Employees

Frequently Asked Questions about the EAP

• Who can access the EAP services?

  For most organizations, the EAP is available to you, the employee, your spouse, live-in partner, and eligible dependent children. This includes children up to the age of 26 who are eligible for coverage under your or your spouse's insurance plan. Please feel free to give us a call if you have questions about who can use EAP services.

• How much does the EAP cost?

  There is no charge to you or your family members to use the EAP services. If a referral is made to a resource outside the EAP for specialized or extended services, there may be a charge.

• Is the EAP confidential?

  Yes, all EAP services are private, not a part of your employment record and completely confidential for you and eligible family members. UTEAP will not release any information regarding your contact with the EAP without your written consent or as required by law.

• What are the reasons or life issues that employees can contact the EAP?

  UTEAP provides counseling and consultative sessions for all types of life concerns. Some of the most common reasons that employees contact the EAP are:
  
  Depression or Anxiety
  Alcohol/Drug Problems
  Parenting & Family Concerns
  Couples & Relationship Issues
  Grief or Bereavement
  Anger Management
  Change & Life Transitions
  Workplace Stress/Conflicts
  Communication Skills
  Legal and Financial Concerns
  Childcare or Eldercare Issues
  
  In addition to calling to set an appointment for face-to-face services, many employees call to simply gather information about UTEAP or to have a specific question answered such as the following:  “I’m really having some problems with my teenage daughter.  It seems like every time we talk we end up yelling at each other.” “My mother is in need of in-home meal services. She refuses to allow me to set up the delivery, what can I say to her to encourage her to take advantage of the services?” “I have been feeling really depressed lately. I really don’t want an appointment; can I just talk with someone?”   Some other examples include “Can you help me with a family member who has an alcohol problem?” “ I have an aging mother who needs help with preparing food for herself. Can you help me find resources for her?” or “I have a teenage boy who does not want to go to school. Can I call and talk with a counselor about this?”  Emergency calls are triaged and clinical services are provided and arranged.
  
  Employees and their families are welcome to use our web site to access a wide range of services. Web based services are not meant to take the place of face-to-face assessment but they are particularly important as a way to reach employees that want to try solutions on their own, to those who communicate via the web or for employees or family members with physical or emotional handicapping conditions and those who lack adequate transportation.

• How many EAP sessions do I have available?

  The number of sessions available will depend on the EAP model selected by your employer. Most organizations have between two and six sessions per issue. When you contact UTEAP to access services, our customer service representative will inform you of the number of EAP sessions available to you.
  Please note that sessions are on a per issue basis. If you or a family member have a separate problem during the same year, you can contact the EAP again to receive new sessions for this separate issue.

• How do I schedule an appointment or request WorkLife services?

  Making an appointment is easy and confidential. Whether you need an appointment with a counselor, a legal referral, or want to take advantage of our WorkLife services, simply call our office at (800) 346-3549. Or click here to request an information online. One of our customer service representatives will contact you shortly.
  
  You can also browse our online resources by going to our WorkLife webpage. Click here to access the UTEAP WorkLife website
  
  Please call 713-500-3327 for username and password.

• What Legal and Financial resources are available?

  Through the EAP, you have access to a free 30-minute face to face or telephonic consultation per issue with a network attorney. If you wish to retain the attorney after the initial consultation, you will receive a 25% discount on the attorney's normal hourly rates. Many online resources are also available, including an interactive Online Will Program that provides you with a resource to create your own state-specific Simple Will privately in an online, secure environment.
  
  All employees are also entitled to a no-cost telephone consultation with one of our financial counselors. Typical matters include credit counseling, debt and budgeting assistance, tax planning, retirement, and college planning questions.
  
  Click here to access the UTEAP WorkLife website and to visit our online legal and financial resources.
  
  Please call 713-500-3327 for username and password.

• What are WorkLife services?

  Consultation and referrals for a wide range of WorkLife referrals are available through the EAP. We can help you find real solutions for child care, elder care, care for persons with disabilities, and other convenience and wellness issues. You can speak directly with one of our experienced counselors who will take the time to fully understand your concerns and explore care options with you.
  
  After you hang up, the WorkLife Counselor will begin researching your specific care needs, freeing you to focus on your family, work or other issues in your life. Within a few days, you'll receive a return call and a packet containing provider profiles of regulated care providers who have openings, when, where, and within the price range you specified, along with educational materials to help you and your family make informed decisions.
  
  There are also a variety of WorkLife resources available online. Click here to login to the UTEAP WorkLife website.
  
  Please call 713-500-3327 for username and password.