Assessments & Appointments

Appointments for Faculty and Staff

To make an appointment, call Employee Assistance at (559)278-4357. All contacts with the office and our voicemail are confidential.

Records do not go into medical or personnel files. Employee Assistance staff will not disclose information unless a Release of Information is signed by the employee.

Please avoid using email for correspondence regarding confidential matters. Email is not completely confidential and we cannot guarantee the privacy of email correspondence.

Employees may use work-release time (excused time) for Employee Assistance appointments with the supervisor's prior approval. If you do not want to inform your supervisor that you are coming, we will try to schedule a time during lunch or after work. Failing that, you may need to use sick time for your appointment.

Cost

The assessment and referral services of the Office of Employee Assistance are free. When ongoing therapy or treatment is recommended, the employee’s health insurance will be considered. If additional services are not covered by insurance, the Employee Assistance Director will try to locate low-cost alternatives.

Manager/Supervisor Consultation

Managers, supervisors, and chairpersons can consult with the Employee Assistance Director to address employee job performance problems that do not improve using regular supervisory methods. This ensures that employees are getting the support they need as soon as possible, especially if problems are interfering with work. Information regarding Employee Assistance services may be offered and employees encouraged to contact Employee Assistance, if appropriate. However, employee participation in EA services is not considered to be a substitute for administrative action when substandard job performance or work rule violations occur. The supervisor should base further action on job performance, and not on whether individuals follow through with your referral.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Sometimes people wonder if what they want to discuss is appropriate. Topics frequently discussed with the Employee Assistance Director include:

  • Stress management
  • Work related concerns
  • Relationship issues
  • Anger management
  • Anxiety and phobias
  • Communication and conflict management
  • Death and bereavement, loss of a loved one
  • Depression
  • Drugs, alcohol or substance abuse
  • Elder and child care options and responsibilities
  • Family/spouse/partner issues
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Food and eating problems
  • Money and financial issues
  • Traumatic events
  • Parenting
  • Retirement