What is an EAP?

Everyone, at certain times in life, experiences personal problems.  Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides assistance for a variety of personal, marital, and family problems.  It is your resource for crisis and assessment counseling, as well as receiving assistance in obtaining additional treatment if necessary.

What is the purpose?

The purpose of the EAP is twofold:

• To provide professional assistance for personal problems
• To assist the employee to improve job performance when it is affected by personal problems

Who can participate?

Any active employee of Mercy and Memorial Hospitals as well as their eligible dependents.

Who are the counselors?

Alan Pevar and Associates and selected counselors located in Bakersfield, Tehachapi, and the Kern River Valley.

What are some of the problems my EAP can assist with?

Examples include:

• Adjustment problems
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Anxiety
• Codependency
• Crisis intervention
• Dealing with grief or loss
• Depression
• Family problems
• Marital or relationship problems
• Sleep disorders

Will my EAP counselor help me find additional care if necessary?

Absolutely, if applicable, your EAP counselor will assist with a referral.  Your counselor is knowledgeable of many resources in the community including support groups and various classes.

How many times will I see my EAP counselor?

Your EAP counselor provides, brief, specific, goal oriented and solution focused counseling, often in five sessions or less.  A family unit may access up to a total of 15 sessions in a calendar year.

Is my participation in the EAP confidential?

Confidentiality is the key.  Whether the employee is referred to the EAP by a supervisor, a coworker, the family, or chooses to go on his or her own, the concerns the employee discusses with an EAP counselor are strictly confidential.  There may be certain situations which by State law require mandated reporting.  Your counselor will advise you of such situations.

Is there a cost to participate in my EAP?

There is no cost whatsoever.  This is a benefit provided to you by your employer.

How do I access my EAP?

The employee contacts the EAP (Alan Pevar and Associate) and arranges for an appointment with a counselor.

The appointment is an opportunity to:

• Discuss the problem
• Develop a plan to solve it
• Be connected with the community or health plan resources to help resolve the problem

EAP contact information:

Alan Pevar & Associates
661.322.4000
Toll Free
888.KERN-EAP
888.537.6327