Is this confidential?
Yes. Absolutely. Our professional and licensed staff are mandated by state law regulating their state licensure to maintain strict confidentiality.
Are there exceptions to confidentiality?
Yes. As mandated by law, our EAS staff are obligated to report cases of abused or neglected minors, dependent adults, or elders. Also, breaking confidentiality is mandatory if a direct threat of suicide or a direct threat of homicide is made.
Can my supervisor make me go to the Employee Assistance Services?
No. Your supervisor can suggest you go to EAS if she/he feels there is a problem impacting your work performance by making a formal supervisory referral. This means that the supervisor calls EAS, gives some background about the current situation, and makes an appointment for you on your behalf. He/she then informs you that you have an appointment with EAS tells you why she/he thinks it is important and asks you to attend. You may decline to attend.
However if you accept the referral the first appointment is on "County time".
Can my supervisor access information about my EAS visits?
No. Your supervisor will only know of your presence at EAS if you inform him/her yourself.
Does the information I share with my EAS counselor go in my employee file?
No. EAS records are stored confidentially at the EAS office off site from other County of Riverside facilities.
How long are the sessions?
The first session is usually 1 to 1.5 hours. Subsequent sessions generally take about an hour.
Do I have to use MY time to attend?
Maybe. If your supervisor has referred you---for any reason---the first visit is on "county time", as though you are at work. However, you are responsible for any follow up visits and may use sick, vacation, "comp" or any time you've accrued. Occasionally, your supervisor might approve the use of "flex" time. But check with your department and your supervisor in advance for permission to use flex time.
May I choose the therapist I wish to see?
Yes, depending on availability and occasionally the area of expertise needed to address your particular concern.
Can I be seen the same day I call?
Possibly, but we guarentee that one of our licensed staff will speak with you immediately upon your phone call to us. You will have the opportunity to speak with the counselor confidentially and your immediate needs will be addressed during the phone call.
Where are the offices located?
Both EAS offices are strategically located near large employee populations, but removed from adjacent County of Riverside facilities to provide for added privacy. The Riverside office is in downtown Riverside, near the intersection of Mission Inn Avenue and Lime Street. The Cathedral City office is on Perez Road, between Date Palm Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive.
Riverside 3600 Lime St., Bldg. 1, Suite 111 Riverside, Ca. 92502
Cathedral City 68-625 Perez Rd. Suite 10 A Cathedral City Ca. 92234
What is the relationship between EAS and Exclusive Care?
EAS manages all mental health and substance abuse benefits for Exclusive Care members. When an Exclusive Care member seeks mental health or substance abuse counseling or treatment their case is assessed and managed by an EAS clinician.
Will EAS counseling meet requirements for Court or School ordered counseling for myself or family member?
No. EAS does not do any kind of mandated counseling, and as a rule, does not write letters to courts, schools or other related entities.
Can my file at EAS be subpoenaed?
Yes. EAS records are occasionally subpoenaed by the court.
Can other family members access EAS services?
Only the spouse, registered domestic partner and dependent children under the age of 23 are eligible for services. If you are the legal guardian of a child, verification will be required.
Can telephone sessions be arranged?
This is up to the discretion of the clinician, but is usually not the case.
Can EAS write an off-work order for me?
No. EAS does not get involved in writing off-work orders.
Can EAS help me with a transfer, or a raise?
No.
Can EAS help me with legal advice?
Yes, but by referral only. Our EAS clinicians cannot dispense legal advice. But we can refer you to a reputable attorney in the area and it is between you and the attorney to work out method of payment, etc.
What are the hours of EAS?
Monday through Friday 8am – 6pm
Does EAS work? Will it help me?
The therapeutic process is not effective for each person, and each person responds differently to treatment. At EAS we try hard to treat each person with respect for the client's dignity and with a high degree of professionalism. Whether you benefit from your experience at EAS is determined by you alone.