major treatment of $500 or more requires a predetermination prior to the treatment.2

However, if you find a recommended treatment plan or medical device to be cost-prohibitive, Sun Life will provide you with a preauthorization or predetermination free of charge.

Sun Life will first determine whether coverage is available to you, and if so, how much of the cost will be covered by your UBC Extended Health or Dental plan. This information will help you determine whether to move forward with the recommended treatment or purchase and could also be helpful if you decide to speak to your provider about an alternative treatment.

How do I request a medical services and equipment preauthorization or a dental predetermination?

Medical Services & Equipment Preauthorization

  1. Complete the appropriate Extended Health Plan Claim Form for your employee group, indicating “Preauthorization” on the form.
  2. For medical equipment and supplies, please make sure that the estimate includes the following information:
  • Date of purchase
  • Claimant’s name
  • Item description, including make and model name if available
  • Quantity
  • Price
  • Physician’s name
  • Proof of the portion paid by the province in which the service or medical equipment was obtained (if applicable)
  • Receipts must be legible and each expense must be listed separately and clearly indicated.
  • Cash register receipts are acceptable if the name of the product is included, a physician’s referral is attached, and/or the name of the patient is indicated on a signed claim form.
  • If the receipt is for a brace, please indicate the body part (e.g. left knee brace).
  1. Attach the recommendation from your physician (if required).
  2. Make copies of all the above and mail to the nearest Sun Life Claim Centre as indicated on page 2 of the claim form, or submit the estimate using the “send documents” feature on the Sun Life Mobile app.

Dental Predetermination

Many dental offices will electronically submit predetermination requests to Sun Life on your behalf. If your dental office prefers to submit predetermination requests on paper, have the dental office:

  1. Complete the appropriate Dental Plan Claim Form for your employee group, indicating “Predetermination” on the form.
  2. Ensure any x-rays or models are included with the request, if applicable.
  3. Have the dental office send this request to the nearest Sun Life Claim Centre as indicated on page 2 of the claim form.

Once Sun Life has reviewed the claim, they will mail a Claimant Statement to your home address. If you have registered for access to the Sun Life Plan Members’ website, you will be notified that the Claimant Statement is available for download.

References:

1 Preauthorization is required and it is a request for preapproval for reimbursement of medical services and equipment under the Extended Health benefits plan.

2 Predetermination is recommended and it is a fee estimate submitted to Sun Life. Sun Life will advise you and your dentist what portion of the fees will be reimbursed under the Dental plan.

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Focus on the Family: New Parental Sharing Benefit and EFAP Support

By Human Resources Communications on April 23, 2019

In the September 2018 issue of Benefits FYI, we explained how amendments to the BC Employment Standards Act that came into effect in May 2018 would impact maternity, parental, and compassionate care leave provisions.

The federal government announced a new sharing benefit for parents who agree to share parental leave.1 If your child was born or placed with you for the purpose of adoption on or after March 17, 2019, and if you want to share EI parental benefits with another parent, you may be eligible for the Parental Sharing Benefit.

Standard option: up to 5 additional weeks of parental benefits

With the new sharing benefit, parents who choose the standard duration of parental benefits could receive up to 40 weeks of parental benefits, an increase from the current 35 weeks. Neither parent can access more than 35 weeks in total, requiring both parents to take some time off in order to access some or all of the additional weeks.

Extended option: up to 8 additional weeks of parental benefits

Parents who choose the extended duration of parental benefits could receive up to 69 weeks of parental benefits, an increase from the current 61 weeks. Neither parent can access more than 61 weeks in total, which requires both parents to take some time off in order to access some or all of the additional weeks.

For more information, please visit the Maternity, Parental & Adoptive Leave page.

Access Family Support Services through EFAP

In addition to the financial assistance offered through the new Parental Sharing Benefit, UBC employees enrolled in the Employee and Family Assistance Program can access a variety of family support services.

