What is an Employee Assistance Program, or EAP?

• A program sponsored by your employer that offers confidential counseling and referral services to employees and their dependents (e.g. spouse and dependent children). Services provided to you and your dependents are absolutely free.

• A resource to help employees and family members resolve personal problems which may affect their health, well being, or job performance.

• A tool for managers, supervisors, and co-workers to deal with impaired employees whose job performance is deteriorating.

Will my employer know if I use the program?

Absolutely not, unless you tell someone you work with or authorize us (in writing) to communicate specific information to your employer. We realize that the credibility of the EAP hinges on our adherence to confidentiality requirements and a professional respect for individual privacy.

The EAP is voluntary and job security and promotional opportunities will not be jeopardized or enhanced because of participation in the program. Although periodic reports will be given to your employer on the number of employees using the program, no identifying information will ever be included in these reports.

Our counselors and clinicians work within strict codes of professional ethics and we pride ourselves on our success in maintaining employee confidentiality in all aspects of the EAP process. It is important to note that State or Federal law may require the disclosure of information (regardless of user permission) when the counselor suspects physical or sexual abuse of a child or vulnerable adult, when there is a threat of harm to oneself or another, or when a court order is issued.

What are the qualifications of your EAP counselors?

Our EAP counselors nearly always hold a masters or doctorate degree in a helping profession from an accredited college or university and have demonstrated experience in the evaluation and treatment of mental health disorders, marital and family problems, and addictions. These counselors are composed of professionals in the fields of clinical psychology, clinical social work, marriage/family therapy, psychiatric nursing, mental health counseling, and chemical dependency counseling. These state licensed and certified counselors hold one or more of the following credentials:

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist (LCP)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC)
• Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)

Because MEAS serves several employers with multiple locations, we contract with qualified "EAP Affiliates" to provide counseling/referral services in geographic locations where we do not have our own staff. For select locations, MEAS operates a "staff model" where counselors are employees of Memorial Employee Assistance Services. If you are located in Central Illinois or Southwest Metro-East Illinois, you will have convenient access to one of our counseling staff. If you live or work outside of these areas, an EAP Intake Counselor will set you up with one of our EAP Affiliates. Our current network of EAP Affiliates includes agreements with over 600 counselors and EAP firms spread throughout most of the United States. Regardless of where you live or work, MEAS will ensure a strong standard of access to a professional counselor.

What can I expect during my first appointment?

In our initial visit, an EAP counselor will:

• Review a Statement of Understanding form, which gives a summary of your EAP benefit, your rights as an MEAS client, and a description of confidentiality;
• Complete an assessment of your presenting problems as well as any secondary concerns;
• Formulate a plan of action to address your immediate or highest priority concerns;
• Evaluate whether your concerns can be addressed with short-term counseling within the EAP, or whether services outside the EAP are necessary; and
• Arrange for a second appointment or facilitate a referral to a provider covered under your medical plan benefit or other community resource.

What is "short-term" counseling within the EAP?

Short-term counseling within the EAP is most appropriate in situations of a "non-chronic" nature, primarily problems in living (e.g. marital distress, parenting concerns, mild anxiety, etc.). These problems in living are amenable to change within a course of counseling that is characterized by a specific focus, contracting for change, a planned number of sessions, and a counselor who may be somewhat strategic or directive in choice of interventions. Disorders such as clinical depression, eating disorders or chemical dependency are usually not appropriate for short-term counseling within the EAP and frequently require medical intervention or specialized treatment in a group setting.

Our research suggests that about 50% of all cases can be effectively resolved within a one to six session model EAP. The remaining 50% are usually offered a referral outside of the EAP to a specialized practitioner, treatment program, or community resource.

To access your EAP, call (888) 817-8989.