Employee Assistance Program EAP

Employee assistance programs or EAPs are programs offered by employers which include confidential assessments, counseling, and referrals for federal agency workers who have personal or work-related problems. The EAPs are voluntary and are offered for free. Problems addressed by an EAP are personal and can include counseling for any mental health issue such as stress, mental disorders, abuse, or family relationship issues.
EAP counselors work directly with the employee's managers or supervisors to help the employees. If workplace violence or an emergency situation arises they also may be called to help the business organization.

Clinical Counseling through the Employee Assistance Program

Although state and federal implementation of the EAP program may vary, generally employees have three options for getting help. Workers may schedule appointments with a clinician and visit with them face to face, they may connect with their counselor on the phone, or if they are separated by distance but prefer a face-to-face conversation, they may choose to use a web video.

Generally, active state employees, their lawful spouse or registered domestic partner and unmarried dependent children are eligible to utilize EAP. Dependent children in the military are not eligible. Eligibility can vary by state.

How many EAP sessions will I get?

The number of sessions a state worker may attend will vary based on the employee's collective bargaining agreement. In California, for instance, the state has three benefit categories which determine how many sessions each employee may receive.

A level one employee may have 7 sessions per problem type, level 2 employees may attend 3 sessions per problem, and level 3 employees may attend three sessions total. Talk to your union representative if you have questions about your eligibility for Employee Assistance Counseling and the Employee Assistance Program.