How Carelon Behavioral Health’s on-site Employee Assistance Program delivers results

The Carelon Behavioral Health on-site EAP

Carelon Behavioral Health’s on-site EAP provides organizational services and EAP direct counseling for clients. Organizational services include management consultations and training sessions. EAP counseling offers short-term solution-focused sessions for employees. 

The program, which has been in existence for nearly 30 years, consists of licensed clinicians counseling employees on a wide variety of behavioral health issues.

Service options include regularly scheduled hours in which counselors service a specific worksite. Companies can also opt for situational on-site services, in which the EAP offers counseling during a workforce reduction or a crisis, such as a serious worksite accident.

The program services 15 accounts in its book of business, utilizing counselors that are Carelon Behavioral Health employees or contractors, colocated at the client’s office or virtually. Eight account managers oversee the accounts. 

The EAP is a confidential service. It fully discloses conditions that limit confidentiality such as company policies, statutes, regulations, or court orders. Individuals can self-refer, call their toll-free EAP number, or make direct contact with an on-site counselor. Managers can also make referrals to the EAP. 

Members utilizing their EAP benefit for counseling participate in a brief assessment. After the assessment, members receive treatment recommendations as well as any necessary referrals.

 

What sets the program apart

“The on-site nature of this program is a huge benefit for large employers with numerous employees,” explains Dr. Teresa Harrison, Director, Behavioral Health Programs and Services, Carelon Behavioral Health. “Presence, confidentiality, and accessibility are key features of an on-site EAP model.”

The on-site model helps individuals struggling with behavioral health issues lessen the risk of relapse. “Short-term, solution-based counseling significantly helps individuals who do not require a higher level of care. Individuals can take advantage of virtual or in-person counseling within one to four days,” adds Dr. Harrison.

 

Types of EAP referrals

Individuals participate in the program via four types of referrals: 

Self: Self-referral is the most common type, in which an employee or eligible household member requests EAP services.

Informal: Supervisors, human resources managers, or union representatives can provide informal referrals. They can recommend that an employee contact the EAP if the employee is exhibiting job performance, personal, or mental health challenges.

Mandatory: A mandatory referral is a worksite representative’s directive that an employee contact the EAP. The referral process typically includes a request for feedback regarding the employee’s compliance with any EAP recommendations.

Regulatory: An employee receives a mandatory referral when they have violated state or federal regulatory guidelines, such as those of the Department of Transportation or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

 

Carelon on-site EAP goals

Dr. Harrison believes the goal is to improve humanity’s health. “We start by improving our clients’ experiences and understanding member health patterns. We also understand that an individual’s first call or outreach for assistance is often the most difficult.”

Dr. Harrison also emphasizes that on-site EAP clinicians are more than just good listeners, as the EAP adds value to an overall healthcare portfolio. “Carelon Behavioral Health’s on-site EAP improves functioning through our use of targeted interventions and addressing obstacles. The EAP benefit, overall, is a proven response to workplace issues. A healthier employee entering a healthier workplace is a great return on investment.”