The Employee Assistance Program (UI EAP) is a confidential, short-term counseling and referral service provided at no cost to UI faculty, staff, postdocs, medical residents, their spouses/partners, and insurance-eligible dependents living in Iowa.
We offer support to you and your family as you navigate stress at work or at home. EAP counselors can provide support related to depression or anxiety, grief, substance use concerns, sleep, suicide prevention, relationships, and more.
Remote workers and their dependents living outside the state of Iowa who are covered by UIChoice or UISelect can access counseling through Doctor on Demand.
Support and Crisis Line
Available to faculty, staff, students, and postdocs. The line provides free and confidential support to individuals in distress.
Mental Health and Well-Being Course
This on-demand training is designed for UI supervisors and managers and focuses on supporting the mental health and well-being of your employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Employee Assistance Program?
The Employee Assistance Program (UI EAP) is a confidential, short-term counseling and referral service provided at no cost to UI faculty, staff, postdocs, medical residents, their spouses/partners, and insurance-eligible dependents living in Iowa.
Most people who come to EAP are experiencing issues related to work-life balance, relationship concerns, sleep problems, emotional or psychological health, family concerns, or substance use.
Who is eligible?
Our services are available to all regular faculty and staff with a 50% or greater appointment, postdocs, and medical residents. Spouses, partners, and insurance-eligible dependents living in Iowa are also eligible.
Please call 319-335-2085 to confirm if you or your family members are eligible for EAP services.
Am I eligible for EAP services if I work remotely?
Remote workers are not eligible for EAP services. However, remote workers and their dependents living outside the state of Iowa who are covered by UIChoice or UISelect can access counseling through Doctor on Demand.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Email EAPhelp@uiowa.edu or call 319-335-2085 during regular office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Can I make an appointment during work time?
You can request time off from work for your initial appointment (VI-23.8). For subsequent appointments, ask your supervisor to use sick leave or vacation time, as outlined in sections III-22.3 and III-23.2 of the UI Policy Manual.
Employees scheduled to work the third shift will have appointments during Employee Assistance Program office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday).
How much do appointments cost?
EAP services are free.
What should I expect at an appointment?
You will receive a link to complete brief paperwork before your first appointment. Appointments last about 50 minutes and are intended to discuss the reason you made the appointment. There is no reason too small to make an appointment with EAP. We welcome working with you to gain clarity and provide guidance.
Are appointments confidential?
Confidentiality is critical to the counseling relationship. Employee Assistance Program counselors are legally required to maintain confidentiality, as outlined in federal and state regulations.
Information concerning your use of EAP services is not contained in your medical record or personnel file. Records are kept by EAP and protected according to confidentiality protocols. See additional privacy information.
What are the qualifications of your staff?
All Employee Assistance Program counselors are licensed in one or more of the counseling fields: social work, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, or psychology.
Can my supervisor make me participate?
No. Supervisors are encouraged to recommend the Employee Assistance Program as a helpful resource to employees, but participation is voluntary.