Employee Assistance Program
Myths and Realities: Who we are & how we can help
The EAP not only offers counseling services by licensed psychologists, we also offer our employees several advantages. We are located within the work-site, so it becomes easier to utilize our program and we have knowledge of the unique environment within which we are employed. The EAP staff also consists of psychologists that have had extensive training and experience not only with mental health issues but work place issues as well. The EAP is inclusive by offering short-term counseling, assessment, and referrals to assist with a wide breadth of concerns. We can also help direct employees towards the other benefits that are available through the laboratory.
When you voluntarily seek services from the EAP, your participation is strictly confidential unless you give written permission for information to be released. All EAP psychologists are licensed in the state of California and are legally bound by the laws of confidentiality. Your visits will NOT be noted in your personnel file or medical record.
When someone is mandated to attend the EAP for assessment (i.e., Fitness for Duty evaluation), a different consent is used which allows for communication to the referring manager about the employee's attendance, compliance with treatment, and prognosis. No specific information is given about diagnosis or additional treatment that may be recommended.
Location and hours of operation are one of the differences. The onsite EAP is in Health Services and operates during Laboratory regular business hours (8:00 to 4:45) M-F. The onsite EAP is staffed by licensed psychologists who offer short term counseling, and have extensive knowledge and experience of both mental health and work place issues. CONCERN offers 5 visits, per person on an annual basis. CONCERN has contracted clinicians throughout the area and appointments can be coordinated in the evening. Employees and dependent family members can receive services with either option.
Contact with the EAP will not be revealed to anyone without your knowledge and written consent. We do not contact your work or family and cannot reveal any information, even your attendance at an appointment, without a written consent. The exception as required by law for all licensed psychologists, is for cases of child abuse or neglect, elder abuse and in situations where there is a threat of imminent harm to self or others.
Everyone experiences situations where they need support and/or direction at some point, which is encouraged by DOE. DOE reports that a common reason for losing one's clearance is when an individual has NOT sought or continued with recovery services for a substance abuse problem. The DOE will ask employees upon reinvestigation if they have sought counseling, this is sometimes misunderstood as a potential problem for obtaining ones clearance. In fact, counseling does not in and of itself impact your clearance status. DOE, LLNL, and Security support employee's addressing personal and work related problems.
The EAP record is kept separate from all other records. It is accessed only by EAP department staff on an "as needed" basis.
Yes, EAP psychologists are available to consult with managers regarding concerns that they may have about an employee's performance problems, workplace behaviors, or personal problems that may or may not be impacting work performance. The EAP is available to consult confidentially with you on how best to approach the given situation and how best to support and motivate an employee to seek assistance through the EAP. This can occur as an informal consult or with planning for a Fitness for Duty Evaluation.
It is good to be pro-active in getting help for this type of issue. Often, if left untreated, individuals have more severe problems and consequences with their use of drugs or alcohol. The EAP can help to assess your level of need in addressing a drug or alcohol concern. There are different treatment options that can be utilized depending on the level of need; psychologists will consult with employees so that they are well informed of what is available. This form of help does fall under confidentiality. DOE responds much more favorably when the employee takes action before workplace problems develop. An example would be an employee who identifies him/herself as having a problem, and who follows through with their recommended treatment and continuing care plan.
Everyone experiences difficulties at some time or another. All EAP psychologists have the expertise to help you with a wide variety of problems. These include personal and workplace stress, depression/emotional concerns, marital family/relationship difficulties, alcohol/drug problems, communication issues, and concerns regarding eldercare issues to name just a few. The sooner you consult with us regarding your concerns, the better we are equipped to assist you in preventing the situation from escalating.
EAP services are also available to dependent family members of Lab employees. Family members may use the services for individual sessions or employees may bring a family for conjoint sessions if their participation will assist in resolving difficulties. The services include assessment and short term counseling. If ongoing services will be beneficial (beyond the short term services) for a family member, the EAP psychologist will assist them in identifying resources for further support either through their health plan or community resources.
Yes, the EAP staff is knowledgeable of the resources that are available in the community and can help assess your particular situation and identify the appropriate resources.
The services that the EAP provides are a benefit to the employee and there is no cost for the individual who participates in counseling with the onsite staff. There is no expectation for the employee to charge sick leave or vacation for the time of the visit(s).
The EAP staff are licensed psychologists in the state of California, with many years of experience in the Employee Assistance Program and mental health fields. The EAP provides an expertise in assisting individuals with work place and personal concerns, and for managers dealing with difficult employee situations.
To schedule an appointment or for general information, please call 925-423-6609.