Is this confidential?
Yes. Absolutely. Our professional and licensed staff are mandated by state law regulating their state licensure to maintain strict confidentiality.
Are there exceptions to confidentiality?
Yes. As mandated by law, our EAP staff are obligated to report cases of abused or neglected minors, dependent adults, or elders. Also, breaking confidentiality is mandatory if a direct threat of suicide or a direct threat of homicide is made.
Can my supervisor make me go to the Employee Assistance Program?
No. Your supervisor can suggest you go to EAP if she/he feels there is a problem affecting your work performance by making a formal supervisory referral. This means that the supervisor calls EAP, gives some background about the current situation, and makes an appointment for you on your behalf. He/she then informs you that you have an appointment with EAP, tells you why she/he thinks it is important and asks you to attend. You may decline to attend.
However if you accept the referral the first appointment is on "County time".
Can my supervisor access information about my EAP visits?
No. Your supervisor will only know of your presence at EAP if you inform him/her yourself, or because you signed a written release of information permitting EAP to confirm your attendance.
Does the information I share with my EAP counselor go in my employee file?
No. EAP records are stored confidentially at the EAP office off site from other County of Riverside facilities.
How long are the sessions?
The first session is usually 1 to 1.5 hours. Subsequent sessions generally take about an hour.
Do I have to use MY time to attend?
Maybe. If your supervisor has referred you---for any reason---the first visit is on "county time", as though you are at work. However, you are responsible for any follow up visits and may use sick, vacation, "comp" or any time you've accrued. Occasionally, your supervisor might approve the use of "flex" time. But check with your department and your supervisor in advance for permission to use flex time.
May I choose the therapist I wish to see?
Yes, depending on availability and occasionally the area of expertise needed to address your particular concern.
Sometimes, but not usually. It normally takes several business days to get an appointment. EAP is not set up to be a crisis clinic.
Where are the offices located?
Both EAP offices are strategically located near large employee populations, but removed from adjacent County of Riverside facilities to provide for added privacy. The Riverside office is in downtown Riverside, near the intersection of Mission Inn Avenue and Lime Street. The Cathedral City office is on Perez Road, between Date Palm Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive.
Riverside Cathedral City
3600 Lime St., Bldg. 1, Suite 111 68-625 Perez Rd. Suite 10 A
Riverside, Ca. 92502 Cathedral City Ca. 92234
951.778.3970 760.328.6863
What is the relationship between EAP and Exclusive Care?
EAP manages all mental health and substance abuse benefits for Exclusive Care members. When an Exclusive Care member seeks mental health or substance abuse counseling or treatment their case is assessed and managed by an EAP clinician.
Will EAP counseling meet requirements for Court or School ordered counseling for myself or family member?
No. EAP does not do any kind of mandated counseling, and as a rule, does not write letters to courts, schools or other related entities.
Can my file at EAP be subpoenaed?
Yes. EAP records are occasionally subpoenaed by the court.
Can other family members access EAP services?
Only the spouse, registered domestic partner and dependent children under the age of 23 are eligible for services. If you are the legal guardian of a child, verification will be required.
Can telephone sessions be arranged?
This is up to the discretion of the clinician, but is usually not the case.
Can EAP write an off-work order for me?
No. Off-work orders must come from a doctor.
Can EAP help me with a transfer, or a raise?
No.
Can EAP help me with legal advice?
Yes, but by referral only. Our EAP clinicians cannot dispense legal advice. But we can refer you to a reputable attorney in the area and it is between you and the attorney to work out method of payment, etc.
What are the hours of EAP?
Monday through Friday 8am – 5pm