Employee Assistance Program provides support, resources for civilian employees

  • Published
  • By Patty Welsh
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, MASS. --  Although many federal civilian employees are familiar with the opportunities for short-term counseling the Employee Assistance Program offers, many do not realize the span and variety of resources available.

The EAP is a federal program managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offering free, confidential services to federal civilian employees and their family members. EAP offers assistance in a variety of areas ranging from help with personal and professional relationships, financial and legal assistance and resources for elder and child care, which can be accessed via phone at 1-800-222-0364 or on their website at www.FOH4YOU.com.

Hanscom's Senior Consultant for Employee Assistance and Work and Life Programs, Ina Bachman, said a very common issue for civilian personnel who use the program is for relationships, both personal and professional. However, she wants them to realize there are many other resources are available as well, especially on the website.

"I recommend personnel familiarize themselves with the website because it's something they can easily turn to even with a small question; that way, when big problems happen, they know where to find support. Often, in the middle of a crisis, it's easy to forget all the resources that are available," she said.

The website offers webinars, both live and archived, self-assessment tools, financial calculators and myriad other resources. A monthly newsletter, highlighting a specific topic, is available and there are also in-depth articles on topics ranging from stress management and managing change to quitting smoking and dealing with eating disorders.

And although tools on the website are for everyone, Bachman highlighted one section specifically targeted for managers and supervisors. In fact, there is an upcoming webinar for supervisors on June 29 at 1 p.m. on "Motivating and Recognizing Employees."

"A lot of supervisors turn to the EAP to build their skills in areas such as coaching, communication and building healthy teams," she said. Bachman added that the EAP also offers management consultation that can be done over the phone by calling the program's main number at 1-800-222-0364.

A counselor staffs the call center 24 hours a day, and all information remains confidential except in circumstances where someone threatens to harm themselves or another. For counseling, personnel can request to either meet with Bachman on base or ask for a referral to a local counselor in their area. Bachman is normally at Hanscom on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"We think of the EAP as a prevention model; if we see someone when a problem is small, hopefully we can head off a crisis. Also, by being free, available to family members as well and at a convenient location, it can lower some hurdles that prevent people from getting help," Bachman said.

For those in need of legal assistance, the program offers a free phone consultation with an attorney and then discounted rates. It can also assist with financial planning. The program also offers Health and Wellness presentations, from building resilience to managing time and dealing with change.

Bachman used the metaphor of going to the dentist to explain the EAP services. If you get regular checkups, you may be able to prevent a small problem from turning into something larger, like treating a cavity to avoid a root canal.

"One of the biggest obstacles to getting help is that people believe they should be able to solve all their problems on their own and feel embarrassed about needing help," she said. "The program can help - rather than a dental checkup, why not a mental health checkup? - even if it's just for feeling stressed."