Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary, confidential, neutral assessment, and free referral and consultation service available to University faculty, staff, graduate student employees, retirees, and their dependents.

All Services are

  • Voluntary
    EAP services are voluntary; that means clients must initiate contact with us. Supervisors/managers may refer employees to EAP; however, acceptance of a supervisory referral won't alter an employee's responsibility to improve work performance. Neutrality and confidentiality are our cornerstones.
  • Confidential
    Information revealed by an individual through consultation with an EAP coordinator is kept confidential and doesn't become part of the individual's employment record. EAP won't share client information with anyone without the client's written consent unless (1) disclosure is directed by court order, executive order or work rule; (2) the client appears to be in immediate danger of harming themselves or another person; or (3) information shared with EAP reveals concerns related to suspected/possible child abuse or neglect.
  • Free
    EAP services are provided free to Binghamton University faculty, staff, graduate student employees, retirees and their families. If a referral is made to an outside provider, the cost of the service is the responsibility of the client. Costs incurred for such outside services may be covered in part or fully by the client's health insurance.  EAP does not provide onsite counseling nor do they provide financial assistance to pay for counseling services.  You do not need a referral from an EAP coordinator to see a mental health provider.  Please contact your insurance company directly for any questions related to billing or copays so that you receive accurate, up-to-date information

How it works

Once you contact EAP, here is what generally happens (since every situation is unique, this process will vary to meet individual needs):

  1. You make an appointment (appointments required, see below) to meet with a coordinator in the EAP office (AB-110) or on the phone/via Zoom to discuss your area(s) of concern.
  2. You and your EAP coordinator will clarify and assess your situation and discuss resources and referral options. Your coordinator will recommend various plans of action and make appropriate referrals.
  3. With EAP's support, you are responsible for contacting the provider to whom you've been referred and making an appointment.
  4. Your coordinator will ask for a follow up contact or appointment with you to find out how satisfied you are with the referral or to recommend an alternate course of action if necessary.

Schedule an Appointment

Assessment and referral

EAP provides access to appropriate professional or community resources to help individuals dealing with a wide range of work and life concerns, including:

  • Marital challenges
  • Family conflict/dynamic challenges
  • Alcohol and substance abuse or misuse 
  • Emotional health obstacles and challenges
  • Domestic violence
  • Grief and bereavement
  • Workplace stress and communication/conflict
  • Legal issues
  • Financial wellness and challenges
  • Childcare 
  • Eldercare or aging parent concerns
  • Lifestyle and wellness coaching

Supervisory consultations

In addition to supervisory trainings, EAP offers confidential consultations to supervisors and department chairs who would like assistance in referring an employee to EAP or in managing departmental issues. Coordinators can assist supervisors in developing an appropriate plan to assess supervisory/employee concerns, recommend an onsite EAP staff orientation, and/or recommend other viable resources in support of promoting a healthy work climate. To schedule a supervisory consultation please call the EAP office at x76655 or request a consultation here.

Critical incident response

A "critical incident" is defined as an extraordinary event that significantly and negatively impacts one or more employees. A critical incident may happen in or outside of the workplace. Critical incidents include but are not limited to:

  • large scale natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, etc.)
  • employee or student fatalities
  • workplace violence
  • accidents that impact the workplace environment
  • significant illness of a co-worker

In the event of a critical incident, EAP can provide outreach, make referrals to appropriate community resources and share educational materials to ease stress and assist the area to recover and return to a stable and productive work environment. If you believe your department would benefit from critical incident response services, contact an EAP coordinator to schedule an assessment.

Support

Make a gift to support the Employee Assistance Program.