About the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free and confidential counseling and referral service for all employees and their eligible dependents that may be experiencing personal or workplace problems. The City’s EAP is operated by the City of Milwaukee Department of Employee Relations, 200 E. Wells, Room 700. This program assists hundreds of employees each year with a wide array of personal problems such as alcohol and drug abuse, child rearing, marital problems, family issues, interpersonal relationships, emotional problems, mental and/or physical illness, legal problems and financial difficulties.

Employees may make a self-referral by contacting the Employee Assistance Specialist at 286-3145 for either a phone consultation or an appointment for an in-person consultation. Appointments made with the EAP must be carried out on an employee’s own time. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:45 P.M. Involvement in the program on a self-referral basis remains strictly confidential between the employee and the EAP specialist. There is never a charge to an employee for the service of the City’s EAP personnel. However, if a referral to another entity is necessary, the fees for services of that entity may be based on income or covered by the employee’s own health insurance.

What Issues does the EAP handle?

The City’s EAP assists hundreds of people each year with a wide array of personal problems such as:

  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse
  • Child Rearing
  • Domestic Violence
  • Emotional Problems
  • Family Issues
  • Financial Difficulties
  • Gambling
  • Interpersonal relations
  • Legal Problems
  • Marital Problems
  • Mental Illness
  • Physical Symptoms
  • Relationship problems
  • Stress

Signs That Something is Wrong:

  • Angry Often
  • Anxiety
  • Appetite changes
  • Avoiding friends/family
  • Crying Spells
  • Concentration problem
  • Difficulty controlling mood and emotions
  • Feeling down
  • Job performance issues
  • Increased alcohol use
  • Low self esteem
  • Marital discord
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Thoughts of suicide

Early Intervention:

One of the main objectives of the EAP is to provide a program that will encourage and accommodate early recognition and resolution of personal problems. We believe that the earlier a problem is addressed, the easier it will be to rectify the problem; and also lessen the disastrous effects on health, family and job.

Individual Referral:

One of the major advantages of having an EAP is individualized referral, meaning getting set up with providers uniquely qualified to help you with your problems. We continually spend time reviewing providers and seeking out new resources. We work with employees to hand pick a provider, based on variables such as: Clinical background, cultural sensitivity, insurance coverage, gender issues, geographical concerns, personality and heart. The right fit is essential for a successful outcome.

Referral Resource:

The Employee Assistance Program is also able to refer individuals to other resources for further services in the community such as credit counseling, help with housing, or legal assistance.

Confidentiality:

All records, discussions and referrals for persons seeking help from the program are held in strictest confidence. No release of this information may occur without full written approval of the person involved.