FAQs for the Employee Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an Employee Assistance Program?
2. Who is eligible for EAP services at this EAP?
3. How can EAP help me?
4. What kinds of issues can EAP address?
5. Where will the appointments be held?
6. Just how confidential is confidential?
7. How can a meeting with EAP remain confidential?
8. What does it cost to use EAP?
9. How do you use EAP?

Questions & Answers:
1. What is an Employee Assistance Program?	Back to top
An Employee Assistance Program is a confidential and voluntary program to assist employees and their family members to resolve personal concerns that may interfere with work or home life.

2. Who is eligible for EAP services at this EAP?	Back to top
Services are available to all NH state government employees and their family members.

3. How can EAP help me?	Back to top
If you are a NH state government employee EAP tries to help you maintain your ability to be fully productive in the workplace. An EAP Specialist can help identify the source of problems and make referrals to resources that offer appropriate services, treatment or whatever help is needed. The EAP Specialist continues communication until all issues or problems are resolved.

4. What kinds of issues can EAP address?	Back to top
EAP Specialists can provide help for a wide range of concerns from a simple request for information to dealing with issues such as: emotional, financial, job related or marital and family problems, elder care, child care, legal problems, health management and drug or alcohol problems.

5. Where will the appointments be held?	Back to top
EAP will travel to you! You may meet with an EAP specialist at an agreed upon location convenient to your home or place of work. When you accept a referral to a community service, you are encouraged to make arrangements that do not conflict with your work schedule. Making arrangements for taking leave from work is your responsibility.

6. Just how confidential is confidential?	Back to top
Confidentiality is the hallmark of the EAP. Guidelines regarding confidentiality and utilization of EAP are defined by federal regulations. EAP staff adhere to these guidelines. All records kept in the EAP office are protected under NH Statutes and are considered exempt from NH's "right to know" law. Only EAP staff can access files. No information will be released to anyone by EAP staff without your consent. Nothing discussed with EAP staff will ever be placed in anyone's personnel file.

7. How can a meeting with EAP remain confidential?	Back to top
The EAP main office is on the grounds of State Office Park South and a counseling room is also available at Hazen Drive. EAP Specialists also travel to you. A meeting can take place in any public setting that makes you feel comfortable.

8. What does it cost to use EAP?	Back to top
There is no cost to you or your family members to use EAP.

9. How do you use EAP?	Back to top
Three hours of administrative leave per year is available for each employee for EAP appointments. The use of administrative leave must be coordinated with a supervisor prior to a meeting with an EAP Specialist, however, you are not required to give the reason for the appointment. Authorized use of annual, sick or bonus leave may also be used for EAP services. If you choose not to use administrative leave, EAP Specialists will meet you before or after work or during a lunch break if you do not choose to use the administrative leave.