Morneau Shepell's My EAP now gives users immediate access to counsellors through their mobile devices

Award-winning mobile app opens up Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) support to users

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Today Morneau Shepell, under its Shepell•fgi brand, released a new version of its My EAP mobile device application that includes First Chat. Available in Canada, First Chat connects employees and their family members to private and immediate clinical support with professional counsellors via online chat technology.

According to Barb Veder, Clinical Director, Morneau Shepell, "We consistently strive to reach those in need of support through client-driven offerings that adhere to clinical integrity and best practices. Unique to the EFAP industry, First Chat is the next step in accessibility to professional support. In fact, we discovered that 65% of all First Chat users are new users to this counselling modality and new users of EFAP services in general."

With this release, users can instantly access professional counselling, learn more about their EFAP support services, and make a booking through live online chat with just a touch of the screen or button directly on their mobile device—anytime, anywhere.

"Offerings such as My EAP and First Chat are changing the EFAP and professional counselling landscape," says Stephen Liptrap, Executive Vice-President, Morneau Shepell and General Manager, Shepell•fgi. "This app release reaffirms our commitment to developing innovative and high quality clinical tools that reflect how organizations and individuals need and want support."

A big hit with users, the critics agree: My EAP recently won the 2012 Innovation of the Year Award from the Employee Assistance European Forum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of employee assistance and work-life services.

My EAP has the potential to help 20 million people—the number of mobile subscribers in Canada, according to Statistics Canada. "Now more than ever, people have the means to easily access professional support, when and how they're most comfortable," says Liptrap.

My EAP is the first EFAP support available for mobile devices worldwide. It offers practical solutions and support for issues that impact users' work, health and life, and is free to download on Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad; RIM's BlackBerry Bold, Curve, and Torch models; and Android devices. Download it now at morneaushepell/myeap.

About Morneau Shepell

Morneau Shepell is the largest Canadian-based firm offering consulting and outsourcing services for workforce programs. The company works with clients to develop innovative solutions that integrate with their business strategies to achieve results. Through health and productivity, administrative, and retirement solutions, 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 1966, Morneau Shepell serves over 8,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations in North America. With approximately 2,700 employees in offices across North America, we provide services to organizations across Canada, in the United States and around the globe.

Morneau Shepell Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

SOURCE: Morneau Shepell Ltd.

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