| Question
1: |
I
am having difficulty concentrating at work because so
much is going on in my personal life. Where do I
go to get help with my personal problems? |
| ANSWER:
The Employee Wellness and Assistance Program staff,
Karen Smith and Nancy Apperson can assist you in defining
your personal difficulties and connect you with the
appropriate resources in the area. Many times it is
helpful to schedule an appointment with Nancy Apperson.
|
| Question
2: |
My
problem is not about me, but I am having trouble with
my kids… my parents have a lot of health problems
|
| ANSWER:
We will assist you with any kind of personal or family
problem as long as your are an employee, a dependent
of an employee, or retired. Our office has helped people
with depression and anxiety; alcohol and drug problems;
divorce, grief, and other mental and emotional health
concerns; marital and family issues; career and professional
concerns; eldercare; chronic health issues; interpersonal
difficulties; stress management; and retirement and
post retirement. |
| Question
3: |
How
do I schedule an appointment? |
| ANSWER:
Call 753-9191 and anyone in the Employee Wellness Office
can schedule an appointment for you with Nancy Apperson?
|
| Question
4: |
Do
I have to tell my boss where I am going? I don’t
want anyone to know. |
| ANSWER:
Appointments may be scheduled during the employees lunch
hour as well as after work. In addition, NIU Employees
may use any service at Human Resource Services including
the Employee Wellness and Assistance Program during
the workday provided their absence is approved by their
supervisor. The employee does not have to specify which
specific service is being sought and may just ask to
be excused to go to Human Resource Services. |
| Question
5: |
What
if my problem is a work problem? Who do I see?
|
| ANSWER:
The Employee Assistance Program also assists
employees and supervisors deal with interpersonal difficulties
and challenging office dynamics. Just schedule an appointment
with Nancy Apperson and she will assist you in developing
communication skills and understanding the interpersonal
difficulties. She will meet with you to coach you as
you are mastering new ways of dealing with your work
situation. |
| Question
6: |
Do
I have to pay for this? |
| ANSWER:
If you are an NIU employee, the dependent of an NIU
employee or annuitant, or you retired from NIU; the
services of the Employee Wellness and Assistance Program
are FREE as a part of your benefits. When you are referred
to someone who is not part of the Employee Wellness
and Assistance Program, you will need pay for those
services and may access your insurance benefits. |
| Question
7: |
How
do I know where I should go for counseling? I know
I need to see someone regularly. |
| ANSWER:
We recommend you schedule an appointment with Nancy
Apperson or call and talk with either Nancy or Karen
Smith to find out how to access your insurance benefits.
Karen and Nancy can assist you in finding a counselor
who is approved by your insurance plan and whose specialty
relates to your problem. |
| Question
8: |
Can
I just see you and not see a counselor? |
| ANSWER:
The Employee Assistance Program Counselors may
counsel an NIU employee, dependent of an NIU employee,
or a retiree regarding a personal problem 3 – 4 times
before making a counseling referral. Sometimes, Nancy
Apperson will meet with you more than once if you are
unclear about what you need. When the person is having
difficulty coping, Nancy Apperson will provide supportive
counseling until the employee is able to actually meet
with their ongoing counselor. |
| Question
9: |
How
do I know which mental health providers or counselors
are covered by my particular insurance plan?
|
| ANSWER:
If your insurance is an HMO, you always need a referral
from your primary care physician. If you are not
sure about getting a referral from your doctor, call
the Employee Wellness and Assistance Program Office
at 753-9191 and we will assist you. Many times it is
helpful to schedule an appointment with Nancy Apperson.
If your insurance is the Quality Care Plan, then
you must call the pre-approval number (800-513-2611)
to receive the 80% coverage. If you have any difficulties
or are unsure about what to say, call our office and
we will assist you. |
| Question
10: |
What
do I do if I know whom I want to see, but I don’t know
if they are covered? |
| ANSWER:
If you are on the Quality Care Program, you may call
our office (753-9191) or call the managed care company
directly (800-513-2611). If you are on an HMO, you may
call our office to see if we have a listing, but you
must get the referral from your primary care
physician. |
