Employee Assistance Program

	OUHSC EAP Williams Pavilion, 3rd floor (Room 3070) (405) 271-5272
	OU-Norman EAP Counseling and Testing Services 620 Elm, Room 201 Goddard Health Center (405) 325-2911
	OU-Tulsa EAP Family and Children's Services of Tulsa (918) 587-9471

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has been established to provide professional and confidential help to faculty, staff, and their family members who are having problems. Just about everyone has problems of one kind or another, at one time or another. Most people have had some experience with the kind of problems that make it difficult to think about anything else. These can be problems caused by alcoholism or drug abuse, financial problems, marriage or family concerns, worries about health, or difficulties at work.

How the Program Works

The purpose of the EAP is to help the employee find the best resources to deal with his/her particular problem. The EAP, in cooperation with the employee, does an assessment on the nature of the problem and the best avenue for help. Depending on the type of insurance program the employee has chosen, this may mean the use of community resources, or a suggestion for additional professional care. In certain cases, this might be provided through the EAP. If you decide to accept a referral to the program, you can be sure that no University records, other than confidential EAP files, will be kept. Whatever you discuss in the EAP office will remain absolutely confidential.

Self Referral

You or a family member may call the EAP office directly for information or to make an appointment. Your visit, what you discuss and any resulting records pertaining to the service are strictly confidential. What you talk about cannot be released to anyone without your written authorization.

Supervisory Referral

If a personal problem is negatively affecting your work, your supervisor may suggest a call to the EAP office. Most supervisors do not have the training or expertise to determine the nature of your personal problem. They can only look at the job situation and your performance. If you choose to call the EAP office based on a supervisory referral, the only information the supervisor will receive is confirmation that you kept your appointment or not and if there is a need for special arrangements or time off from work.

Utilizing the EAP will not jeopardize your position or future promotions with the University, in fact it may enhance your abilities to correct a difficult situation. On the other hand, it does not excuse you from the usual disciplinary procedures. The EAP is simply an additional resource for both employees and supervisors.

EAP Services

Here is a closer look at the procedures to follow when you or a member of your family contact the EAP office.

You will visit with an EAP counselor, and together you will determine the nature of the problem.

Working with the EAP counselor, you will decide on a course of action to resolve the problem.

The EAP counselor will suggest the agency, professional person, treatment center or program best equipped to help you. Most often a formal referral must come from your Primary Care Physician, but a suggestions as to who or what program to utilize can be very useful.

The EAP counselor will continue to work with you and the agency, program or professional to make sure you are getting the best possible assistance.

Supervisory Consultation and Training

A supervisor is not expected to be expert in dealing with the personal problems of employees, but should be alert to their existence and ready to try alternative methods to resolve the problems that affect job performance. The EAP counselor is available for consultation over the phone or in person. Training is also available for supervisors to help them recognize and assist a troubled employee.

Free Service

Neither you nor your family members will be charged for the assessment and referral service you receive from the EAP office. In most cases, additional counseling and treatment are partially covered by your employee health insurance.