What is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
The EAP is a confidential consultation and referral service. This means that when you are troubled by a situation, you can easily get outside private professional help. You no longer have to worry about where to turn, who to call, and how much it cost. EAP finds you the help you need for yourself, your dependents, or any other loved ones you are concerned about.
What kind of problems can EAP handle?
Any concern you have related to your life which may include some of the following:
- Children
- Relationships
- Family
- Emotions
- Older parents
- Gambling
- Food
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- Stress
- Health
- Marriage
- Alcohol
- Other drugs
- Grief
- Any other concern
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All of us have personal problems at some time in our lives. Most of the time we can handle problems on our own, but other times we need outside professional help to get us through.
What can the EAP do for me?
Craig Shoop,MA,MFT, Coordinator of EAP, will meet with you personally and confidentially to listen and understand. He will discuss your concerns with you and help you decide which way may help the situation.
How does EAP work?
Actually, getting help is as easy as picking up the phone and calling Craig anytime. If he is not immediately available simply leave your name and number on his answering machine and he will get back to you. Craig will set up an appointment with you at your convenience. His working hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Generally, he sees people around lunch time or directly after work. Once an appointment is made, you can go directly to his office at the Health Department which is located next to City Hall.
Craig is a Marriage & Family Therapist and is experienced in discussing problem situations. You can feel at ease in sharing them with him. He will listen and help you decide what may be done. If you wish to start counseling, he will connect you to outside private professionals. You choose when to start and finish assistance.
What are the qualifications of the private professionals?
All referrals are made to licensed social workers, psychologist, psychiatrists, or other professionals who are qualified to receive reimbursement under your medical plan. All sources are interviewed and evaluated. EAP seeks out the best available help for every employee.
What are the costs for this service?
Meetings with EAP are offered at no cost to you or family members. Outside referrals are made to those private professionals who will except your insurance coverage reimbursement without further charge to you or at-minimal costs.
When did the EAP first start and who provides for this service?
The EAP is a program of the Department of Health, City of Norwalk. The program started in 1981 on a part-time basis providing services for the City of Norwalk's 800 employees and family members. In September 1985, the Norwalk Schools contracted for services and the Employee Assistance Program became a full-time program, now serving almost 3,000 city and school employees plus family members.
How common are personal problems?
All of us have personal problems at some time in our lives. One-quarter of all workers nationwide are at this moment under emotional stress, resulting in anxiety and depression. Most of the time we can handle problems on our own but other times we need outside professional help to get us through.
How do I know EAP is confidential?
The foundation of EAP rests on preserving confidentiality. No one will know of your visit unless you tell them. All personal information is kept private.
What if I'm not sure that I need EAP?
Even if you are not sure he can help, call him. Craig will be happy to talk with you and see how the program may be of use to you.
What has EAP done for others?
"I'm so glad my supervisor suggested I come here. I feel like this is the beginning of a new life."
--Clerical - female
"I want to thank you for guiding me in the right direction. I never would have gotten help had I looked for it myself."
--Teacher - female
"I spent a whole week looking for a drug program for my son. You immediately put me in touch with one that is now helping him."
--Officer - male
"I didn't know that by getting help first, I could then help my son."
--Manager - male
"Our marriage has never been better. Thanks for directing us to help."
--Teacher - male
Remember...
Craig Shoop is here to listen and understand. He is your link to caring, competent help.
Call him at (203) 854-7975
