A LifeSynch EAP is a program established by an employer to provide convenient, confidential, professional help to employees before personal or family problems impact work performance. Check with your company's benefit office to find out if your company has such a program. Access to a LifeSynch EAP is just a phone call away.

How does the EAP work?

When the employee or covered family member calls the toll free number, a masters level professional conducts a telephone assessment to determine the type and level of service needed. The professional assists the employee in:

	Clarifying a problem
	Handling a crisis
	Accessing appropriate resources in the community
	Identifying an experienced licensed professional conveniently located to the employee's home or office for a face-to-face EAP session
	(For some plans) Pre-certification for mental health or substance abuse treatment through the employee's behavioral health benefit when appropriate

What Kind of Problems Does the EAP handle?

Any problem or issue that is occupying an employee's time and attention and creating stress in their life can be addressed through a LifeSynch EAP. Some common problems or issues people often bring are:

	Eldercare or child care concerns
	Parenting teenagers
	Credit or debt management
	Marital and divorce issues
	Work group conflicts
	Family member's alcoholism
	Grieving a death or loss
	Legal difficulties
	Depression or anxiety

Some plans provide immediate access to all EAP and mental health and chemical dependency benefits if purchased by the employer. One number can be the confidential pathway to all levels of behavioral health care help.

Most problems are resolved through the EAP telephone or in-person counseling sessions. Some situations require more intense or specialized treatment. Professional EAP specialists assist employees and family members in determining what actions are best in each specific case.

EAP services do not include psychiatric care or psychological testing. When these services are needed, the EAP professional will assist the employee in obtaining services through their mental health benefit.

Cost

EAP counseling is provided at no cost to the employee or family members eligible for this benefit. After accessing services through the EAP, employees may be referred to a behavioral health specialist for continuing mental health or substance abuse services. These services are covered under the employee's behavioral health plan and usually involve a co-payment from the employee for each visit or service.

What about the employee's privacy?

Any and all contact employees have with a LifeSynch EAP, whether by phone or in person, are strictly confidential within the limits specified by law. Records or notes remain within the EAP and do not become part of an employee's personnel file. Employee names, records and other identifying information are NOT shared with your employer. No information is shared with anyone without your written consent.

It doesn't have to be a crisis to call…

Most people who contact the EAP are everyday people with everyday problems - just like you. So, if you would like someone to talk with, support during a time of need, a professional opinion on your situation, or information on community and education resources, call your benefit manager and see if your company has purchased an EAP benefit for its employees.

In addition to services to individual employees, LifeSynch EAP Services include services to managers and supervisors. They may contact the EAP for:

	Assistance in dealing with a troubled employee
	Help in making referrals to the EAP
	Training for managers in recognizing the signs and symptoms of chemical dependency
	Arranging Critical Incident Stress Debriefing services (CISD)