EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

WHAT IS EAP?

This is a benefit paid by employers that offers eligible employees and their dependents mental health / therapy services to help them cope with personal or work related life issues. The therapy provided is completely confidential. The employer is not informed who received the service. The services are provided off site throughout the county. Sessions are available Monday through Friday between 9 am and 8 pm.

WHO PROVIDES THE THERAPY?

Most of the therapists providing EAP services are employed by Family Service Agency. All are licensed as Marriage & Family Therapists or Licensed Clinical Social Workers. If you need a therapist with a specialty (for example, a therapist who is trained to work with specific disabilities such as hearing or visual impairment), we may contract with a local therapist to meet this need. We have English- and Spanish-speaking therapists.

HOW MANY SESSIONS DOES THE BENEFIT PROVIDE?

The employer usually pays for two sessions. There is no cost to the employee for those visits. The employer may approve additional sessions at the employee's request. After the approved sessions have been completed, any further services will be at the employee’s expense, or may be covered by health benefits through the employer. The client may want to continue receiving services from the EAP therapist, or s/he may refer the client to other services that meet specific needs.

WHY SEE A THERAPIST? DOES THIS MEAN YOU ARE CRAZY?

There is still a lot of stigma in our society about getting help from a mental health professional. Some people feel that it betrays weakness of character, or means that there is something wrong with them. There exists a lack of understanding of what mental health therapy offers and of the types of problems that can be addressed in this kind of therapy.

There is a whole spectrum of problems that people get help for, from dealing with a particularly stressful time of life, like starting a new job or having a baby, to ongoing issues such as long-term depression, chronic illness, or alcohol or drug addiction. Getting help from a therapist is no different than going to see a doctor for a physical ailment.  As with going to the doctor, it’s best to address a problem early.

WHY IS IT HELPFUL FOR BOTH EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS TO USE THE EAP BENEFIT?

• On a typical workday, employees spend more than 50% of their waking hours at work.
• Personal problems account for more than 30% of all absenteeism.
• Only 10% to 20% of employees who are experiencing personal problems account for 80% to 85% of an organization’s personnel problems.
• Up to 66% of terminations can be attributed to personal and interpersonal factors, rather than to technical factors or job situations.
• Some 80% to 90% of all industrial accidents are related to personal problems and about half of those involve alcohol abuse.

All these statistics help show that if employees address their personal problems by using available services, they may be able to get help and resources, miss work less often, and experience more satisfaction in life and at work. Also, if employees are better able to cope with personal problems, this leads to better morale, greater motivation and loyalty, and increased employee confidence in the organization and in management.

EAP offers an immediate, safe, and confidential outlet for employees to seek assistance. Offering this service is one way an employer can demonstrate to the employees that the organization cares about the health and well being of the whole person. EAP services help to increase the knowledge and awareness of human behavior in the whole organization, which in turn helps both managers and co-workers to more readily recognize when an employee is experiencing stress or difficulties and taking immediate steps to prevent their escalation.

WORKPLACE STRESS

In these economic times, workplace stress is becoming more prevalent. Employers must balance sensitivity to their employee’s needs with the requirements of their business for greater productivity and efficiency. Employees are often expected to shoulder greater responsibilities, learn new skills, and work harder. Being flexible and able to adapt to change is a necessity in today’s economic environment, but this often comes at a cost of more work stress.

This type of stress can and often does affect one’s personal and family life. Personal, professional and family stress can all reinforce each other in a negative loop, becoming more complicated and often affecting job performance. Not only does the business suffer lost productivity, but it can also be in danger of losing a valuable employee. This scenario is the main reason why employers choose to offer Employee Assistance Program.

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

Employees should call 707-545-4551 ext. 210 to utilize the benefit. Employers may call 707-545-4551 ext. 212 to inquire about contracting with FSA. 

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