UBC’s EFAP extends a personalized approach when it comes to helping you and your family. EFAP provider Morneau Shepell offers both phone consultations and resource packages to help you get the information you need to cope with parenting challenges and uncertainties. Their family support specialists can assess your needs and identify and locate services, including:

  • Parenting classes, daycare centres and after-school programs
  • Schools, educational services, and special needs programs
  • Adoptions and multiple birth services
  • Emergency homecare services

Their individualized resource packages include articles and helpful tools that focus on:

  • Family planning and parental leaves
  • Parenting tools for all ages and stages
  • Building or enhancing family dynamics and relationships

Morneau Shepell also offers an online resource hub with articles on various family-related topics, such as having or adopting a baby and parenting. (Note: Please enter “University of British Columbia” as your organization to access these articles.)

Connect with confidential EFAP support by calling 1-800-387-4765 or visit workhealthlife.com.

Reference:

1 https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2019/02/backgrounder-parental-sharing-benefit.html

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Apps to Help You Live Well on the Go

By Human Resources Communications on April 23, 2019

Access Your Group Benefits through the Sun Life App

The my Sun Life Mobile app is a convenient way for UBC plan members to connect to their group benefits through their mobile devices. The app offers instant access to all your health and vision care benefit information and allows you to submit your claims using your phone.

Why use an app when I can access Sun Life from my desktop?

Visit mysunlife.ca from your desktop computer, and you’ll find a full range of services, information and tools. You’ll also be able to update your contact and banking information.

The my Sun Life Mobile app offers more specific services, information and tools to help you when you’re on the go. You can:

  1. Submit and view your recent claims
  2. Review your coverage information: medical, vision, drug, health spending account, and disability
  3. Search for a healthcare provider near you
  4. Discover the latest deals, special offers and opportunities to save on your vision and/or medical equipment purchase
  5. Use the drug look-up tool to find out how much of your prescription drug costs are covered
  6. Access your coverage card, drug card and medical card. If you have an iPhone, you can even include these in your Apple Wallet.

That’s so convenient. How do I get the Sun Life app?

Visit my Sun Life Mobile app to download the appropriate version of the app for your device.

Support at Your Fingertips with the My EAP App

When you need health information or help, the My EAP app can give you immediate, confidential and secure access to your Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP/EAP) – anytime and anywhere.

Morneau Shepell is UBC’s EFAP/EAP provider, and their award-winning My EAP app offers interactive support tools and expert information for work, health and life issues that can impact you and your family.

Here’s what you can do with the My EAP app:

  • Book a service using the Online Access platform or First Chat, which allows you to connect with a counsellor for immediate support
  • Access counselling services through First Chat or log in for E-Counselling, where you can exchange written messages with a counsellor in a secure online portal
  • Discover Morneau Shepell’s library of expert health and wellbeing articles
  • Watch informative videos, access assessment tools, and enrol in online programs on topics such as financial planning, smoking cessation, stress management and retirement planning

I like being able to access health and wellness supports while on the go. How do I get the My EAP app?

Visit Morneau Shepell’s My EAP Mobile Device Application page for more information and to download the free app. (Note: Please enter “University of British Columbia” as your organization to access the page.)

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Humans of Human Resources: Jacky Ivans

By Human Resources Communications on April 23, 2019

In this issue, we profile Jacky Ivans, the new Relocation & Benefits Associate in Human Resources at UBC Okanagan. Learn about her passion for supporting others, whether it’s her HR colleagues, new and existing staff and faculty, or her volleyball-playing twin teenagers. For Jacky, “life is all about relationships.”

How did you find your way to UBC?

After hearing rave reviews from friends who worked at UBC Okanagan, I joined the Human Resources department in February 2014. I was the Administrative Assistant for the Director of HR and the HR unit, until I became the successful candidate for the newly created Relocation and Benefits Associate position. I’m so thankful to work at this beautiful campus.

What do you do in your new HR role?

As the Relocation and Benefits Associate, I provide relocation information to new faculty and executive staff moving to the Okanagan. I am also here to answer benefit enquiries from new and existing staff and faculty. I also have the opportunity to meet new Okanagan campus staff and faculty at the welcome meetings we host for all new hires.

In addition to growing with my Okanagan team, I will be working closely with Vancouver’s Benefits team to ensure the consistent interpretation and application of benefit policies.

What is your favourite part of the job?

Meeting new staff and faculty is my favourite part of my job. I’m proud to provide them the information they need so that as they transition into their new roles, they are thankful they chose to work at UBC.

