All
kinds! Think of the range of difficulties you, your family, friends,
and coworkers have experienced, and you’ll
have some idea. It doesn’t need to be a crisis. In fact, it is often
easier to make changes if you don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed.
What happens
at the EAP?
The first step, for any individual, is to be heard. An EAP counselor
will listen, help you sort out issues, feelings, and goals, and
encourage you to make some decisions to begin working towards a
solution. Sometimes one or two visits will result in significant
changes. Up to six free sessions are offered. Often a referral will
be made for additional assistance based on need, personal
preference, and health insurance coverage. EAP staff also provides
follow-up contact to see if the problem has improved.
What about workplace problems?
EAP was designed primarily to assist employees with personal
problems which are at risk of affecting work performance. However,
it is clear that problems in all areas of life may be intricately
related. Our goal is to help define the issues and develop
alternative strategies to resolve the problem and/or manage the
stress.
How Confidential is the EAP?
Confidentiality is the most important part of the EAP. Every measure
is taken to protect people's confidentiality by:
-
Complying with
all state and federal laws. Confidentiality cannot be maintained
if the individual is suicidal or homicidal, if there is
reasonable suspicion of abuse to a child, elder or incapacitated
person, if there is a court order, and, in defense against legal
action or formal complaint.
Can I get work-release time?
Employees may use work-release time for EAP appointments with prior
approval from the supervisor. The number of visits for assessment,
referral, and follow-up is at the discretion of the EAP counselor.
Employees may choose to use vacation or sick time in order to
maintain privacy. Referrals to outside agencies or individuals are
not covered by work-release time.
If it is difficult to call for an
appointment during work hours, you may call 581-4014 and leave a
confidential message on our Voice Mail at any time. Just leave a
phone number and time you can be reached, and we will return your
call.
Can my supervisor make me go to
the EAP?
Supervisors are encouraged to recommend the EAP as a resource for
employees whenever they are concerned about ongoing performance
problems. However, our service is a BENEFIT provided at no cost to
employees, and is purely voluntary. As always, all conversations are
confidential and the EAP will not disclose any information to the
supervisor unless the client signs a written release.
