If you’re continuing to struggle with the challenges and effects of the pandemic, you’re not alone. And if you’re seeking assistance, there is a place you can go for confidential, caring help and support. That’s the message from the newly reinvigorated Employee Assistance Program (EAP), part of the Healthier U well-being program available to faculty and staff all across Stony Brook University.
“It is my aim and hope to create safe, inclusive and supportive spaces for all faculty and staff,” said new EAP Lead Coordinator Alexis Rodgers. Rodgers is also a licensed master social worker with her degree from the Stony Brook School of Social Welfare, and with more than a decade of field experience promoting mental health and well-being across Suffolk County.
“One of the central purposes of EAP,” said Rodgers, “is to help employees balance their personal lives with work. The most dedicated and talented employees struggle with separating work and personal challenges, and it’s especially important to support employees during tough times, like we’ve all been experiencing over the past two years.”
Rodgers points out that working with the program early in the process can help employees break through difficult patterns and establish healthy habits. And she emphasizes that the program is also available to address issues such as workplace conflicts, all available at no cost to faculty, staff, graduate student employees, retirees and their dependents. “It’s not only about emotional health and well-being, though that is a key focus,” she said.
Specifically, EAP provides access to appropriate professional or community resources to help individuals dealing with concerns including:
- marital problems • workplace stress
- family problems • legal problems
- alcohol and substance abuse • financial problems
- emotional health issues • childcare issues
- domestic violence • eldercare issues
- grief and bereavement
Healthier U Director Cathrine Duffy added that EAP will be offering expanded hours for in-person consultations, a variety of in-person and virtual workshops, as well as the opportunity to “Meet Your EAP.”
“We want everyone to know all about the full breadth of services available to them,” said Duffy. “We want to be accessible, convenient and a real source of solace and support for our university faculty and staff.”
Find out more about this confidential assessment, referral and consultation program – including office hours, locations and contact information here. Watch for events on the website and through other communications, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training, Mental Health First Aid, “What is Project Hope?” and more. And feel free to contact Alexis Rodgers at Alexis.Rodgers@stonybrook.edu if you’d like to have her give a special presentation to your staff or department.
Mostly remember: EAP is here for you!
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