When you think about your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), counselling is probably the first service that comes to mind.

But there's much more available through TELUS Health.

Eligible OTA members can now access an expanded range of confidential wellbeing services, including expert financial coaching and nutrition support, adding to the counselling services many members already know about.

These services are designed to help you stay well, build confidence and navigate everyday life, whether you're planning for the future, managing life's transitions or simply looking to improve your overall wellbeing.

Alex Reynolds, OTA's Chief Operating Officer, said the expanded services reflect OTA's commitment to supporting members across every stage of their personal and professional lives.

"Occupational therapists spend their careers supporting the health and wellbeing of others, but it's just as important that they have access to practical, high-quality support themselves," Alex said.

"These expanded TELUS Health services recognise that wellbeing is about much more than mental health. Whether you're planning for retirement, looking to improve your financial confidence, wanting to boost your energy through better nutrition or simply looking for trusted advice, these services are there to help members thrive, not just respond when life becomes difficult."

Financial coaching: Support for every stage of life

Financial coaching is one of the newest additions to the TELUS Health service and offers practical, confidential guidance on many of life's biggest financial decisions.

While many people assume financial coaching is only for times of financial hardship, the reality is that members use the service for everything from managing day-to-day finances to planning for retirement.

"Lots of clients come to us and they'll say, 'I thought I needed to be in distress' or 'I thought it was just about budgeting' and I didn't realise there were so many other topics that I could discuss," says Kate Turt, who leads the TELUS Health Financial Coaching team.

Whether you're buying your first home, raising a family, preparing for retirement or simply wanting to feel more confident managing your money, financial coaching provides practical support tailored to your circumstances.

Eligible members receive three confidential 50-minute coaching sessions at no additional cost. Coaches can help with budgeting, reducing debt, understanding superannuation, purchasing property, planning for retirement, navigating major life transitions and achieving personal financial goals.

"It might be reaching important goals, managing money better, learning about reducing debt, and also those key areas that we often don't get to learn about until it's too late, like superannuation information, investment education and transitioning to retirement," Kate said.

Unlike traditional financial planning, which often involves consultation fees and ongoing management costs, financial coaching is included as part of your eligible OTA membership.

Watch the recorded webinar

Hear from Kate Turt, who leads the TELUS Health Financial Coaching team, as she joins OTA's Chief Operating Officer, Alex Reynolds, to discuss how financial coaching can help OTA members build financial confidence, plan for the future and navigate major life transitions.

Nutrition support for everyday wellbeing

Good nutrition influences every aspect of our health, from energy and concentration to physical wellbeing and long-term disease prevention.

Eligible members can also access experienced, accredited practising dietitians through TELUS Health for personalised, evidence-based nutrition advice.

Support extends well beyond weight management. Whether you're looking to improve your energy levels, better understand gut health, support your exercise routine, improve your family's nutrition or manage a chronic health condition, qualified dietitians can provide practical guidance tailored to your goals.

The service also provides support for food intolerances and allergies, gastrointestinal conditions, pregnancy nutrition and sustainable healthy eating habits, helping members make lasting changes that support their overall wellbeing.

Supporting the whole person

Occupational therapists understand that health and wellbeing are influenced by many interconnected factors.

Financial security, nutrition, mental health, relationships and work all contribute to our ability to participate in the occupations that matter most.

The expanded TELUS Health services reflect that same holistic approach, giving eligible members access to practical, professional support across multiple aspects of everyday life, often before small challenges become bigger problems.

How to access the services

Financial coaching and nutrition support are available to eligible Full Time and New Graduate OTA members through the TELUS Health Employee Assistance Program.

Part-time members can upgrade to Full Time membership for an additional $69 per year to access these benefits and the full suite of EAP services.

To access any TELUS Health service, contact the OTA Member Services team, who will connect you with TELUS Health confidentially.