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EAP Offers Exciting, New Services

EAP Offers Exciting, New Services
Submitted by New Directions Behavioral Health

Heraclitus, a pre-Socrates philosopher, said, “Change is the only constant in life.” This is why we always should be ready for things to change in all aspects of our lives. In December, New Directions Behavioral Health was awarded the contract to provide Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to USPS employees and their eligible family and household members.

New Directions, founded in 1995, assumed its new responsibilities on April 1. We provide best-in-class behavioral health and EAP services to over 16 million people nationwide and internationally. All the services the EAP currently offers will remain. The website will continue to be available 24/7/365. The website has an updated look and feel and offers more options for counseling, a live-chat feature and video counseling. We also will have an EAP mobile app for smartphones and tablets.

Most of the USPS EAP consultants and clinicians in your districts will continue in their current roles. Regrettably, some have chosen not to move to New Directions Behavioral Health for a variety of reasons. They will be missed. Please welcome our new employee assistant professionals and help them get up to speed.

The program remains voluntary and free. Solution-oriented counseling and coaching will continue to exist. Appropriate referrals to resources that would best fit needs will be given.

The requirements for consultants and clinicians remain the same: they must have a master’s degree and current state license in social sciences and have five years of clinical experience after receiving their graduate degree.

Following is a list of the different types of counseling you may access through the website or by calling:

• Face-to-face counseling—Make an appointment with your district clinician to address any current concerns you may have. You also may want support through coaching on how to lose weight or develop an action plan to enhance your communication skills.
• Telephonic counseling—If you would like to speak with a counselor over the phone to get the help you would like, just make the call to 1-800-EAP-4You (1-800-327-4968 or TTY: 877-492-7341).
• In-the-moment support—You may want to speak with a consultant or clinician immediately. If you see them walking around or available in their office, you can request a few moments to get some time to discuss your situation.
• Video therapy—Many times, you don’t have the time to travel to the clinician or consultant and may want to use video therapy.
• Text therapy—By using Talkspace, text therapy is available, anywhere at any time. Clinicians have a certain amount of time to get back with you regarding your concern. This is a great benefit for those who are on the go or may have time to meet, but at different times, such as break times, down time, at night or whatever time is convenient for you.
• Web-based therapy through myStrength—This resource can help you find answers through online processes you follow to improve your life by completing modules in a self-guided way. There are six, evidence-based, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) modules available that can be accessed through myStrength at EAP4YOU.com:
  • Depression—Step-by-step, cognitive behavioral therapy helps with mood and depression management.
  • Stress—Positive psychology and mindfulness strategies for handling workplace or personal stress.
  • Chronic Pain—Peer-led and includes strategies for coping with pain, managing opioid use and creating positive interaction with care teams.
  • Anxiety—Explores in-the-moment coping skills to reduce panic and prevent excessive, future worry using mindfulness and CBT tools.
  • Substance use—Assesses readiness to change and builds awareness of usage patterns with in-depth, relapse prevention for a powerful recovery experience.
  • Insomnia—Interactive tracking, individualized sleep plans, daily resources and a comprehensive sleep library to ensure a solid night’s rest.

Looking forward to change is not always easy, but can be rewarding and adventurous. The changes coming for the new EAP are innovative and convenient. Access to help, guidance, coaching and counseling will be available all the time on several different useful devices.

Remember to search, call, text, video or chat about any concern you may have to EAP4You.com and 1-800-EAP-4You (1-800-327-4968 or TTY: 877-492-7341). Stay safe, and remember the EAP always is there for you!