Employee Relations

Employee Assistance Program

At any given time about 10 percent of all workers have personal problems that seriously affect their job performance. Many people do not know where to turn for help. Because Boise State University and the State of Idaho cares about you and your family, we have contracted with Business Psychology and Associates (BPA) to provide an Employee Assistance Program that can help you deal with your problems. Learn more about our EAP provider by going to the BPA website at:

http://www.bpahealth.com/e_main1.html

Click on each topic below to get answers to the most frequently asked questions about our EAP.

What is an EAP?

An employee assistance program provides free, confidential, professional assistance to help employees and their families resolve problems that are hurting their personal lives or job performance. In addition to being private and confidential, the program is voluntary (with the exception of a mandatory supervisory referral when drug or alcohol impairment creates performance issues). It is designed so that employees can seek the help they need without worrying that someone at work will "find out" about their problem.


How Does an EAP Help?

When problems at home or at work seem overwhelming and are causing you difficulty, you have a place you can turn to for help. Your EAP provides five free counseling sessions per year with BPA for you and your eligible dependents as defined in the Boise State Employee Group Insurance Handbook available through Human Resource Services. Additional services are provided on a co-pay basis (after your deductible is met) through your medical insurance plan. If you need a service that is not offered by BPA, they will refer you to another agency.


How Do I Know I Need Help?

You need help when a problem begins to interfere with your work, your health, or any aspect of your life that keeps you from being effective. When problems are not dealt with productively they may grow dangerously worse. This program has been added to your benefits to help you remain productive and effective as you provide services to Boise State University colleagues and students.


Why Use an EAP?

An EAP can help you resolve those problems that are causing stress and other negative results in your personal or professional life. From the University’s perspective, Employee Assistance Programs have been shown to reduce health care costs, boost morale, reduce employee turnover and increase productivity. Through your State of Idaho/Boise State University EAP, you receive free confidential help with your problems before they overwhelm you.


How Do I use My EAP?

You or your dependents can schedule an appointment by calling the EAP Hotline number. The 24 Hour Toll-Free EAP Hotline number is 1-877-427-2327. Treasure Valley residents can call 343-4180.

Referral by your supervisor is not required. When you contact the EAP, you will be asked a few questions including your name, the agency you work for, and the problem for which you or your dependent are seeking counseling. The EAP will make every effort to match you or your dependent with the most appropriate local professional counselor.


What Counseling is Available?

Counseling is available through the State of Idaho EAP for a variety of problems including:

  • Job Related Issues
  • Depression / Stress
  • Marriage and Family Issues
  • Child or Adolescent Problems
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Personal problems sometimes require medical, financial or legal assistance. Your EAP counselor can help identify these concerns and refer you to an appropriate specialist.

Last reviewed July 2007