Frequently Asked Questions
What is EAP?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential support resource designed to help employees and their family identify and resolve personal and/or professional issues that may have the potential to affect job performance.
How much does it cost?
The EAP is a program offered and paid for by the employer. Avera EAP offers a variety of pricing options. Each approach is designed to create a partnership between Avera EAP and the client organization. Our goal is to offer pricing options that meet our customer's needs and ensure congruence between service costs and the resulting value. We offer the following pricing options:
- 3 or 5 session, full-service model, in which the employer pays a pre-set fee, per employee, per month. With this option, there is no cost to extend the benefit to eligible family members of covered employees.
- Utilization-based program, in which the company is billed each month, based on services used.
How is EAP used?
The top three reasons employees and their eligible family members access the Avera EAP are family stress, marital difficulties and emotional challenges; however, our confidential service can assist individuals with other issues, such as:
- Grief and loss, depression, anxiety, stress, anger
- Family or marital problems, abuse issues, eating disorders
- Gambling, alcohol and other drug problems
- Coworker/supervisor conflict, job/career changes, work related stress, conflict resolution and a variety of other issues
Avera EAP also offers organizational and leadership support to help manage the many challenges today's companies face, such as decreased productivity, rising healthcare costs, employee turnover and organizational development issues.
What are the benefits of an EAP?
In the world of business, your employees are your best investment. An EAP can help control employer costs by minimizing the impact that personal and occupational problems have on job performance and providing a platform for prevention and early intervention. Early problem identification can result in shorter treatment, lower costs, improved job performance and can help individuals return to a more productive, enjoyable life.
- Each year, psychological stressors account for 61% of absenteeism, 85% of employee terminations and 80-90% of industrial accidents (Business Health Services, 2004).
- Statistics show EAP's catalyze a reduction of 30% in lost time, 60% in accidents and sick pay, 50% in grievance costs and 70% in accidents (EAPA Facts, 2000).
- Companies report a savings of $116 per employee in healthcare related costs as a result of EAP utilization (EAPA Facts, 2000).
- For every dollar invested in an EAP, employers can save up to $17 (US Department of Labor, 2000).
Is Avera EAP confidential?
Avera EAP emphasizes the importance of confidentiality and will not share any information with an individual's employer or anyone else. All information regarding the identity and circumstances of our clients will be kept private, unless the individual chooses to sign a release of information.
What sets Avera apart from other EAP's?
Avera EAP understands that every organization is unique with its own philosophy, culture, policies and objectives. We work to support those elements by offering a wide range of programs with a commitment to providing clinically sound services and a proactive approach to customer service.
Our program is rooted by a purposeful mission and works from a foundation of solid values. We provide outstanding, comprehensive and confidential services to organizations, employees and their families. Our quality, affordable program is tailored to meet the needs of your organization, and delivered with our responsive and compassionate approach.
We are committed to providing your organization with exceptional service.
Our Staff - No other local provider can compete with the number of talented therapists at Avera EAP. We have the largest, most diverse and specialized staff available to meet your company's needs.
Addiction & Gambling Services - Not only does Avera provide thorough addiction assessments as a component of EAP services, we also have accredited treatment programs available to access if needed.
Training - Avera's training is creative, current and useful. We utilize masters and doctoral level trainers to provide you with training that is tailored to your companies needs. We offer innovative training packages for your staff and/or leaders, at your worksite, as frequently as you like.
Critical Incident Stress Management - Avera EAP offers CISM services to support your company after a traumatic event. Our therapists have specialized training to conduct a "debriefing" and give your staff the support they need.
Solid Network Support - Currently, Avera EAP has credentialed affiliate providers in 32 states. We ensure these therapists meet our qualifications and are prepared to serve your staff located out of our region.
Seamless Connection to Other Avera McKennan Programs and Services - Your company will benefit from Avera EAP's partnership with a larger system. Whether it is utilizing the latest technology such as videoconferencing, or providing a connection to other services such as Occupational Medicine or Health & Disease Management, your company will have a solid foundation of support through Avera EAP.
If you have questions or would like to set up an EAP appointment, contact Avera EAP at 605-322- 4069 or 800-527-9394.
