Frequently Asked Questions


Program and Eligibility

What is the MedGrocer Pro Bono Counseling Program?

MedGrocer offers its Pro Bono Counseling Program to identified members of partner organizations. Under the Program, you can engage with mental health professionals via online consultation on an appointment-based schedule. 

Can I use the services offered under the Program?

Active employees/members of MedGrocer’s partner organizations are generally eligible for the Program, subject to the terms and conditions of the service contract entered into. You will know you are eligible if you received notice from your employer about the existence of the Program. 

We may check eligibility at any time by asking for certain identifying information such as but not limited to employee ID or work email.

Can I transfer eligibility to another person?

Eligibility may not be transferred. Only active employees/members of MedGrocer’s partner organizations are eligible for the Program. Dependents such as parents, children, siblings, and spouses are not eligible. Former employees are likewise not eligible.

When can I avail of the services?

The Program will run from  August 15 to December 16, 2022. You can start to request a teleconsult on August 15, 2022. The final date for scheduled consultations will be on December 16, 2022. The Program and its services are co-terminus with a service contract entered into between MedGrocer and your employer. 

How many teleconsult sessions can I avail under the Program?

Clients may avail up to a maximum of eight (8) teleconsult sessions upon enrollment in the program. However, clients do not need to consume all eight sessions. The number of sessions will depend on factors such as but not limited to case severity, client’s decision to follow-up, client’s availability, and the counselor’s clinical judgment.

Can I be prescribed psychiatric medications under the Program?

The Program does not cover psychiatric services. For cases assessed to benefit from psychiatric or medical treatment, MedGrocer may refer the client to public health services.

How do I enroll in the Program?

As long as you are eligible, you may request to talk to a mental health professional by filling out the form on the booking website mgmind.medgrocer.com.

Teleconsultations

What are teleconsultations?

Teleconsultations are one-on-one sessions between you and your assigned mental health professional, much like an in-person consultation. They take place via online video call, which means you can take the teleconsultation during your preferred schedule and from your preferred location.

In teleconsultations, mental health professionals walk you through any concerns you may have regarding your mental health. It’s worth noting that you may want to talk to someone even if you are healthy and have no issue at all. The mental health professionals will assess your situation and provide advice and next steps.

How do I schedule a teleconsultation?

Please accomplish the form on the booking website mgmind.medgrocer.com to book a teleconsultation. A proposed schedule will be emailed to you with a calendar invite and video call instructions. Please respond within12 hours to confirm your slot. 

When can teleconsultations be scheduled?

Upon booking, you will be asked what your preferred schedule is. Teleconsultation schedules are available Monday to Friday, from 8AM to 8PM, subject to slot availability. 

What if I am in a mental health crisis and need to talk to my mental health professional ASAP?

This Program is not a crisis-based clinical service and does not cover mental health emergencies. As such, our mental health professionals are only accessible during their scheduled sessions. Reports of being at risk of harm to self or others during sessions shall be handled by our mental health professionals following a standardized safety plan. Reports outside of sessions cannot be handled, and clients will be redirected to contact public crisis hotlines.

Where and how can I take the teleconsultations?

You may take your teleconsultations wherever you feel safe and comfortable. Just ensure that you are in a physical space where psychological safety and auditory/visual privacy can be obtained.

On the date and time of your consultation, open the calendar invite and click the Google Meet link to start your session. You will need a stable internet connection and a gadget with a microphone and a camera (e.g., laptop, smartphone).

I don’t have access to a stable internet connection, or don’t have the equipment to get into a video call. Can I still book a teleconsultation?

We highly encourage you to secure a stable internet connection and equipment to get into a video call, so that the teleconsultation can take place via Google Meet. This is to make sure that your experience is as close as possible to an in-person consultation and that your data is secure. 

However, if you really do not have access to these, you may still request a teleconsultation through alternative channels. This will be evaluated on a case-to-case basis by the MedGrocer team and we will guide you on which channel we can use.

Mental Health Professionals

What is the background of MedGrocer’s mental health professionals?

Mental health professionals under MedGrocer’s Pro Bono Counseling Program are psychologists-in-training supervised by licensed psychologists. They are Masters in Counseling/Clinical Psychology candidates who have successfully completed their university coursework and passed MedGrocer’s screening and training process. All our mental health professionals are required to adhere to the ethical standards of practice as mandated by MedGrocer, the Mental Health  Law, and the Psychological Association of the Philippines.

I already consult a mental health professional outside of MedGrocer. Can I still go on sessions with MedGrocer’s mental health professionals?

Yes, you may still request to go on teleconsultation sessions even if you are currently seeing another mental health professional.

Will I be able to select my mental health professional?

Your case goes through a triage process based on your personal situation, and your preferred schedule. You will be assigned a mental health professional that best suits your needs. For follow-up sessions, you may request to talk to a different mental health professional if this is your preference for any reason.

Contact

For other concerns, feel free to reach us at mentalhealth@medgrocer.com

MedGrocer's digitally-enabled corporate healthcare solutions and patient programs empower our customers to get their medicines, vaccines, and teleconsultations conveniently, cost-effectively, and intelligently.

Every year, we serve over one million Filipinos either directly or through partnerships with employers and pharmaceutical companies.

© 2022, MedGrocer · MedGrocer (MG Health Solutions, Inc.)

Get Started
Help Center