We all have challenging days. You know the ones—where your problems seem a bit too heavy to carry and the temptation to stay in bed is strong.

Now, close your eyes and imagine having one of those days, but this time, you can access the support you need right away. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, what if we told you this kind of support is likely already a part of your Alberta Blue Cross® benefits plan?

Life can be tough. And navigating the tough times becomes an uphill battle without the right support system. That’s why we partnered with Homewood Health—a Canadian leader in mental health and addiction services—to offer the Individual Assistance Program (IAP) to Alberta Blue Cross® personal plan members, like you.

What is it?

IAP provides short-term, confidential and professional counselling and coaching, supplemented by online tools and resources to support you and your loved ones when you need it most.

This program provides a wide range of support services such as counselling, legal advice, financial planning and more.

Who can access it?

If you’re enrolled in a personal plan with Alberta Blue Cross® including Blue Choice®, Blue Assured®, Retiree or Young Adult, you have access to IAP.

How does it work?

When you need help, you can start by contacting Homewood Health at 1-844-375-5399 or online through ab.bluecross.ca/iap. Their caring team will be there to guide you through the registration process, ensuring you receive support in a way that best suits your needs:

  • In person
  • Phone
  • Video
  • e-counselling (instant chat or private messaging)
  • Self-directed online resource packages and tools

IAP is available to you 24/7, offering 12 hours of support services per plan member and dependent(s) per year.

Whether you prefer a late-night phone chat, early-morning chat session or afternoon video call, their flexibility ensures that help is always within reach.

What makes it different?

Personalized advice from real professionals

Don’t let yourself get swept away in a sea of one-size-fits-all advice. When it comes to finding support, personalized guidance from a professional beats a generic online search any day.

With IAP, you can dive into a conversation with an experienced and understanding professional counsellor who listens to you and provides advice and resources that are tailored to your needs.

Completely confidential

Your wellbeing matters and you deserve a safe space to open up without fear of judgment or disclosure. IAP offers complete confidentiality.

Support covering various areas of life

Whether you’re battling personal hurdles, wrestling with work-related stress or navigating complex life situations, IAP is designed to meet you where you are and provide you with short-term, solution-focused support.

Through IAP, you have access to personalized health and wellness tools, counselling and support in a wide variety of areas, including:

Improving personal wellbeing

  • Mental health, depression and anxiety
  • Nutrition and weight management
  • Grief and loss
  • Alcohol, drug or smoking addiction

Managing relationships and family

  • Communication
  • Relationship conflict
  • Parenting
  • Separation and divorce

Addressing workplace challenges

  • Work-life balance
  • Career planning
  • Workplace conflict
  • Work-related stress

Taking financial and legal control in life

  • Credit and debt management
  • Retirement planning
  • Bankruptcy
  • Family law

This post was originally published May 15, 2019 and was updated on July 27, 2023 for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

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