DiLorenzo Pentagon Health Clinic
Civilian Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who uses the Employee Assistance Program
Most people who use the EAP have problems that could happen to any of us, problems of everyday life. These might include things like stress, family problems, financial struggles, grief and loss, eldercare, or divorce and separation. Others seek assistance for problems related to addiction or serious psychiatric conditions. Whatever the problem, the EAP is equipped to help you find the kind of assistance needed to get on the road to recovery.
Who provides the EAP?
MJ Technologies provides this program for your organization. For over 16 years, MJ Technologies has specialized in providing Program Management support services to public and private sector clientele. This support is now extended to the management of Employee Assistant Programs that facilitate the health and wellness of DoD civilian government employees, while emphasizing a positive, results-oriented behavioral change approach.
What are the qualifications of staff?
All EAP counselors have a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in psychology, social work or counseling. All staff have a minimum of three years post graduate experience dealing with behavioral, emotional or substance abuse problems.
How will using the EAP affect my job security?
Using the EAP will not adversely affect your job status or your eligibility for promotion. Some people think that going to talk to a counselor puts their career in jeopardy. In fact, many who do seek assistance find that resolving the problem actually improves their well-being and has positive effects on their job performance and attendance. Failing to recognize and resolve personal problems which adversely affect job performance may actually pose a greater risk to job security.
What about confidentiality?
Client identity and information provided to a counselor is protected by law. No information about clients who make use of the EAP will be disclosed without their written consent. Case files for clients are maintained in accordance with the confidentiality requirements of Public Law 93-282, Public Law 93-579 (Privacy Act) and appropriate Federal Regulations (HEW 42 CFR Part 2). Exceptions to confidentiality are rare and are related to issues of safety such as reporting of child or elder abuse and neglect, or threats of harm to self or others.
Additional information about EAP policies and practices that protect the privacy of your health information is available upon request.
How do I schedule an appointment with the EAP?
Scheduling an appointment is easy. Simply call us at 703-692-8917 and a member of our staff can help you set up a convenient time to speak with a counselor. Appointments are available weekdays when the federal government is at work. Should we be unable to answer your call personally, please leave us a message. When leaving a message please indicate your name, phone number, and desire to schedule an appointment and we will return your call as soon as possible. We will make every effort to safeguard your confidentiality when returning your call.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
The counselor will want to know what personal problems you are experiencing and will assist you in evaluating possible steps toward resolution of your concerns. This is accomplished by a thorough, initial interview and assessment. You should plan to set aside about an hour for your first appointment. The counselor will make recommendations to you based on their evaluation of the problem. This may include short-term counseling through the EAP or referral to other community resources depending on the nature of your problems.
Is there a cost involved with using the EAP?
Your employer offers this program as a benefit to you. There is no charge for counseling with the EAP. In some cases, a few visits to the EAP will help you resolve your problem. However, if you need more specialized intervention, the EAP counselor will make every effort to refer you to a resource whose services are covered by your health insurance or whose fees are based on your ability to pay.
Do I have to use my leave?
Generally, employees are not charged leave for their first appointment at the EAP. Additional appointments may be charged to annual or sick leave as appropriate. You should check with your personnel office to determine your agency’s specific policy. We will also make every effort to see employees during their lunchtime if that is their preference.
Do I have to tell my supervisor I’m going to the EAP?
No, you do not have to tell your supervisor that you are going to the EAP. However, if you want to go to your appointment during duty-hours, you may need to schedule your appointment at the convenience of management and you may be required to provide documentation of an appointment.
Can a supervisor refer an employee to the EAP?
If a supervisor becomes aware that an employee is experiencing personal problems, it makes good sense to educate that employee about the EAP and, depending on the situation, recommend that they schedule an appointment. There may be other circumstances where the supervisor is not specifically aware of any personal problems, but the employee has performance or conduct problems on the job that they appear unable to correct. The supervisor may want to offer assistance through the EAP to determine whether the work problems are caused by some kind of personal problem. Going to the EAP is voluntary and it is up to the employee to decide whether they wish to make use of the program.
Where is the EAP located?
PERS is located in the Pentagon, BE834 (in the basement). For more information about PERS or to schedule an appointment, please call 703-692-8917.
We have a secondary office located in the East Tower of the Mark Center, Room B1E02-A. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 571-372-5617.
If you wish to drive to your appointment, please call 48 hours in advance to arrange parking.