Contact

UI Employee Assistance Program

Phone
Fax
319-335-2056
Campus Address
121-50 USB
Mailing Address

121 University Services Building, Suite 50
Iowa City, IA 52242-1911
United States

Illustration of two people, one with hand on the other's shoulder.

Taking Care in Challenging Times

Learn signs of stress, ways to cope, and where to turn during and after a crisis.

Help Yourself and Others

Hand balancing objects
In today's fast-paced world, managing the competing demands of work and family life is more challenging than ever. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a unit of Health and Wellbeing, provides integrated services to faculty, staff, post docs, medical residents and their family members to promote emotional well-being and to increase engagement and productivity among members of our UI community.

The Employee Assistance Program offers:

  • Confidential, short-term counseling to faculty, staff, post docs, medical residents and their families
  • Consultation for supervisors/managers
  • Information and referral to community resources
Illustration of a piggy bank.

UI Emergency Hardship Fund

Request financial assistance for an emergency or crisis.

Learn More

Illustration of moon and letter z.

Sleep Refresh

The Sleeprate app identifies sleep issues and makes suggestions to improve your sleep.

Learn More

Illustration of heart.

Educational Videos

View these videos for identifying and managing stress and other topics.

Learn More

Health and Well-Being Annual Report

Review recent results from the Employee Assistance Program and affiliated units building a campus culture of well-being.

See the Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Answer

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.

Answer

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 provided for in the Operations 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. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday) or by e-mailing EAPhelp@uiowa.edu.

Answer

All of our 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.

Answer

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 age 26 or younger. Please call 319-335-2085 to confirm.

Answer

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 or not services are covered under one's plan and pay any charges that are not covered.

Answer

Employee Assistant Program services are accessed by calling 319-335-2085 during regular office hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or emailing EAPhelp@uiowa.edu.

Answer

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/concerns, and to help identify options and possible resources.

The initial consultation lasts approximately 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.

Answer

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.

Answer

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.

Answer

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.