CCSU’s Employee Assistance Program
Anne Alling, Chief Human Resources Office

There are many benefits associated with being an employee of Central Connecticut State University, one of which is the opportunity to take advantage of the University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  The need for employee assistance programs for state employees became even more critical after the passage by Congress of the Drug-Free Workplace Act in 1988.  This law requires employers who receive federal grant money or contracts over $25,000 to have a written policy prohibiting the use of illegal drugs, and to make available appropriate counseling and support for employees who suffer from alcohol or drug abuse.  Connecticut subsequently enacted the Policy for a Drug-Free Workplace, which encourages employees to utilize their EAPs for help with substance abuse.  Most state employees now have the benefit of an Employee Assistance Program either at their workplace or through an outside provider.

Today, EAP services include much more than assistance with substance abuse.  The purpose of an employee assistance program is to help employees in handling problems that may be affecting their health and well being, and which might ultimately affect their work performance.  Through CCSU’s EAP, employees and their family members receive confidential, timely, and professional assistance when they need help coping with stress, dealing with crisis or loss, or handling financial, legal, or family problems.  Asking for help from the EAP is a smart way for employees to ensure that problems do not become so overwhelming that they cannot function effectively at home or at work. While use of the EAP is strictly voluntary, supervisors may suggest that employees access the EAP’s services when they observe inappropriate behavior or performance problems.  

Offered by one of the State-approved providers of employee assistance programs, the CCSU EAP is available to full- and part-time faculty, all permanent staff, and employees’ family members.  EAP clinicians are experienced professionals with expertise in various areas. They listen, ask questions, and recommend a problem-solving approach that works best for the individual. The EAP provides evaluation and assessment, treatment planning, counseling, and outside referrals for long-term assistance as needed.  Family consultation and follow-up services provide additional support to employees who need it.  

Employees’ discussions with an EAP clinician or outside provider are confidential, and, by law, information shared with the EAP cannot be disclosed to anyone without the employee’s written consent.  Ensuring confidentiality provides an additional incentive for employees to seek the help they need to continue to perform at the optimum level in their private and professional lives.

By utilizing the services of the Employee Assistance Program, CCSU employees have a great opportunity to maintain their physical and mental health, both on and off the job.


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