What is something you feel you bring to the workplace culture?

Since elementary school, I’ve always played on sports teams, and as an adult I’ve volunteered on committees at my children’s schools or in the community. Teamwork and working with others toward common goals are things I feel I bring to the workplace culture, along with my willingness to serve and help others.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to bike, travel and play volleyball. These days I’m watching my twin teenagers play volleyball more than I actually do, but they’re far better than I ever was, so it’s exciting to watch. My husband and I met while we were playing volleyball, so it’s no wonder that it’s a big part of our family’s life. We drive and fly our kids across the planet to do what they grew up watching us do. The greatest benefit is that we’re all making new and life-long friends along the way. Our motto is “life is all about relationships.”

What is one new thing you want to try, and why?

I look forward to my new role in HR, where I hope to develop relationships on both campuses while assisting staff and faculty with their relocation and benefit needs.

Is there something you would like to encourage others to try?

It’s Bike to Work & School Week May 27 to June 2!

Photos: Tessa Ivans

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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How-to Guide for Coordinating Benefits

By Human Resources Communications on February 21, 2019

UBC faculty and staff who are enrolled in more than one extended health or dental plan have the option of coordinating coverage between their multiple plans (also known as coordination of benefits or COB). This means that if you submit an eligible claim to the first plan and there’s a portion that was not paid or only partially reimbursed, you can submit that portion to the second plan where it may be considered for reimbursement up to 100% of the allowable amount that can be paid to that claim.

Order matters when coordinating your claims

If the claim is for yourself:

  • You will need to submit it through your plan first, and then any other plan coverage you have.

If the claim is for your spouse or partner:

  • First, they will need to submit it through any coverage they are the plan member for, and then your plan coverage.

For dependent children:

  • The claim will need to be submitted through the plan of whichever parent’s birth month is first in the calendar year, and then through the other parent’s plan second (i.e. if one parent was born in March and the other in November, the claim is submitted through the March-born parent’s plan first, and then through the November-born parent’s plan).

How to set up a COB with Sun Life

If you and your spouse or partner are both UBC employees or if your other plan is also with Sun Life, here’s how to set up a coordination of benefits through the Sun Life Plan Members’ website:

1. Click on “Submit a Claim”.

 

2. Click on “My Claims” under the Claims tab.

 

3. Click on “Coordination of Benefits” and answer the questions as indicated.

 

Your spouse or partner must also set-up their Sun Life account to allow for coordination of benefits before COB claims may be submitted.  Any extended health and/or dental claims submitted through your spouse or partner’s plan for yourself will be reimbursed directly to your spouse or partner as any reimbursement is paid to the person who is the plan member.

Note: You cannot coordinate claims through the Sun Life Mobile app at this time.

If your insurance coverage is not with Sun Life

As a UBC employee, if your other coverage is with an insurance plan that is not Sun Life, here’s how to set up a coordination of benefits through the Sun Life Plan Members’ website:

  1. You will need to confirm with your other insurance plan that they allow for coordination of benefits.
  2. If your other coverage does not allow for COB, you will only be able to submit claims through your Sun Life plan for reimbursement.
  3. If your other coverage allows for COB, follow the same steps above to set up coordination through your Sun Life account.
  4. You will need to contact your other insurance plan to determine how to set up COB for your coverage through their plan.
  5. Once you receive reimbursement from Sun Life and their Explanation of Benefits (EOB), you can then submit any remaining balance through your other coverage, along with the EOB for further reimbursement.

Need help setting up your coordination of benefits?

For additional assistance when it comes to setting up COBs for extended health and dental claims, call Sun Life at 1-800-361-3612. Remember to provide the UBC group number (025205) and your member ID (7-digit UBC employee number).

For more information about coordination of benefits, check out the following resources:

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Help Recognize and Prevent Benefits Fraud

By Human Resources Communications on February 21, 2019

Fraudulent benefit claims cost Canadians between one and six billion dollars every year, but did you know that benefits fraud can be committed by health or dental service providers, plan members or both?1

The life and health insurance industry has seen increasing evidence of service providers encouraging individuals to submit fraudulent claims, which is why they launched the Fraud=Fraud campaign in October 2018. The campaign aims to raise awareness of health and dental benefits fraud by helping Canadians to:

  • Recognize benefits fraud
  • Understand how to avoid becoming involved in fraudulent activities
  • Realize that benefits fraud is a crime and therefore has real consequences

What are some examples of benefits fraud?

