No. Supervisors are encouraged to recommend the Employee Assistance Program as a helpful resource to employees, but it is purely voluntary. As always, all conversations are confidential, and the EAP may not disclose any information to supervisors unless clients sign a written release of information.

A supervisor may schedule an EAP appointment for an employee if the employee requests the supervisor's assistance. A supervisor may suggest to an employee that EAP may be able to help in their efforts to improve performance but may not refer an employee as a condition of continued employment.

EAP is wholly independent of university disciplinary proceedings. The program is non-punitive, and employee participation is entirely voluntary and protected from any reciprocity. In addition, information concerning your use of EAP services will not be made part of your personnel record.

Employees may request release time from work for the initial appointment (VI-23.8). However, for subsequent appointments, employees may request from their supervisors use of available sick leave or vacation time as outlined in the Policy Manual (sections III-22.3 and III-23.2).

Employees scheduled to work the third shift may schedule appointments during Employee Assistance Program office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday) or by emailing EAPhelp@uiowa.edu.

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.

Employee Assistance Program services are available to all regular faculty and staff with a 50 percent or greater appointment, as well as immediate family members living in the home including spouses, domestic partners, or children 26 and younger. Please call 319-335-2085 to confirm.

There are no fees for the 6 sessions per year with the Employee Assistance Program. The employee is responsible for any costs that result from referrals outside the EAP service. The employee's health insurance plan may provide some coverage. Please check your individual policy prior to meeting with a community provider.

EAP tries to refer to providers covered by your insurance. However, it is the client's responsibility to determine whether services are covered by insurance and pay any charges that are not covered.

Employee Assistance Program services are accessed by calling 319-335-2085 during regular office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday or email EAPhelp@uiowa.edu. 

Prior to the Employee Assistance Program initial visit, individuals receive the EAP privacy notice to review, a brief intake form, and a short survey to complete. They then meet with a licensed professional who reviews their situation, works to clarify their issues and concerns, and helps identify options and possible resources.

The initial consultation lasts about 50 minutes. If needed, up to three free follow-up visits are offered. Should an employee have additional needs, the EAP counselor may provide a referral for ongoing assistance in the community, either from a behavioral health provider or another resource.

Confidentiality is critical to the counseling relationship. Employee Assistance Program counselors are legally required to maintain confidentiality of client information within limits governed by federal and state regulations.

Information concerning your use of EAP is not contained in your medical record or personnel files. Records are kept by EAP and are protected according to confidentiality protocols. See additional privacy information.

The Employee Assistance Program promotes problem solving and stress resilience through counseling, coaching, and consultation. Most people who come to EAP may be experiencing issues related to work-life balance, relationship concerns, sleep problems, emotional or psychological health, family concerns, or substance abuse.

The Employee Assistance Program is a free, confidential resource provided by the University of Iowa to assist employees and their immediate family members or significant others who wish to enhance their health and well-being or get immediate help with personal concerns including acute life stressors.