Employee Assistance Program

Pete Chellman, Coordinator
chellmpa@uwec.edu
715-836-5521
Old Library 2122
Eau Claire, WI 54702

Why the EAP?
The University of Eau Claire's largest investment and most valuable resource are its people, who change lives and empower others. The Employee Assistance Program's goal is to preserve and protect this valuable resource.

Most people handle difficulties in their lives well by themselves. Others have a lot of trouble, due to facing too much at one time or not having the experience to handle them. Counseling can decrease the amount of time it takes to recover, help lessen the amount of suffering, and help decrease the chances of matters getting worse or spreading. Plus, counseling teaches ways of coping with life's difficulties. Each of us would like to think that we can handle our difficulties on our own. However, after a period of time if things are not getting better in our personal lives, counseling may be an alternative.

Please take a few moments to read the information contained on this site. If you are in need of help, we urge you and your family to contact UW-Eau Claire Counseling Services.

How can the EAP help?

• Counseling: Offers a confidential environment in which to discuss your concerns.
• Assessment: A counselor will assist you in identifying difficulties and in setting priorities you want to discuss.
• Referral: A counselor can provide you with information on various programs, agencies, and practitioners if you are unsure of where to find assistance.
• Follow-up: A counselor will follow-up with you as needed.
• Consultation: The EAP can confidentially assist supervisors, colleagues, and co-workers who may be concerned about another individual at work or at home.
• Education/Training/Groups: The EAP offers programs on a variety of issues to departments upon request.

What about CONFIDENTIALITY

The foundation of the Employee Assistance Program is the confidentiality of its services. All information disclosed in the counseling session is confidential and will not be released to anyone outside the University Counseling Center without written permission of the client. Exceptions, as required by law, may occur when:

• there is a serious danger of violence to another
• self-injury is likely unless protective measures are taken
• there is reason to believe that abuse of children or elderly persons has occurred
• ordered by a federal or state court

Who is Eligible?
All UW-Eau Claire faculty, staff, and their household members.

How do I use the Program?
You can walk in or call directly for information about the program, to discuss a concern, or to arrange an individual appointment. Times are available during the day and limited evening hours. Call 836-5521.

What kind of difficulties?

• Abuse
• Adult Child of Alcoholic Parents
• Anxiety, Anger, Depression, Loneliness
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Assertiveness/Communication
• Behavioral change
• Burnout/Stress management
• Crisis intervention
• Codependency
• Domestic or courtship violence
• Declining work performance
• Deterioration work relationships
• Eating Disorders
• Family Difficulties
• Financial
• Goal Setting/motivation
• Physical Disability
• Relationship Issues
• Relaxation
• Self Esteem
• Sexuality
• Success skills
• Time Management

Examples:

• 2 staff members whose interpersonal conflict interferes with job performance.
• Faculty member frequently misses classes due to drinking alcohol.
• New faculty member seeking time management support for dissertation completion.
• Staff experiencing spousal abuse.
• Faculty experiencing loss or death in family.

Other Services:

• Small group presentations
• Organizational Consultation to departmental units
• Supervisory/Administrative consultation
• Workshops

What are the costs?

Assessment referral, and follow-up are free of charge to faculty, staff, and members of the households through the EAP. However, if it is determined that a community resource is appropriate for assistance, the fee of the services will be your obligation and/or that of your insurance plan.

UW-Eau Claire EAP policy statement

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire believes it is in the best interest of its employees and the university to provide a service which confidentially assists individuals in dealing with personal difficulties, which may affect on the job performance and success. Individuals are encouraged to voluntarily seek assistance. In addition, individuals may be referred by supervisors or administrators. An individual's participation in counseling is free, voluntary, confidential, and not part of his or her personnel records. This policy does not require or result in any special regulations, privileges or exceptions from the standard administrative practices applicable to job performance requirements.

You may also check out our list of EAP self-help links or Counseling Services Self-Help links for our self-help handouts such as alcohol and substance use, anger, anxiety, assertiveness, attention-deficit disorder, biofeedback, counseling, cults, cultural issues, depression, disabilities, dissociation, eating disorders, family and childhood issues, grief, impulse control, relationships, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, sleep, stress, study skills, test taking, time management, traumatic events, wellness, writing, and others.

• Also Workplace Blues is a good source of information
• Personal Budgeting and Money Saving Tips