Southwest Florida Employee Assistance Program (SWFEAP) provides confidential programs for employees and their families in order to assist in coping with everyday problems of modern living. Following are some of the most commonly asked questions about the EAP.

Will my company know that I or any of my family has used the program?
No. This is a confidential program. No one will know that you are using the program unless you sign a written Release of Information giving your counselor permission to speak to some one about you. Your company only receives statistical information about the utilization of the program. There is no way to identify a specific individual. 

Why does my company provide this program?
Your company values its employees and realizes that life happens.  Most employees experience various problems during the course of their lifetimes. Most of these problems can be handled by the individual but sometimes he/she may need the assistance of a professional. Ultimately, this program can assist employees in improving their quality of life and maintaining productivity in the work place.

What is the cost of using the EAP?
There is no cost to the employee or family members to use the services of the EAP. This is a benefit. However, if you are referred to a resource in the community, you will be responsible for the cost. Your EAP counselor will assist you in finding the most cost-effective and efficient help.

What types of issues are dealt with by the EAP counselor?
SWFEAP is a broadbrush program. That means that the counselors are available to help individuals experiencing issues/problems in relationships (marital, family, social), depression, stress, anxiety, legal, financial, alcohol/drugs, child/elder care, and work to develop a plan of action to resolve these.

Who are the counselors at Southwest Florida Employee Assistance Programs?
SWFEAP's counselors are experienced clinicians who have worked with people for a number of years. All of them have at least Master's degrees and are Licensed Counselors.

How do I make an appointment with the Employee Assistance Program?
Simply call toll-free (800) 226-7930 or (239) 278-7435 between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm EST. If it is an emergency, don't hesitate to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  A counselor is always on call.

Who can use the EAP?
All employees and their family members are eligible for services.

What will the EAP cost my employees?
All of the services an employee or family member receives from our EAP are at NO COST to them—all of our services are covered under the contract with the company.

I have a problem with drugs. My performance is quite good and I've received a number of awards. I'm afraid that if I go to the EAP for help, my supervisor will find out the truth and then my career will be over. Can this happen?
No. Information about your discussions with the EAP cannot be disclosed without your permission. There are regulations (42 CFR Part 2) that require confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse records, and they provide penalties for unlawful or unauthorized release of information.

If there are regulations that guarantee confidentiality for alcoholics and drug abusers, what about those of us with other types of problems?
Those same regulations prohibit the implicit or negative disclosure of information and, as such, agency EAPs may not release any information without a signed consent, no matter what the nature of the problem is. Your records are also protected under HIPAA.

Can I be forced to sign a release of information regarding my involvement in the EAP?
No. However, there may be instances where it will be in an employee's best interests to sign a release of information, e.g., when an employee is seeking accommodation for a certain physical or emotional problem. Another example might be when an employee is involved in a potential disciplinary situation and wishes to show management his or her sincerity in seeking assistance with the problem. Based on this information regarding an employee's involvement in the Employee Assistance Program, a supervisor might decide to hold any disciplinary action in abeyance pending a positive change in the employee's performance or conduct.

Under what circumstances can information about me be disclosed without my permission?
Under 42 CFR Part 2, any instances of suspected child or elder abuse and neglect must be reported to appropriate State authorities.

I know that if I have an alcohol or drug problem, there are regulations that guarantee confidentiality. My problem is that I am a single parent, my bills are mounting, and I need financial counseling. I would be terribly ashamed if anyone at my agency found out, but I need to go to the EAP. How can I be sure that my coworkers or supervisor won't find out?
Please remember, your Employee Assistance Program can help you with your problem and your confidentiality is assured. Contact your human resources office for more information about your EAP.
We want all employees to be aware of the services provided by their agency's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). These programs, which are cost-free to employees, are designed to help you effectively address and overcome problems such as alcohol and drug abuse, work and family pressures, and job stress which can adversely affect your performance, reliability, and personal health.
EAPs are staffed by experienced counselors who are available to discuss problems in a confidential, helpful manner. Recent evaluations of these programs indicate that they are highly successful in helping employees.

What is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a service available to all employees at no cost. It is staffed by professional counselors who will help you address problems that can adversely affect job performance, reliability, and personal health. A counselor will discuss the problem with you and after helping you assess the problem, provide short-term counseling. If needed, the counselor will also refer you to other professional services and resources within your community for further information and assistance.

How and when may I contact the EAP?
A telephone call is normally all it takes to make an appointment with an EAP counselor. EAP operating hours usually are flexible so the employees can make appointments before, during, and after the workday. For specific information on hours of operation and procedures for making appointments, call your EAP office at 1-800-226-7930.

Will matters I discuss with the EAP counselor be kept confidential?
Yes, your privacy is protected by strict confidentiality laws and regulations and by professional ethical standards for counselors. The details of your discussions with the counselor may not be released to anyone without your written consent.

How successful are EAPs in helping employees?
Periodic evaluations indicate that the vast majority of the employees who seek assistance from their EAP are helped in overcoming their problems.

How much will the EAP cost me?
There is no cost to employees who receive counseling and other services provided by the agency's EAP. Costs for outside treatment and professional services, which can result in personal expense, may be covered by your Health Benefits plan or private insurance. The EAP counselor will work with you to identify the best available outside treatment program and services in line with your individual finances.

When is the best time to contact the EAP?
Don't wait too long! The sooner you seek help, the sooner your problems can be resolved. Problems left unresolved can often lead to more serious situations with a greater risk that your health or job performance will be jeopardized. If you take advantage of the help and support offered through your EAP and address your problems before they become serious, you and your organization will both be winners.