What is an EAP?
EAP stands for Employee Assistance Program. An EAP is a comprehensive resource for defining approaches and solutions to life’s stressors. Employees, their spouses and dependents may access the EAP to help them deal with a variety of personal concerns. Managers/supervisors may use the service for either personal issues and/or assistance in their role as a manager/supervisor.
What kinds of problems do you handle?
We help people deal with life issues such as stress, relationship difficulties, parenting issues, elder care, job stress and a variety of personal/emotional concerns.
As a manager/supervisor, can I call the EAP and find out if my employee has visited with the EAP?
No, unless the employee signs a release of information authorizing that contact. Anyone who calls to inquire whether an employee has been seen will get the following answer: “We can neither confirm nor deny anyone’s participation in the program.” All EAP services are confidential.
Is someone available 24 hours a day to answer calls, or is it automated?
Yes, the EAP’s office hours are 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Friday (8 am to 7pm three nights per week). For non-emergencies, it is best to call during these hours. However, if there is an emergency, a licensed EAP counselor is available to answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Is my involvement with the EAP confidential?
Yes. A person’s involvement with the EAP is strictly confidential and subject to state and Federal laws. No information will be shared with anyone without a “Release of Information” form signed by the individual. The only exception to confidentiality is the law that states that all licensed behavioral health providers are mandated reporters in the case of unreported child abuse or elder abuse and that these providers have a duty to keep people safe in the case of a threat of harm to one’s self or others.
What will it cost?
The employee assistance service is a benefit that companies pre-pay so that employees can have easy access to services that can assist them with life issues. Companies have found that when an employee has a confidential place to go to deal with these issues, this shows up in benefits to the company such as reduced absenteeism, improved performance and overall improvement in productivity.
What are the qualifications of the counselors who provide the counseling services?
AEAP counselors and their affiliates are masters’ level licensed behavioral health providers licensed by the State of Arkansas.