Learning how to recognize benefits fraud is a first step towards preventing it. Here are some examples of benefits fraud:

  • Billing for services that never occurred
  • Health or dental service providers falsifying medical conditions to provide an unnecessary treatment or service
  • Health or dental service providers and plan members conspiring to increase the amount of a claim to ensure full coverage, so the plan member doesn’t have to pay the deductible
  • Claiming services different from those provided
  • Transferring unused benefits to others, such as using dependent’s unused benefits to cover another’s health or dental expenses

How could this affect your benefits?

  • Coverage levels could be at risk because UBC is required to pay more for benefits coverage.
  • Sun Life may find it necessary to disallow certain medical and dental service providers from claims processing and reimbursement in an effort to better protect the plan. These providers are placed on a Sun Life “delisted providers” list.

Take the time to review Sun Life’s list, so that you don’t unknowingly use a delisted provider, which would result in your claim being declined. This list is updated periodically.

To view the Sun Life delisted providers list:

  1. Log in to www.mysunlife.ca or use the Sun Life mobile app.
  2. Select “Coverage Information” and then the message for delisted providers found on the right-hand side of the screen. You will need to ensure you have pop-up blockers turned off.

How can I help prevent benefits fraud?

  • Know your plan. Familiarize yourself with your benefits plan and any applicable limits/maximums.
  • Understand the treatments, services and products provided to you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • Keep your benefits information confidential. Keep your drug card, certificate/member ID and plan/policy number in a safe place and don’t give it to anyone.
  • Check your explanation of benefits and receipts. Make sure your receipts are correct and reflect the services you actually received. If your service provider submits claims electronically for you, cross-check your receipt/invoice with the explanation of benefits (EOB) provided by Sun Life to confirm both reflect the services you received.
  • Never sign claims forms in advance. Don’t sign blank claims forms in advance of services being performed.
  • Report suspicious activity. If you notice anything suspicious, contact Sun Life’s Fraud Hotline at 1-888-882-2221 or email clues@sunlife.com.

For more information:

Visit the following websites to learn more about the Fraud=Fraud campaign, as well as the insurance industry and Sun Life’s efforts to prevent benefits fraud:

References:

1 Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association – Healthcare Anti-Fraud

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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The Importance of Updating Your Personal and Beneficiary Information

By Human Resources Communications on February 21, 2019

 

Benefit Your Beneficiaries by Updating Your Personal Information

Changes in life and relationships can happen in the blink of an eye. With this in mind, it’s important to notify the university and update personal information such as your designated beneficiaries or address.

What is a beneficiary?

A beneficiary is the person, persons, or entity you name on a life insurance policy to receive the proceeds of the life insurance policy upon your death.

Naming a beneficiary ensures that they receive all of your life insurance benefit in the event of your death. Since this benefit is not part of your will, provincial probate fees and lawyer fees don’t apply, and creditors will not have an opportunity to get access to it.

What is an estate?

A person’s estate can include all of a person’s possessions, including their property, other assets, and debts at the time of their death.

If you don’t designate a beneficiary, your life insurance will be paid to your estate in the event of your death (or your spouse’s estate in the event of their death, if you hold Spousal Optional Life Insurance). Probate will occur, which is a lengthy and costly legal process of administering your estate.

Why do I need to update my beneficiary?

In the event of a claim, you want the benefit to be paid to the correct individual(s) or organization.

How do I check and update my life insurance beneficiary?

To view your current life insurance beneficiary:

  1. Log in to the Faculty & Staff Self-Service portal at msp.ubc.ca, using your Campus-Wide Login (CWL) and password. If you are off campus, you will need to connect using VPN.
  2. Click on “My Benefits”.
  3. Click on “Basic Life” or “Optional Life/AD&D” (if applicable).
  4. Your current beneficiary will be displayed. If you need to update this information, refer to the following instructions.

