Making the Call: Taking the First Step with the EAP |
This month, the KU Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing is taking a closer look at the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by sharing real experiences from KU employees.
We know that folks don't always know what support is available, and deciding to get help can feel really hard. Our goal is to give you a clearer picture of what the EAP actually offers and how to get started, to help reduce the barriers that can make reaching out difficult.
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An Employee’s Experience: Overcoming the Fear of Calling |
One employee shared that when they needed to utilize the EAP for legal and financial help during a difficult divorce, making that first phone call was the hardest part of the entire process. They were embarrassed and terrified of being judged.
However, they found that the intake process was incredibly easy. The Guidance Consultant who answered was kind, completely non-judgmental, and only asked for the minimum amount of information necessary to get them the help they needed.
This employee's advice to anyone who might be hesitating is to simply pick up the phone; it is a tough first step, but the EAP staff make the process easy, and it is always okay to ask for help because sometimes we all need a little extra hand.
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What Exactly Happens When You Call? |
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Taking that first step and reaching out is often the hardest hurdle. You do not need to have everything figured out before you reach out.
When you call the EAP, you will speak with a Guidance Consultant—a master's or PhD-level intake counselor. They will collect some general information about your needs in a kind, non-judgmental way, and help guide your next steps.
Depending on what you are going through, they will connect you to a resource based on the information you give them (e.g. licensed mental health professional, attorney, financial specialist).
If you are looking for counseling, the Guidance Consultant will give you the names of providers who can help. From there, you can set up a phone call, or schedule an in-person or telehealth visit.
Plus, to even be included on your list of options, a provider has to have availability to see you within two weeks—though many telehealth providers can get you in much sooner.
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A Strictly Confidential Process |
A major misconception that prevents people from using an EAP is the fear that their employer will find out. Please know that utilizing the EAP counseling services is strictly confidential.
Absolutely no identifiable information about your participation is ever shared with the State of Kansas or KU.
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Thursday, May 21, 12:00-12:50pm |
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For Mental Health Awareness Month, we are featuring the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and its many free and confidential resources for KU/KUMC employees: mental health counseling; legal services, financial guidance, and work-life services, including childcare, eldercare, and relocation support. Join this webinar with Natalie McGee, EAP Account Manager, to learn how to get connected and what to expect when you do.
Presenter: Natalie McGee, ComPsych Account Manager
-KU employees can register below through My Talent
-KUMC employees, please email wellness@ku.edu to register
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The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).
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