Do I have to talk to my supervisor or human resources department to get information about my EAP benefit?
No. You do not have to notify them in any way that you are seeking services provided by EAP. Simply call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 530.891.5571. You can also email us. In any case, services are confidential.
What happens when I call EAP?
EAP professionals are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you will talk with an intake counselor whose primary job is to understand your needs. Our intake counselors listen, and then ask some questions to connect you with a provider who will be responsive to your specific needs. If there is any reason you are not satisfied with a counselor, please call us so that we can link you with a new provider that better suits your needs.
Does my employer know I'm calling?
No. Your employer is provided only statistical information that shows the number or type of services used. They do not have access to the names of clients or the specific reasons for their calls. All of this information is kept confidential. Please feel free to contact us if you would like a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices, or view it on this website.
How much do services cost?
Although almost all of the services are offered free of charge to you, the cost varies on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on your company's coverage. There are generally a specified number of counseling sessions available to you free-of-charge. If long-term counseling is desired, the counselor you see would continue billing through your health insurance, at which point standard co-payment fees would apply. If you need services that are not available through EAP, our counselors can help identify and facilitate referrals to healthcare plans or other appropriate resources.
Who is eligible to participate?
Employees of the companies we contract with and their family members who are eligible for the employee's health insurance may utilize the services we provide. If there are special circumstances or you have questions about your specific benefit, please call us and we would be happy to answer your questions.
My employer suggested that I call EAP to resolve some of my issues. I am a good worker. Why are they suggesting I need help?
Companies purchase EAP benefits because they care about their employees and want the very best assistance in a time of need. If you were referred by a member of management or human resources, it is because they value you and your work. They understand that everyone needs a little help sometimes in order to be their best. A workplace referral to the EAP means that your employer wants you to have all of the resources available to resolve workplace issues. Furthermore, a referral to EAP does not necessarily indicate a mental health problem. While we do assist individuals that need help with depression, anxiety, etc., we also assist people to grow and perform to their full potential in their jobs and in their lives. We can help with budgeting and financing, resolving legal matters, caring for an elder or a child and several other issues. EAP helps employees resolve their personal issues in a positive way. This helps people to be better at work. EAP can be the right resource to help you find the right answer.
I'm already going through so much. Why is my employer punishing me and making me go to the EAP too?
The EAP is not a punishment. It is a means for your employer to help valuable employees develop and grow so that they may stay with the company for a longer time. A referral to the EAP is a sign that your employer cares about you and wants to see you succeed.
What type of counselor will I be referred to?
You may wonder if we will refer you to the "right" counselor. Developing trust and confidence in a counselor is important in terms of the quality of work you do with him or her. That is why our staff listens closely to your needs and preferences and works hard to achieve a good client/counselor match each time. Because of the size of our network and our familiarity with the counselors in it, ninety-eight percent of customers who respond to surveys tell us they are satisfied or very satisfied with their counselors. If, however, a match does not seem "right" we encourage you to call us. We are happy to refer you to a different counselor to restore your used session if we don't make a good match.
What is counseling like?
Counseling is a process that begins with understanding your needs. Counselors can help you describe your concerns verbally and sometimes emotionally. As you tell your story, the counselor may ask questions or share observations that may help you see and/or feel things differently. Experiencing problems from a new perspective often leads to the discovery of options and resources that had not been seen before. Many people find it helpful and reassuring to have a neutral person to talk with about their problems. This tends to give people an outlet for their feelings. As well as some comfort in knowing they are not alone.
Will the information I share with the counselor remain confidential?
Your confidentiality is important to us at EAP. We protect your confidentiality to the fullest extent of the law and we abide by the most stringent standards of client privacy. Your company, your coworkers and even your family will not hear about services to you from us unless you request it or the law requires it. It is clearly stated in our contracts that the organizations we serve don't have access to our records. Corporate customers don't pay us through a "claims" process so we don't submit individual claims. Our program reports never contain client names or other identifying information. All requests for information are treated with respect to maintaining confidentiality.
EAP counselors are, however, subject to laws and regulations regarding confidentiality. There are certain circumstances in which confidentiality must be breached. While these situations don't happen often, we are required to report child or elder abuse, to take appropriate action if there is a threat of harm to self or others and to respond to court ordered subpoenas.
How soon can I get an appointment?
The EAP staff works hard to arrange appointments that are responsive to your needs and preferences. Appointments are generally available during the hours from 8AM to 6PM, Monday through Friday. Appointments can be arranged at other times and on weekends. Urgent concerns are responded to immediately, and our crisis response team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Generally, how long does a counseling session last?
Though they may be shorter or longer, most counseling sessions last between 50 and 60 minutes.
Are appointments conducted over the phone or face to face?
EAP offers a variety of services to meet your needs. Our Life Management services, such as financial, eldercare, and legal consultations are usually conducted by phone, mail and/or fax. Counseling sessions are typically conducted in private, face-to-face clinical settings and our legal consulting is provided by licensed attorneys.
How frequently will I meet with my counselor?
Typically, at the end of the first session, the counselors ask if you want to continue with counseling. If you do want to continue, the frequency of future sessions is discussed. Often, appointments are scheduled on a weekly basis, but that may vary based on your needs and/or preferences.
What happens after all of my allocated EAP sessions are used?
If there is a desire to continue service after all allocated EAP sessions have been used, EAP counselors will help clients access available healthcare benefits or other appropriate resources. If all allocated sessions have been used and a new need arises, EAP counselors will continue to be available to assess matters and help you connect with appropriate services through healthcare benefits or other available resources.
