Employee Family Assistance Program

from the "Health Quest" article posted in the Moose Jaw Times-Herald newspaper.

There may be times when problems/struggles we are facing in our lives, relationships, families or work seem too much for us to resolve on our own. These struggles may be related to physical, emotional, financial, marital or parenting concerns, as well as substance abuse, depression, anxiety or stress. During these times it may be helpful to talk with a trained professional to assist in working through and resolving the problems we are experiencing. Finances often deter people from pursuing counselling, but many companies offere their employees and families an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP or EAP) to assist the employee and his/her family members in accessing professional counselling during such times. The employer with an EFAP in place will either pay for an allotted number of counselling sessions or will have a maximum dollar amount designated for professional counselling per year. To utilize an EFAP you need to do the following:

• Speak with your employer or union representative to determine whether or not your employer or union has an EFAP in place.
• Determine your eligibility for coverage, what the guidelines are and who the service providers are.
• Contact the service provider and provide the agency with the information regarding whom to contact for billing and procedure guidelines.

Accessing your EFAP is strictly confidential, as is the information you share throughout the counselling process.

Janet Wert