Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

Contact with the EAP is confidential and will not be shared without your knowledge and written consent. We do not inform your work or family, and cannot disclose any information, including attendance, without your written permission. Exceptions required by law include cases of child or elder abuse, or threats of imminent harm to yourself 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 not ask employees upon reinvestigation if they have sought counseling. They do ask if someone has been diagnosed with a major mental health condition, hospitalized for mental health, or received treatment for substance misuse. 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.

People come to the EAP for help with a wide range of concerns. EAP psychologists can assist with personal or workplace stress, emotional issues such as depression or anxiety, relationship or family challenges, substance use concerns, communication difficulties, and eldercare issues, among others. No problem is too small—reaching out early can help prevent issues from becoming more serious, and the EAP is here to support you every step of the way.

EAP services are available to dependent family members of Lab employees. Family members can access individual counseling sessions, or participate in joint sessions with the employee if it will help address concerns. Services include assessment and short-term counseling. If longer-term or specialized support is needed, the EAP psychologist can help identify appropriate resources through your health plan or community providers to ensure ongoing care.

Yes, EAP staff are knowledgeable about available community resources. We can assess your specific situation and needs, then help connect you with the most appropriate specialized care or services outside the organization. Our goal is to ensure you receive the support that best fits your circumstances.

EAP counseling services are provided at no cost to employees. There is also no requirement to use sick leave or vacation time for attending onsite counseling sessions.

Our EAP is located onsite, making it easier for employees to access services. Our licensed psychologists have specialized experience with both mental health and workplace issues, and understand the unique environment of our organization. We offer short-term counseling, assessments, referrals, and can connect employees to other available benefits.

The onsite EAP, located in Health Services, offers short-term counseling by licensed psychologists during regular business hours (8:00 am–4:45 pm, Monday–Friday). CONCERN provides up to 5 counseling visits per person each year with contracted clinicians throughout the area, including evening appointments. CONCERN offers services nationwide and can be a good option for out-of-state remote workers. Worklife services including Legal or Financial consultations and Elder Care referrals are also a benefit through CONCERN.

Our EAP staff are licensed California psychologists with extensive experience in employee assistance and mental health. They are skilled in helping with both workplace and personal concerns, as well as supporting managers with employee issues.

Yes, EAP psychologists can confidentially consult with managers about employee concerns, including performance or workplace behavior. We offer guidance on how to approach situations and encourage employees to seek help. Consultations can be informal or include planning for a Fitness for Duty Evaluation if needed.

Seeking help for drug or alcohol concerns is a positive and proactive step. The EAP can assess your needs and discuss treatment options, all under strict confidentiality. Taking action early is important, as it can prevent more serious problems later. The DOE generally views self-initiated help and following recommended treatment plans favorably, especially when addressed before workplace issues arise.