Hello everyone and welcome back to our Licensure Exams podcast . I'm Stacey Frost , your slightly younger and the more decidedly continental host , just getting back from an armchair travel overseas .
And I'm Dr Linton Hutchinson , your slightly older and parochial-focused co-host .
Well , one of our podcast members from England got in touch and wanted the lowdown on employee assistance programs , or EAPs , specifically how confidentiality is handled with EAPs . So that's what we're going to be chatting about today .
Now , lint , I reckon you've been around long enough to remember when confidentiality was just about keeping mum in a small hamlet , am I right ?
Right . Well , back in my day , Stacey confidentiality was scribbled on a parchment and sealed with wax . But yes , it's come a long way since then . But don't go thinking , we're talking about the British CI confidential program you're so keen on .
Oh , those Brits know how to make a proper drama for the telly . But in all seriousness , confidentiality is the cornerstone of what we do as therapists , and it's especially important when it comes to EAPs . So let's break it down and make sure our listeners leave with a clear understanding of how to navigate this tricky territory .
Okay , let's get a wiggle on and get a quick summary of the information you may need for the exam . What do you reckon , Stacey ?
Sounds like a plan to me .
Well , right , let's get cracking on the EAP business , shall we ? It's a bit of a sticky wicket , if you ask me . You might be wondering what the bloody hell is an EAP .
Well , an Employment Assistant Program is a work-based intervention scheme designed to help employees sort out all kinds of personal issues that might affect their job performance and general well-being . Jolly useful , wouldn't you say .
Therapists working with an EAP support employees through short-term counseling and referrals , balancing care when reporting obligations bit of a tightrope walk , reeling . What about confidentiality in EAP Stacey ?
Well , confidentiality is the bread and butter of therapy , but in an EAP setting there are a few more layers to it than your average Victoria sponge .
My gosh Stacey , you've been watching that British baking show with Paul Hollywood , haven't you ?
Hey , you're the one who turned me on to it , but I do recall you saying you were quite fond of that older lady Prue who I think is just about your age . But back to the EAP .
You also need to remember that as a therapist , you must keep mum about client matters , while ticking a certain boxes and adhering to certain reporting requirements , likeization reporting . So a therapist may need to provide non-identifying aggregate data to the EAP for statistical or utilization reporting purposes , for example , the number of sessions that were used .
Compliance with sessions the EAP may require information on whether the client attended sessions and adhered to the treatment plan , though this typically doesn't include detailed content from the sessions , though this typically doesn't include detailed content from the sessions .
General progress reports Some EAPs may require general reports on progress , such as whether the employee is following through with treatment recommendations , and these reports usually also avoid specifics about the content of therapy .
Return to work assessments In some cases therapists might provide feedback on a client's readiness to return to work , particularly if the EAP was accessed due to workplace-related issues , and this generally includes providing information about the number of sessions attended , but again , not any detailed content from the sessions . Then there's mandated reporting .
So child abuse , elder abuse or dependent adult abuse . You are required to report any suspected abuse or neglect of minors , elders or dependent adults , regardless of the EAP context and , in some jurisdictions , domestic violence .
These reports are made to appropriate authorities , not necessarily to the employer , unless there's an immediate threat to workplace safety , threats of harm to self or others . If a client experiences a clear and immediate threat of harm to themselves or others , you as a therapist may need to break confidentiality to warn potential victims or notify authorities .
And then there's substance abuse monitoring and healthcare . Eaps may be involved in random drug testing programs , monitoring employees in recovery , reporting on compliance with treatment plans , and this is highly regulated and must comply with industry-specific guidelines , for example , the Department of Transportation Regulations in the United States .
Obligations can vary based on local laws , industry regulations and specific employer EAP agreements . Confidentiality is a key consideration in all EAP reporting .
When you submit hours for payment to the entity that provides services that you work for , you may be asked therapy questions such as level of anxiety , depression or anger , and what treatment goals were worked on . Well , everybody , thanks for tuning in . Remember confidentiality isn't just a legal obligation , it's a foundation of trust between you and your clients .
Keep that trust strong , even within the unique context of an EAP .
And if you have any questions or topics that you want us to cover in future podcast episodes , don't hesitate to reach out . We love hearing from our listeners . All right , everyone . Until next time , stay safe , stay ethical and keep studying for your exam . It's in there .
It's in there .