To update your life insurance beneficiary:

  1. Fill out the relevant form:
  1. Submit the original, completed form to your nearest UBC Payroll Office (see below) and keep a copy for your personal records.

It is also important to keep your beneficiary information up-to-date for your UBC pension benefits. In the event of your death, your designated beneficiary(ies) may receive a death benefit from the plan.

Under British Columbia pension legislation, your spouse must be named as your primary beneficiary unless they sign a survivor benefits waiver.

For more details about pension beneficiary designations, visit the Staff Pension Plan or Faculty Pension Plan.

If you have questions about pension beneficiaries, contact the Pension Office at 604-822-8100 or email spp@hr.ubc.ca for the Staff Pension Plan or fpp@hr.ubc.ca for the Faculty Pension Plan.

Why do I need to update my address?

This is to ensure that important correspondence is sent to the correct address.

To view and update your current address:

  1. Log in to the Faculty & Staff Self-Service portal at www.msp.ubc.ca, using your Campus-Wide Login (CWL) and password. If you are off campus, you will need to connect using VPN.
  2. Click on “My Personal Summary”.
  3. You will be able to edit and view your address.
  4. If you are enrolled in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) through UBC and need to update your address with Health Insurance BC, please fill out this form and submit it to the appropriate UBC Payroll Office:

Vancouver Campus
UBC Financial Operations
Attention: Payroll Services
5th Floor – TEF 3
6190 Agronomy Road
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3

Okanagan Campus
Finance Operations & Strategies
Attention: Payroll
ADM006 – 1138 Alumni Ave
Kelowna, BC Canada V1V 1V7

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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2018 Tax Info: Medical Expense Claims and T4/T4A Receipts

By Human Resources Communications on February 21, 2019

If you or your eligible dependents have any Extended Health and/or Dental claims from the 2018 calendar year that were not reimbursed by Sun Life (or another benefit plan), you may be able to claim these expenses on your income tax return depending on you or your dependents’ net income.

You may be eligible to claim unreimbursed medical expenses on your tax return if:

  • You (or your spouse) have unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed the lesser of 3% of your net income or $2,268; or
  • Your eligible dependents have unreimbursed medical expenses that exceed the lesser of 3% of their net income or $2,268.

For more information on the types of medical expenses for which you can claim and how to do this, visit the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website.

Note: Any Medical Services Plan (MSP) premiums you pay cannot be claimed on your tax return.

Questions about claiming medical expenses should be directed to the CRA or your financial advisor.

2018 Tax Receipts Now Available

Faculty, staff and student employees can download their 2018 T4 and T4A statements for their tax returns via the Faculty & Staff Self-Service Portal.

To download your statement:

  1. Log in to the Faculty & Staff Self-Service portal at www.msp.ubc.ca, using your Campus-Wide Login (CWL). If you are off campus, you will need to connect using VPN.
  2. Click on “HRMS Self-Service”.
  3. In the “My Pay” column of the screen, select “Year End Slips” to access your statement for the current and previous years. If you have not previously accessed your slip(s) online, you will be required to acknowledge a consent agreement.

Note: Faculty and staff who choose not to accept the agreement will receive their T4/T4A statements in late February, consistent with the requirements of the CRA.

For more information about your taxes or obtaining your tax slips, visit https://finance.ubc.ca/payroll/your-taxes.

About T4 and T4A’s

T4 Receipt (Slip) – Statement of Remuneration Paid

  • Issued for employees who received salary, wages, tips or gratuities, bonuses, vacation pay, employment commissions, other remuneration and taxable benefits

T4A Receipt (Slip) – Statement of Pension, Retirement, Annuity, and Other Income

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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Mental Health Clinical Services for Staff and Faculty at UBC

By Human Resources Communications on February 21, 2019

Did you know that UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan each have a psychology clinic that offers confidential services to adults in the community?

Services are provided by graduate students under the direct supervision of registered psychologists from the Department of Psychology’s faculty and the community. UBC faculty and staff can access these services and submit the cost through their Extended Health benefits for reimbursement from Sun Life.

Vancouver Campus

Services & Assessment

Most of the services offered through the UBC Vancouver Psychology Clinic services are in the form of individual therapy, however, group treatment may also be offered depending on the frequency of referrals for particular topics.

