FREE COUNSELING!

Once again, I get so used to being in this field and the lingo and what I think is common knowledge that I need to remember that a lot of people might not be aware of what the heck is coming out of my mouth.  And, yes, that title was not one of those “too good to be true” sort of things! I was talking with someone with the other day about seeking counseling/therapy services in general and I suggested that person check out their employers EAP. I was soon met with a very blank look and a “what’s that”?

EAP, or Employee Assistance Program is that of which, your employer and most likely your insurance program will pay for a certain number of allotted sessions with a therapist to discuss life’s stressors that can sometimes get in the way of our time at work. Relationships issues, stress, depression, grief and anxiety are just a few things that can interfere with our day to day functioning. There is no co-pay or deductible and you go see the therapist at no cost to you. When a person accesses this service, you would call a number provided through your insurance company or Human Resources Department and most likely you will be asked a small amount of questions about what you are dealing with and then you will be allotted a certain number of sessions with a counselor. In some cases, you are assigned a counselor, in other cases, you are provided a list of possible providers and you will get to call and in a sense “interview” the counselor before making an appointment to ensure a good fit.  You are NOT speaking with a person from your company about what is going on, as EAPs are brokered out to an outside company who handles all referrals etc. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about talking to your boss about what is going on personally and that help is needed.

Employers are seeing more and more the benefit of a person being at their best in the work place. We are all human, and when something is off kilter in the personal aspect of our lives, we can’t always give one hundred percent to our work. This is an amazing benefit, to get the help that is needed to make is easier to function during the workday as well as when you get home at night!  As I stated above, you will be allotted a certain number of sessions and if you will require or want to continue to see a counselor, then be open with your counselor about where you are coming from as far as then going through insurance to cover the cost of your sessions or paying out of pocket. Whatever the case, when accessing EAP services, the information you give to a counselor in an appointment, does NOT ever go back to your employer, as everything is kept 100% confidential. (There are some cases in which confidentiality has to be broken, however and your therapist will review these things with you in your first appointment).  Also, it’s not only for the employed person. Every EAP has their own policies, but what I have found in most cases, is that family members can access this service too, if they are under the insurance of the employed person. A good resource is your human resources representative to answer questions for you or to provide you with a number to call and get the answers that you need.

Hopefully, this little post was helpful for you and maybe provides you with an avenue you haven’t thought of before. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about this or any topic, so please don’t hesitate to leave a comment here, call me at 636-294-5490 or email me at ldenisonlpc@gmail.com. And if you like what you hear on this blog, become a follower!  I really do look forward to hearing from you! Have a wonderful week everyone!