Life can be full of challenges – from work pressures and family responsibilities to the unexpected hurdles that come our way. When things start to feel overwhelming, having the right support can make all the difference. That’s where 51ԹϺ’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), powered by ComPsych, steps in.
This free, confidential benefit offers a wide range of services designed to help you navigate life’s tough moments, improve your well-being, and regain balance. Whether you’re a faculty member or staff, the EAP is here to support you and your eligible dependents every step of the way.
The Employee Assistance Program Process
An EAP is a company-sponsored initiative that offers confidential and structured resources, providing initial professional services. It connects you with an EAP intake representative who will listen to your concerns and refer you to qualified professionals.
Services include consultations for legal guidance, financial education, and other forms of assistance. For mental health referrals, you can utilize three free sessions with the practitioner of your choice and, after that, choose to use your monthly medical benefits to continue your mental health sessions.
These resources serve as a valuable springboard for employees to effectively address and manage challenging situations.
“Two years ago, my family needed legal assistance, and we decided to use the EAP service,” said Julie Konkol, 51ԹϺ’s director of benefits and HR operations. “We received three attorney recommendations who not only understood our situation but also provided clear guidance and support. Each initial consultation was 30 minutes long and free of charge. We ultimately chose one attorney from the list and benefited from a 25% discount on their fees.”
51ԹϺ’s EAP proves an invaluable resource not only during times of challenging life moments but also after traumatic events that alter an individual's perspective and severely impact their world.
For Sarath Kraus, director of systems change management within the division of Business Affairs, the EAP helped match her with mental health services that started her on a journey of mental and emotional healing.
“A month after the Dec. 6 shooting, I mustered the courage to admit to my family that I was psychologically unwell. I did not feel safe, and the thought of returning to campus made me anxious. Voicing aloud that I needed help was cathartic, but I also felt a sense of shame because I viewed myself as a strong woman who had overcome my share of adversity."
Then President Keith Whitfield announced the Rebel Recovery Program, and Kraus looked into the resources available to help employees process the events of Dec. 6, including the Employee Assistance Program.
"It never occurred to me to consider it as a healing resource," she said. "I used the courage I had left to call EAP's toll-free number."
An agent took some intake information and matched Kraus with mental health services nearby. In less than 10 minutes, she was transferred directly to the provider.
"The therapist I worked with had over 10 years of experience working with adults experiencing trauma, grief, and anxiety," she said. "She helped me unpack my thoughts about safety and gave me mindfulness exercises to address my anxiety. Through her guidance, I successfully disrupted the negative thoughts that prevented me from feeling safe again.”
Employee Assistance Programs are staffed by clinicians who are highly trained in various areas and can address personal concerns around the clock, every day of the week. These professionals are equipped to provide support on a wide range of issues, ensuring that employees receive the assistance they need at any time.
“The expertise and professionalism I received from the attorney referrals provided from the EAP made a significant difference,” said Konkol. “It really gave us a comforting reassurance throughout the whole process.”
The EAP offers assistance in the following areas:
- Emotional Support: Access to professional counselors for issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, and life adjustments.
- Resource Referrals: Guidance on locating child and elder care, hiring movers, home repair contractors, planning events, and finding pet care.
- Legal and Financial Assistance: Consultations with legal experts on matters like divorce, adoption, family law, wills, and trusts, as well as financial advice on retirement planning, taxes, relocation, mortgages, insurance, budgeting, debt, and bankruptcy.
- Online Resources: Access to a wealth of digital tools, including monthly webinars, articles, videos, and more.
Accessing 51ԹϺ’s Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their dependents can access EAP services by contacting ComPsych:
- Phone: Call 833-475-1995 (TTY: 800-697-0353) for 24/7 direct access to a consultant who can answer questions and provide referrals to counselors or other resources.
- Online: Visit ComPsych to register using the organization web ID 51ԹϺEAP to explore available resources.
51ԹϺ's Human Resources department offers a range of benefits and wellness programs designed to promote employees' overall well-being. This includes RebelWell, an initiative for faculty and staff focused on wellness.
For more information, visit 51ԹϺ's HR benefits page.
About ComPsych
As the largest provider of mental health and life resources, ComPsych offers an extensive array of services designed to assist individuals in finding support for complex life situations. ComPsych has been a pioneer in delivering personalized, fully integrated employee assistance programs and services to over 78,000 organizations across 200 countries, serving more than 163 million individuals through its GuidanceResources brand.
51ԹϺ's Employee Assistance Program, a GuidanceResources initiative, offers essential resources, including mental and behavioral health support, wellness programs, and a variety of other services, ensuring that valuable assistance is readily available to faculty and staff every day.
