What is EAP?

- Elda-Rosa Coulthrust, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS

EAP QUICK GUIDE

EAP - Employee Assistance Programs. These are programs purchased by companies for the benefit of their employees and significant others that reside with them. EAP provides no cost, confidential screening/assessments, referrals and counseling which is paid for by the employer. EAP provides short term counseling using a solution focused brief therapy model which usually ranges from 1-6 counseling sessions. The initial session is a screening/assessment to determine whether the issue is appropriate for short term solution focused counseling, or whether longer term counseling is more clinically appropriate. It should be noted that solution focused brief therapy can be effective in resolving a variety of presenting issues such as depression, stress, relationship issues, work related issues, grief or drugs/alcohol use. When needed and clinically appropriate, the EAP affiliate counselor will seek referrals to community supports/resources, longer term counseling, treatment facilities and/or psychiatric services. The sessions are confidential the company does not get identifying information about an employee using this benefit. This assures anonymity for the client and a safe counseling environment. An exception to this would be mandatory referrals (sometimes called formal referrals) in which case the client would sign a written release of information allowing the EAP to confirm attendance, compliance, and recommendations to a designated supervisor or HR individual. There are other rare situations where state law and ethics may require reporting to local authorities.

Contact us today to see if we are an affiliate provider for your company’s EAP.