Employee Assistance Program

What is an Employee Assistance Program?
An employee assistance program, or EAP, is a counseling service for employees and their eligible dependents who may be experiencing personal or work place problems. You can reach the EAP by calling 1-800-308-4934 any time of day, any day of the year. Everyone has problems from time to time. Usually, we work them out. But sometimes problems persist, becoming serious enough to affect us both off and on the job. At such times, an EAP counselor may be able to help.

Why Does Your Employer Offer an EAP?
First, it’s smart business. If you’re doing well and day-to-day problems aren’t a distraction, you are more likely to be alert, motivated and concentrating on your job. This means we have a more productive organization. Second, it costs more to hire and train a new employee than it does to help and keep a current employee. And third, we care about our employees. It’s that simple.

What Types of Problems Does EAP Handle?
The EAP handles a wide range of problems. These include problems related to:

• Emotional
• Family
• Marital
• Stress
• Financial
• Substance Abuse
• Legal
• Work Place
• Elder Care

• Consultation
• Referrals
• Noon-hour Seminars
• Orientation sessions for employees and supervisors

Call 615-741-1925 for more information about these services.

Will the Counselor Keep my Problem Confidential?
Yes. Absolutely. Confidentiality is a requirement and a guarantee we make to all employees. Without it, the EAP wouldn’t work. Every counselor knows this rule. No information goes anywhere without your request and written permission. Remember, too, counselors are specially trained in EAP work. They handle delicate issues, and they have the knowledge and skills to assist you toward solving your problems.

When Can I Schedule an Appointment?
Appointments are scheduled during the regular work day. Some evening times are available upon request. With approval, you may use work time to see an EAP counselor. Over 500 counseling sites are available throughout the state.

What is an EAP Counselor?
An EAP counselor is someone educated, trained and experienced in helping employees and their eligible dependents solve their problems or referring them to professionals or organizations in the community who can. EAP counselors typically are experienced in dealing with problems in substance abuse, behavioral health, relationships, work place and numerous social, financial and legal situations that plague all of us at one time or another.

How Much Will the EAP Cost Me?
Nothing. What’s more, you are encouraged to use EAP services whenever you need help or information to best handle your job or family responsibilities. EAP services are offered at no cost to all full-time state and higher education employees and their eligible dependents, regardless of whether they participate in the State’s Group Insurance Program. Also, local education (K-12) and local government employees who participate in any of the State’s medical insurance plans and their covered dependents may also use EAP services. EAP counseling is available for problems that can be resolved in a short period of time. You may receive up to six sessions per problem episode. Referrals are made for problems requiring more time.