How do I decide if I need services?

If you have an issue that is of concern to you, we are here to help. It is best to seek services early, before your situation becomes more critical and begins to affect your work, family, or other aspects of your life.

How do I encourage family members to use services?

Make sure eligible family members are aware of the services available to him/her.
Let your family member know that you are concerned about him/her (use phrases such as "you deserve support" rather than "you need help").
Offer to go along to the first appointment to provide support.
Be patient and caring. Remember that seeking help is a personal decision.
If you believe your family member is in danger of harming him/herself or others, take your family member to your local emergency room immediately.

Will I get paid for time off at work?

Most companies treat EAP appointments as general medical appointments and count appointment time as sick time. We recommend that you check with your supervisor to determine what your company's policy is regarding this issue.

Does it mean I am "crazy" if I go to counseling?

Absolutely NOT. Everybody has problems and seeking assistance for those issues is vital to the quality of your life. Duke EAP is here to assist you when you need help dealing with any number of problems (i.e., job pressures, family/relationship issues, anxiety, depression, life changes or transitions).

According to statistics from the National Mental Health Association, over 40 million American adults and around 1 in 5 children experience some type of emotional distress within a given year (National Mental Health Association).

Less than 16% of the more than 51 million children and adults who experience emotional distress actually seek treatment, yet treatment is effective! While success rates for certain treatments of physical diseases (such as heart disease) are around 41%, success rates for treating emotional problems range from 60-85% (Mental Health Net).

Sometimes taking the first step is difficult when it is not clear how the process works and what will be expected of you. For more information on what happens when you call Duke EAP or what happens at the first appointment, click on the following topics:

How long is a session?

Sessions with EAP counselors typically last for 50-60 minutes. Occasionally initial sessions are a little longer (10-15 minutes).

Can I get a prescription for medication through EAP?

Because EAP counselors are not psychiatrists (i.e., medical doctors), they cannot prescribe medication. An EAP counselor can assist you in locating a psychiatrist within your area if medication is necessary.

How do referrals work?

If your EAP clinician determines that your issue(s) cannot be resolved within short-term counseling, he/she will refer you to a qualified professional within your community. Your Duke EAP clinician will also assist you in coordinating your referral with your insurance, as needed.

Can I continue to see my EAP counselor through my insurance when the EAP benefit is exhausted or at the point my EAP counselor feels I need a referral through my insurance?

Duke EAP clinicians have been contracted to provide time limited assessment, brief therapy, and/or long-term referral recommendations. Due to ethical concerns of dual relationships and their agreement with Duke EAP, Duke EAP clinicians do not see long-term clients for whom they have provided the EAP assessment and brief treatment.

If I have been referred to a provider through my insurance, can I still continue with my EAP counselor until my EAP sessions are exhausted and then go to the provider covered under my insurance?

Once your EAP clinician has determined that your situation cannot be resolved within brief therapy or your situation requires more specialized assistance, your EAP clinician will work with you to coordinate a long-term referral for you through your insurance. At that point, your EAP sessions will stop and you should follow the recommendation(s) of your EAP counselor. In general, it is not advised for an EAP clinician to continue to see a client once it has been determined that brief therapy will not meet your clinical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions