What’s the Deal with EAP?

July 11, 2024 / Get Well

If you’ve seen any of the Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) articles, we’ve often referenced the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP provides quick and easy access to work/life support, confidential counseling and other referral services to help you deal with life’s challenges. Click here for a helpful overview of the EAP. It’s employer-sponsored, so for benefited employees, it’s available at low to no cost to you, your dependents and household members.

The EAP program addresses a variety of issues, including:

  • Alcohol
  • Drugs
  • Family 
  • Gambling
  • Health 
  • Legal
  • Financial
  • Housing
  • Mental health
  • Child and elder care 
  • Grief 
  • Spousal/child/parental abuse
  • Workplace concerns
  • Career planning 
  • Retirement

Interested in learning more? Check out these surprising things that you may not have known about your EAP benefits.

For various reasons (concerns about confidentiality, unsure about contact details, stigma, concerns about the extended time to connect to services, etc.), employees may be reluctant to reach out to EAP, but providers are taking steps to reduce the barriers needed to access this often-underutilized resource.

To find your EAP provider, visit the DHRM site.

When you take the courageous first step to connect with your EAP, you will be welcomed by a coordinator who will assess your needs and connect you with resources that can help. EAP can confidentially support employees through a range of mental health and other potentially sensitive matters. You qualify for several free counseling sessions per year, for which you can choose in-person or virtual sessions. If ongoing treatment is needed, utilize your health insurance benefits.

Friendly reminder:

  • TimelyCare. All NOVA employees (full‐time, part‐time/adjunct, p-14) are eligible. For more information on free services available for NOVA employees through TimelyCare, visit us on NOVAnet.
  • 988. If you are in immediate need, crisis or distress, please contact crisis response support at 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, multilingual and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. The local number for our region is 703-527-4077 (available by call, text or chat). If you are in an emergency situation, contact 911 immediately.

Support is available. Reach out.

Flyer. White background with green italicized type: In Crisis? EAP Can Help. Illustration of a man holding his head with thought bubbles and sprockets popping out.

Submitted by:
Faith Redd-Walker, Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing, employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu