We provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for employers across the country
Riverina Counselling is partnering with a number of organisations in the Riverina in Young, Cowra, Grenfell, Cootamundra and more to provide mental health support, on the ground for people affected by adverse events in and out of the workplace. One of the advantages this provides is talking to someone who knows and lives in small regional communities and the impacts this can create to accessing support.
Stigmas, being one of the biggest factors that limit people, can be eleven times more likely in a regional area than in the city. This often means people withdraw and don’t access help, exacerbating the issues and prolonging mental health. This can eventually lead to more intense issues such as suicide ideation, social withdrawal or addiction issues as a means to cope.
We also provide people EAP services across the different states in Australia via telehealth and video conferencing therapy. Even some people we work with regionally choose this option, as it can be easier to work around busier schedules and to arrange privacy for confidential discussions. When we do EAP we always keep session notes and information confidential and only information of employees is used for billing purposes. Remember, you are entitled to confidentiality and privacy!
When working with EAP it is important to know the sessions are often time limited and we can continue working beyond this, privately, if that suits both parties. If your employer does not have EAP, or if you are an employer reading this and interested, a formal EAP agreement will need to be signed and in place prior to commencing.
Due to the nature of what we do and knowing small local businesses, we also do not charge ongoing fee’s, only the sessions employees and their families use. This means that local businesses both get tailored care and save costs whilst not cutting corners in the support they are receiving.
Another aspect this gives a business is providing support during times of crisis. These often cannot be averted and can be events within the workplace or the local community. Often, when smaller communities are hit by this it ripples much more intensely and affects many community members. EAP support means we aim to provide appointments for more immediate needs as soon as possible. This stops long waits for psychology, time off and gives more responsive help.
When shopping around for an EAP provider we do recommend calling and talking to a number of providers, as it is important to know they have experience to be able to fit the context of your workplace. A city office vs a central Australian mining town, for example, can have very different needs and often, an adaptable approach. Which is what we aim to provide.