Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential resources to help State employees and eligible family members address challenges which may impact job performance, affect well-being, and take a toll on overall health. EAP services are provided at no cost to employees and eligible family members. 

Employee Assistance Program Provider

Kepro is now Acentra Health-New name, same great program!

800-833-3031   www.EAPHelplink.com   Company Code: IOWA

EAP services are provided by Acentra, a nationwide health care management company. Calls to Acentra counselors are confidential, and information will not be shared with anyone unless you provide written permission. The only legal exceptions to confidentiality are in cases where there is child or dependent adult abuse/neglect or in life threatening situations. 

Eligibility

Full and part-time employees who receive a paycheck from the State of Iowa are eligible to use EAP services. Members of the employee's household are also eligible to use EAP services. Upon employment termination, employees and their family members remain eligible to use EAP services for up to 30 days following termination.

EAP Services

Appointments with EAP counselors

• Appointments with EAP counselors are available during business hours as well as some evenings and weekends.   
• You may see a counselor on your own time and no one will need to know. If you need to see an EAP counselor during work time, you will need to:
• Get approval from your supervisor for time away from work.
• Sign a release of information form provided by the EAP counselor. This allows the counselor to confirm your work time attendance with your supervisor.
• No other information will be released without your written permission.

Cost of EAP Services

• There is no charge to you for services provided by the EAP. However, EAP services are intended to be short-term in nature.
• Counseling services are limited to six (6) sessions with an EAP counselor per incident. If an EAP counselor refers you to other resources for additional help, those resources may charge for their services. EAP counselors will work with you to identify resources that are affordable or that may be partially covered by your health insurance. Life Coaching services are generally provided for up to nine weeks. If you have questions about whether you are covered by the EAP, contact your human resources associate (HRA), personnel officer (PO), or district court administrator.

Acentra Resources

• EAP Services and Resources
• EAP Critical Incident Stress Response & Recovery
• EAP Trauma in the Workplace Guide for Managers
• Back to top

  EAP Employee Service Summary

• WorkLife Consultation
• Management Consultation and Referral Services
• Financial and Legal Services  
• Calling the EAP: What to Expect
• EAP Training Catalog - Learning Solutions - (available upon request)

• If you need immediate clinical assistance, please call 800-833-3031, our dedicated EAP line to reach our 24/7 clinical team.

  ---

World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The observance on September 10th each year aims to focus attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness, giving a singular message that suicides are preventable.  

According to the World Health Organization, Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700,000 deaths each year globally. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.

The State’s EAP provider, Acentra, has provided the attached materials in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day. 

Suicide Prevention Awareness

Warning Signs of Suicide & What You Can Do

On-Demand Monthly Webcasts

 Available anytime, any day, the EAP is a free, confidential program to help you balance your work, family, and personal life

Online Webinar for November:  

Laughter is a universal language that transcends boundaries and connects people on a profound level. Learn about the power of humor in life.

Please see the attached webinar information entitled: 

Laughter Helps

Available on demand beginning November 19, 2024  

Broadcast Length: 60 Minutes

Webinar Flyer - Laughter Helps

Tip Sheet - Laughter as a Stress Reducer

Missed last month's Online Seminar?

Online Webinar for October:  

One of the most significant transformations we encounter is the aging of our parents. The transitions that come with this can be challenging, but they offer opportunities to deepen our relationships.

Please see the attached webinar information entitled: 

Aging Parents, Renewed Connections

Available on demand beginning October 15, 2024  

Broadcast Length: 60 Minutes

Webinar Flyer - Aging Parents, Renewed Connections

Tip Sheet - The Sandwich Generation: Managing Multiple Roles

How to Access:  Go to your EAP website:  www.EAPHelpLink.com Enter your code: IOWA and look for Online Seminars in the lower left-hand corner of this homepage or you can search for them by title.

2024 Webinar Calendar

Mental Health Month 

May is Mental Health Month, a chance to recognize the fundamental importance of mental health to overall wellbeing and to help overcome the stigma that can keep people from seeking needed help. Almost half of all adults will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives, but only a fraction get the help that could greatly benefit them. Mental health conditions, such as depression and debilitating anxiety, are both common and treatable. Learn to recognize the signs of mental health problems in yourself and the people you love and how to get help. Learn, too, how to maintain good mental health by managing stress and caring for yourself. You'll find helpful information in these articles and online seminars:

• Mental Health Is Real
• What Is Good Mental Health?
• Mental Health Support Is for Everyone
• Take Care of Your Mental Health

Acentra EAP Quarterly Newsletters

Balance is a newsletter specific to employees and their family members which features helpful information for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Current Balance Newsletter

Solutions, is a newsletter specific to managers, supervisors, and human resources staff, featuring management resources available through the EAP, and other recommendations on how to manage issues that arise with employees. 

Current Solutions Newsletter