The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an employer-sponsored benefit which provides confidential, professional assistance to help clients resolve problems that affect their personal lives or job performance.

The EAP deals with any problem that can affect a client’s well-being. The EAP provides information, counseling and referral services for many issues that include but are not limited to the following problems:



Stress is the number one reason that clients contact the EAP. Stress is part of everyday life, and most of us can usually cope. Unfortunately, stress may also lead to emotional and physical problems. An EAP counselor can help you determine if the level of stress that you are feeling is harmful and can help you find more effective ways to cope.

 


Depression can range from a mild reaction to everyday problems to a serious illness. Symptoms include persistent sadness, sleep difficulties, appetite changes and self-neglect. In serious cases when depression is left untreated, the person may become suicidal. An EAP counselor can provide you with an initial evaluation and refer you to the appropriate specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

 


At times, all couples and families experience conflict, frustration and anger. Whether you are having problems dealing with your children, or with the special issues raised by being a stepparent, the EAP can help. EAP counselors are trained to assist you to improve communication, find more appropriate ways to resolve conflict and build skills through parent effectiveness training.

 


Drug and Alcohol abuse can lead to illness, accidents, family problems, anti-social behavior and even death. Fortunately, drug and alcohol abuse are treatable problems. The most important step is to recognize that you, or your loved one, has a problem. EAP counselors can evaluate the problem, provide short-term counseling and, when necessary, refer for further treatment.

 


A traumatic event can occur at any time and at any place. These can include workplace violence, accidents, natural disasters, and robberies among others. As a result of trauma, emotional reactions may include fear, insecurity, anxiety, grief, sleep disturbance and changes in the person’s ability to function. It is always recommended that anyone directly involved in or affected by a traumatic event contact the EAP for help and support.

 


The EAP offers counseling and information in several health and fitness areas such as weight management, relaxation training and smoking cessation. The EAP is not a substitute for proper medical diagnosis or treatment. You should always consult your physician about your health concerns.

 

An EAP counselor can provide you with objective feedback about lifestyle concerns such as time management, legal problems, goal setting or financial concerns. Specialists are available to provide eldercare and childcare advisory services. The EAP can also assist you with work-related difficulties. Please note that EAP providers are licensed counselors. They are not attorneys, accountants or financial planners. EAP providers can refer you to local community based financial or legal services.
 

UniPsych understands the wide variety of problems that affect not only the lives of individuals at home but also in the workplace. Not only is the EAP helpful for clients seeking assistance but it is also a valuable tool for supervisors. UniPsych provides Supervisor Training to help supervisors deal with situations that occur in the workplace. A supervisor referral can often assist the client in identifying and resolving the cause of the client’s problem.