What is the Employee Assistance Program?
WSU's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential, professional assistance in identifying, resolving, or managing personal problems that may adversely affect job performance. Issues include health, family, alcohol and other drugs, emotional and other stress, and changes in the workplace.
A collaborative endeavor, EAP draws upon the University's expertise in several areas to help WSU employees overcome obstacles, improve their job performance, and maintain the general health and well-being of themselves and their families.
Counseling
Counseling is available through WSU Counseling and Testing Services. Although Scott Case, Ph.D, is primarily identified as providing this service, all of the faculty psychologists there can see EAP clients. However, EAP is not intended to be a long-term counseling service. Rather it is intended to provide initial assessment, consultation and referral. Generally, EAP services would not involve more than five sessions per individual contact. (See B.P.P.M. 60.86)
Referrals
When appropriate, referrals will be made to WSU services such as, Health and Wellness Services, Women's Resource Center, Center for Human Rights, Human Resources Services, etc. If additional assistance is required, referrals will also be made to community resources.
What kind of problems can be addressed by EAP?
Any concern which is impacting an employee’s ability to be engaged and productive may be brought to EAP. Issues which might be referred to EAP include but are not limited to:
- Family/Marital/Parenting/Relationships
- Stress/Depression Changes in the Workplace
- Financial
- Counseling
- Drug/Alcohol
- Personal and Interpersonal Concerns
- Grief/Loss
- Anger and Anxiety
- Any other issues affecting life and work
Who may contact the EAP?
Full-time and part-time administrative professional staff, civil service staff and faculty may contact the EAP. Additionally, supervisors may contact the EAP regarding employee concerns or refer an employee.
How often can I use the EAP?
The intent of the program is to help employees clarify the problem and identify strategies and solutions. Typically up to 5 visits can be anticipated; however, circumstances will dictate the exact number. Issues which require external resources or require considerably more than 5 visits will be referred to external agencies as appropriate.
Does the EAP deal with substance abuse?
Assessment and consultation is available through EAP. Referral will be made to community providers, as appropriate, for treatment.
May a supervisor contact the EAP about workplace issues?
Supervisors may consult EAP regarding a wide range of employee needs including interpersonal disputes, performance problems, suspected drug or alcohol problems, or any other issues which might be affecting an employee’s performance and/or the workplace climate.
Can EAP help with issues in the workplace which may affect an entire work group?
Yes. Contact the EAP to discuss the nature of the issues. Workshops or presentations on various topics may be arranged. Or, facilitated meetings with the work group to assist in problem resolution might be appropriate. The EAP uses a collaborative approach, utilizing the expertise in a number of university departments to provide the best possible services for specific needs.
As a supervisor, how do I talk to an employee about getting counseling?
You should first have information about the EAP easily accessible. Then you can take advantage of windows of opportunity when they naturally occur. You may respond to questions from an employee about resources. More typically, you might be discussing declining performance or inappropriate conduct. You can inform an employee that the service is available if they are experiencing personal problems which may be interfering with their ability to adequately perform the duties assigned to them or to conduct themselves appropriately. You need not identify the problem, even if you suspect that you know what it is. Encourage the employee to utilize the services the EAP provides to get them on track or back on track. The key is that you can discuss the performance and conduct you observe and offer the service as a resource for them.
How do I make an appointment?
In Pullman, contact the Employee Assistance Program at (509) 335-1744 and identify yourself as a Washington State University employee wishing to utilize the EAP services.
How do I receive employee assistance if I am not a Pullman-based employee or supervisor?
If you are not located in Pullman, you should contact the state Employee Assistance Program. If long distance charges are a concern, feel free to ask whoever answers the phone to call you right back. Don’t forget to give them the number where you can be reached.
- Central & Eastern WA 509-482-3686
- Northwestern WA 206-281-6315
- Southwestern WA 360-753-3260
More information at the Washington State Department of Personnel website.
Those not located in Pullman have access to Pullman services, although the first contact should be made with the state EAP. They are set up to provide services to employees in all locations in Washington and have experience doing so. If, however, you need information or have additional questions after consultation with the state EAP, feel free to contact the Pullman office at 509-335-1744. To the extent possible, we will endeavor to help.
Where can I get more information about services available to me?
Feel free to contact the EAP by phone to discuss the nature of the problem and the most appropriate services available. You may also find more information on the Resources web-page regarding a number of WSU and external services.
