Montréal-based healthtech startup Dialogue is launching Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to give employees quick, virtual access to practitioners across multiple disciplines, including mental health, financial services, legal, career counselling, and crisis management.
“We’re building a one-stop-shop solution that breaks down the barriers of current care models.”
Dialogue, which has until now focused on providing a telemedicine solution, appears to be expanding into new verticals with the EAP services. The startup said it is building on its existing technology and working in partnership with existing clients to make the new solution available in the Fall.
“As health and wellness continues to be a top priority for organizations, it’s critical that we simplify access to important tools like Employee Assistance Programs and make it as easy as possible for people to get the support they need, as soon as they need it,” said Jean-Nicolas Guillemette, COO of Dialogue. “We’re building a one-stop-shop solution that breaks down the barriers of current care models and empowers people to take control of their health.”
EAPs generally refer to confidential, short-term counselling services for employees with personal difficulties that affect their work performance. Although EAPs, which are usually funded by employers, are mainly aimed at work-related issues, many EAPs can also assist with problems outside of the workplace.
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Dialogue claimed the demand for EAPs has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the crisis has increased the need for employees to seek out financial, legal, and mental health support.
The startup noted that many EAPs rely on legacy technology that can be “process-heavy” and “time-consuming.” Dialogue’s EAP services are aimed to reduce wait times and give employees faster access to support.
Dialogue’s EAP offering, which will come in the form of a mobile app, will be offered on a per employee, per month basis. The program will be available to Dialogue’s existing clients before full commercial launch.
The new product comes less than one month after the startup raised $43 million CAD led by Canadian life insurance company Sun Life Financial. Founded in 2016 and incubated in Diagram Ventures, Dialogue’s flagship telemedicine solution offers employees access to front-line healthcare providers through its virtual care platform.
Image source Unsplash. Photo by Dylan Ferreira.