How does EAP work?

Everyone experiences problems at one time or another, both on and off the job. EAP assists employees who are having a difficult time by assessing these concerns and developing a plan that will help them resolve their problems.

The plan may include:

Individual outpatient counseling, 1-6 visits per year
Couples/Family counseling, 1-6 visits per year
Referrals to community based counselors (Exclusive Care members)
Referrals to community based resources, e.g., child care, legal referral, elder care, etc.
Other follow-up as appropriate

Making the decision to seek services.

Making the decision to seek help can be difficult and some people struggle with it. Here are some considerations that might help you decide.

"How can I concentrate on my job? I'm about to lose everything I've worked for."

Consider: If you're feeling overwhelmed, it can affect your job, your relationships and your whole outlook on life. Through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you'll not only find someone to talk with, you'll also learn problem solving skills you can apply to any area of your life.

"Most problems eventually pass. If I just stay busy, I'll be okay."

Probably not: Ignoring a problem won't make it go away. But if you address it openly, understand the situation and explore the alternatives, you have a better chance of dealing with it effectively. EAP's experienced professional staff is trained to help you through this process.

"I've always been able to get through hard times by talking to my friends and family."

Great! However… There may be times when problems seem unmanageable and begin to interfere with your ability to meet day-to-day challenges. At those times, you need someone who is trained in dealing with difficult issues. EAP's professional staff is highly qualified and can help you learn to handle the tough times.

"I can't really afford to spend any money on counseling right now."

No Problem, it's free!: The County of Riverside has provided EAP as a free benefit to you and the members of your household. You will meet with a qualified EAP professional to sort out your problems and develop strategies to resolve them. If resolving your problem requires a referral for additional counseling, your counselor will make that referral recommendation as well.

Should you not need the Employee Assistance Program at this time, keep in mind that there might come a time when you or someone in your family may need to seek direction for a personal situation. Your Employee Assistance Program will be there for you when you need it!