Employee Assistant Program (EAPs)

Employee Assistant Programs help employees with personal problems that may affect their job performance. EAPs identify and address a wide range of health, financial, and social issues, including substance use disorders. Some EAPs also focus on alcohol and prescription drugs.

EAPs offer services such as education, individual assessments, organizational assessments, management consultation, referrals for treatment, and short-term counseling. Counseling services help employees deal with grief, work/life balance, and stress management. Some health insurances cover EAPs and other health services. Be sure to contact your health insurance provider.

EAPs When Addressing Addiction and Personal Use

EAPs were initially intended to aid employees with mental health and substance use issues; they have since expanded to incorporate other personal problems that may occur in the workplace. Since many of these issues cause problems for employees and employers, EAP is an ideal solution for both parties.

Many companies off EAPs and employees can utilize these resources any time to receive immediate free assistance. Some issues may affect an employee’s mental health, emotional well being and performance at work; such as:

• Alcohol abuse
• Drug abuse
• Psychological disorders
• Stress
• Grief

EAPs are designed to provide confidential services to help maintain employment while dealing with these issues. Job security will not be compromised if an individual seeks EAP assistance unless the law requires it. Contacting the companies HR department or referencing the employee handbook should give the appropriate information regarding EAP coverage.

Returning To Work After Treatment

Depending on the employee’s circumstances, the employer’s EAP program may allow the individual to continue working while receiving treatment. An employer may provide a temporarily adjusted work schedule to accommodate the treatment. After treatment, an eligible employee may also choose to take FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) or short-term disability to enroll in a long term treatment program. Additionally, EAP programs offer reintegration services to help employees transition back into full or part-time work.

Please contact admissions for any other questions

985.626.6300