Assessment and treatment services are offered every weekday between September and April. Services are offered on a limited basis from May to August.

Psychological assessments are offered for adults to clarify a diagnosis, better understand your unique situation and recommend appropriate treatment or supports.

Treatment

The UBC Vancouver clinic offers psychotherapy to individuals with the aim of helping them cope more effectively, gain greater insight and achieve specific goals. Supported by the latest scientific research, the clinic offers high quality treatments that include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and short-term psychodynamic therapy.

For 2018-2019, the clinic is offering individual treatment for adults seeking help with:

  • Anxiety disorders, including:
    • Panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia)
    • Social anxiety disorder
    • Specific phobias (e.g. fear of flying, fear of dogs)
    • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Depression (excluding bipolar disorder)
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Relationship and life transition difficulties
  • Perfectionism
  • Hoarding

They also offer group therapy for adults seeking help with:

  • Hoarding
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (starts Spring 2019)

For more information

Visit the UBC Vancouver Psychology Clinic website or contact their office directly at 604-822-3005 or clinic@psych.ubc.ca.

Okanagan Campus

Services & Assessment

The UBC Okanagan Psychology Clinic provides affordable assessment and treatment for adults based on a sliding scale and by scheduled appointment only. At this time, the clinic provides the services outlined below.

Assessment services:

  • Cognitive and personality/emotional assessment
  • Learning disability assessment to clarify diagnosis
  • Neuropsychological assessment for individuals who have experienced neurological events including stroke, traumatic brain injury, dementia, etc.
  • Psychoeducational assessment

Treatment services (individual or group psychotherapy for adults with various psychological problems or concerns including but not limited to):

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depressive disorders
  • Healthy weight management
  • Substance use disorders
  • Adjustment disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

Walk-in Clinic

In addition to the regular assessment and treatment services listed above that require a scheduled appointment, the clinic offers a Walk-In Clinic that runs every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Individuals are seen on a first-come, first-serve basis by a senior doctoral level student or registered psychologist. The Walk-In Clinic provides an intake assessment, brief solution-focused therapy, and as appropriate, recommendations or referrals for ongoing care.

For more information

Visit the UBC Okanagan Psychology Clinic website or contact their office directly at 250-807-8241 or ipc.ok@ubc.ca.

Submitting Claims Through Extended Health

As these services are provided by graduate students under the supervision of psychologists who have either a PhD or R.Psych and are licensed and registered by the College of Psychologists of BC, they are eligible for reimbursement under your Extended Health plan.

When submitting a claim for these services, you will need to input the name and credentials of the supervising registered psychologist. Visit our Making a Claim page for more details.

Other Supports at UBC

Emergency Counselling Services

If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis that requires immediate counselling services, and you’re enrolled in the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), call Morneau Shepell at 1-800-387-4765 and select the emergency option to speak to a crisis counsellor. If you want to arrange an in-person counselling session during this call, an appointment will be guaranteed within 24 hours.

For more information about EFAP, read this article on What to Expect when Calling EFAP.

Social Work Mental Health Clinic

Located within the Interprofessional Clinic at UBC Okanagan, the Social Work Mental Health Clinic specializes in the assessment and treatment of children and youth with moderate to severe mental health concerns (e.g. anxiety, depression, bipolar, suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviours, psychosomatic difficulties). The child and youth services are offered for no fee and are not limited to a specific number of sessions. The clinic utilizes evidence-based clinical assessments and interventions. They take a collaborative, family-oriented approach and allocate multiple clinicians to work with each family for strong, team-based support.

Services include:

  • Weekly one-hour individual meetings with the child or youth
  • Weekly one-hour meetings with at least one parent or primary caregiver to gather information about the child, to provide psychoeducation and emotional support, and to assist with case management, as needed
  • Comprehensive support through ongoing collaboration with the child or youth’s school and/or any other involved professionals
  • Periodic conferences with the clinical team and family to set goals and monitor change

Visit the Social Work Mental Health Clinic for more information or contact the clinic at  250-807-8241 (Ext. 1) or clinic.ok@ubc.ca.

Do you have questions? Contact the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team at benefitsinfo@hr.ubc.ca.

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