EAP Terms

Everything you need to know about EAP.

  • Accessibility
    Those provisions as stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as they apply to the Federal community through the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, providing disabled consumers physical and communications access to services. Additionally, it relates to the “opportunity of consumers to obtain services based on the location of service, hours of operation, and affordable fees.” (Council on Accreditation (COA) Glossary, 7th Edition/Version 1.1)

  • Assessed Secondary Problem
    Additional issues that directly affect the primary problem and are often a consequence of the primary problem.

  • Assessed Tertiary Problem
    Additional problems or issues that may need to be addressed, which may be related to or independent of the primary or secondary problem.

  • Assessed Primary Problem
    An issue or problem determined by the EAP counselor to be the core issue (such as a mental health concern, work/life issue, or medical manifestation) that, once addressed, should resolve or mitigate the symptoms and/or problems of the client.

  • Assessment
    An ongoing process or evaluation where professional expertise is used to collect and analyze data, identifying, defining, and prioritizing the client’s physical, mental, and social issues, problems, or challenges. This provides an accurate diagnosis of the client and the basis for a treatment or problem-solving plan. (COA Glossary, 7th Edition/Version 1.1 and subcommittee language)

  • Blended EAP Model
    See EAP Model.

  • Brief/Short-Term Counseling/Treatment
    Services provided by the EAP counselor to the employee/client for approximately 1 to 6 sessions, often based on agency philosophy and/or financial considerations. For counseling required beyond the original sessions, the EAP counselor ensures referral and linkage to a new counselor.

  • Capitated Risk
    The assumption of responsibility by a clinician or organization for providing specific services to clients under a pre-established reimbursement agreement, with financial risk taken if EAP services exceed cost projections. (COA Glossary, 7th Edition/Version 1.1, page 2)

  • Capitation Rate
    A per-employee dollar amount per year, paid by a Federal agency to an external EAP provider under contract terms. The vendor provides contracted services regardless of agency employee utilization levels. (EAPA Glossary, 1994)

  • Case Management
    The coordination, monitoring, and discharge planning of services by the EAP counselor for the EAP client and Federal agency to ensure treatment gains are realized and resources are used effectively.

  • Chemical Dependency
    Physiological and psychological dependence on a chemical (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, narcotics), resulting in symptoms like increased tolerance and withdrawal when the chemical is removed. (COA Glossary, 7th Edition/Version 1.1)

  • Client
    An individual eligible to receive EAP services, potentially including an employee or family members (spouse, dependent, etc.), as defined by agency policy or contract requirements.

  • Clinical
    Relating to examination, assessment, and direct counseling or treatment, as opposed to experimental study. (COA, 7th edition/Version 1.1)

  • Clinical Services
    Services offered by an EAP counselor involving assessment and counseling.

  • Counseling Services
    Specialized services and interventions provided to identify and resolve clients' personal, professional, financial, mental health, or addiction problems.

  • Counselor, EAP
    A trained professional, often licensed in mental health or addictions, operating in occupational settings to serve both management and employees.

  • Covered Lives
    The total population eligible for EAP services, as defined by the sponsoring agency.

  • Crisis Intervention
    Brief therapy provided to individuals involved in traumatic events, intended to prevent long-term psychological harm.

  • Critical Incident
    An unexpected, life-threatening event causing trauma, e.g., natural disasters, accidents, or workplace violence.

  • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISB)
    A structured intervention that encourages expression, symptom identification, and referral to services following a traumatic event.

  • Critical Incident Stress Management
    Services or activities used by an organization to manage a critical incident, including debriefings, outreach, and trauma-related activities.

  • Drug-Free Workplace
    Policies and regulations originating from Executive Order 12564 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, mandating a drug-free environment for Federal employees.

  • EAP Liaison
    Agency employees responsible for ensuring that the EAP contract aligns with established policies and procedures.

  • Ethical Standards
    Professional behaviors and values, including confidentiality, accuracy, privacy, and integrity, that EAP professionals must follow.

  • Ethics
    Principles or values for evaluating right or wrong, good or bad practices, often codified in professional conduct standards.

  • Host Organization
    The Federal agency providing resources to establish and support EAP services.

  • Intake
    The point at which an EAP client’s eligibility is assessed, and a preliminary problem evaluation occurs, often during the first counselor appointment.

  • Mandatory Referral
    A referral to the EAP by a supervisor due to positive drug tests or other agency-designated events. EAP services are voluntary despite the referral being mandatory.

  • Peer Support Personnel
    Federal employees who volunteer for an agency’s Peer Support Program, offering limited support for workplace trauma or personal challenges.

  • Return to Work Agreement
    An agreement among an employee, their supervisor, EAP, and others outlining conditions for returning to work following treatment for substance abuse or other issues.

  • Statement of Understanding
    A document explaining the limits of confidentiality and available EAP services, which must be signed by the employee before receiving counseling.

  • Unit Cost
    The calculated price or value of a unit of service, accounting for organizational expenditures involved in providing that service.