Employee Assistance Program
A Resource for UNC Employees and their Families
"The UNC Counseling Center is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc."
At
the UNC Employee Assistance Program, we recognize that all of us have
problems in our lives from time to time. There may be times when the
difficulties that we are facing preoccupy us. We may be stressed and
worried about members of our family, or unhappy with co-workers. These
stressors are troublesome and interfere with our lives both at home and at
work.
The EAP is here to provide you with counseling for these problems. We are staffed by the professional therapists of the UNC Counseling Center. EAP services are available to all UNC faculty, staff and their household members. The Employee Assistance Program is located at the UNC Counseling Center, second floor, Cassidy Hall.
Our goal is to help clients deal with issues that can be resolved or aided through short-term therapy and consultation. Some individuals may require services that are not available at the EAP. These individuals may be referred to community resources. The EAP does not provide psychiatric services.
Throughout the year, the UNC Counseling Center offers numerous workshops designed to maximize coping skills and personal wellness. Faculty and staff are invited to attend these workshops.
Why would the University pay for you to receive counseling?
The University of Northern Colorado recognizes that its employees are its most important resource. Providing care for your most valuable resource makes sense, and it is the right thing to do. Research has shown that when people are happier, they are more creative and more productive in their personal and work lives. Therefore, the University only stands to gain if you are happier and functioning at your best.
Who is eligible for EAP services?
EAP services are available to all UNC faculty, staff, and their household members. Services include confidential counseling or an assessment and referral to the most appropriate community resource.
Is there a charge for EAP services?
Services are free to employees and are funded by the Department of Human Resources. After the initial appointment, there are several possible options. If it is determined that the individual(s) seeking therapy are appropriate for our EAP, they are eligible to receive up to ten (10) free sessions each year (for purposes of providing services, the year runs from July 1 through June30).
Who provides the EAP counseling services?
EAP services are provided by the licensed, professional staff of the UNC Counseling Center, and are funded by the Department of Human Resources.
Are the things I talk about in counseling confidential?
Information shared with the EAP is kept strictly confidential and can only be divulged with your written permission. A few exceptions, defined by law, will be explained at the initial appointment.
Will my boss or the University HR Department know I went to the EAP?
Voluntary attendance for counseling at the EAP is completely confidential, with some legally mandated exceptions, and it is free! All of your information is protected, and nothing will appear in your personnel file. Feel free to discuss these issues with your EAP counselor if you have questions.
Supervisors may consult the EAP when questions arise about helping an employee they are concerned about, or an employee whose productivity has dropped below an acceptable level. Supervisors may refer an employee for an EAP assessment and counseling informally out of concern, or formally as part of a corrective action plan. If EAP attendance is formally required, some of your information will not remain confidential. Typically, this is information about your attendance. Your EAP counselor can explain these exceptions to you.
Reasons people use the EAP:
- Difficulties managing stress
- Relationship difficulties
- Conflict with a supervisor or coworker
- Conflict within yourself
- Feeling overwhelmed by change
- Anger control issues
- An alcohol or drug problem within yourself, a significant other, or a coworker
- Sleep Disturbance
- Grief and loss
- Depression
- "New faculty blues"
- Lack of support by family, friends or coworkers
- Anything that is affecting your work performance or reducing your motivation to go to work
For more information about your EAP counseling benefit or to schedule an appointment with one of our professional therapists, please call the UNC Counseling Center at (970) 351-2496.