Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kinds of problems does EAP address?
Here at EAP we provide professional help for many issues you, your family and other families like you may be experiencing. Below are some of the issues that people come to EAP for:
2. How do I decide whether to seek counseling?
We love to say "When in doubt, call EAP!" If you are not sure if your situation is one that EAP counseling can help with just give us a call and one of us will be happy to help.
3. Who provides the counseling?
Our team at Lakeland’s EAP is made up of three people. Two of us are full-time licensed mental health professionals with master’s level counseling degrees. Our administrative assistant, Jan, has years of experience in a counseling setting and works hard at making our clients feel welcomed and comfortable.
We are committed to providing compassionate and professional care to our clients. If you want to learn more about us visit Who are we?
4. Are most people nervous about getting counseling?
It is common for us to see individuals who have never been in any type of professional counseling and who might not know what to expect. Being a little nervous about coming to counseling is normal and its one of the many reasons we affirm your choice to reach out to us.
Our goal as counselors is to help you feel safe and comfortable. If you feel like you want to talk to a counselor prior to the session to know what to expect, please feel free to give us a call!
5. What happens in the sessions?
The EAP counselor will help you identify your problem and ensure you get the help you need. Counseling sessions are typically held at the EAP office which is located in St. Joseph, but we also can see individuals at the Lakeland Health Niles hospital and the Lakeland Health Watervliet hospital if that is more convenient for you!
Here at EAP we do short term counseling, if we believe that you, the client, would benefit from additional help and would like to continue with long term counseling we will provide a list of options for long term counseling in the community.
You can also check out a list of the counseling centers in the community by visiting Counseling Centers and Psychiatrists
6. Is the program really confidential?
Yes! All information regarding your counseling sessions and referral services will be securely and confidentially maintained by the EAP. We guarantee that no information concerning your personal situation or even your participation in the EAP program will be released without your consent, except as required by law.
7. Is the program really free?
Yes! The services available through EAP are offered to all employees and family members at no cost thanks to your employer. If additional services from another source, such as a referral, are recommended, those costs will be discussed with you.
8. Can someone who is not an employee of Lakeland Health use the EAP services?
In addition to offering counseling services to all Lakeland associates and family members, we have 11 outside contracts with companies in our community. If you are interested in learning if your employer has a contract with us, or would like to see if we can create a contract for your company contact Lynne Murphy at (269) 428-0022.
9. Where do I start?
To make an appointment with a counselor, please call us at 269-428-0022 or call 1-800-428-6216 (toll free). For more information on how to contact us please visit Contact Us