Stairways Behavioral Health Launches Innovative Employee Assistance Program

Jessica Hunter

Becky Clark, Stairways Behavioral Health Director of Treatment Services and Employer Assistance Program, is helping to spearhead the organization's Employee Assistance Program that will help thousands of local employees manage stress and improve their mental and physical health by utilizing free professional therapeutic services.

The New Opportunities Employee Assistance Program (EAP), is an affiliate of Stairways Behavioral Health located at 2185 W. 8th Street in Erie. Stairways is a local behavioral health provider primarily serving publicly-insured individuals with mental health and substance abuse needs through a variety of treatment and support programs.

However, the EAP program is different, as local businesses are the customer. Currently, EAP serves 50 businesses mostly within Erie County, totaling over 7,000 employees, as a wellness benefit to address personal problems before they cause more disruption for the employee, and possibly deterring work performance problems. EAP empowers employees to manage stress, enhance mental and physical well-being, and opt for healthier lifestyle choices. For employers who contract with EAP, employees and members of their households have access to free, professional therapeutic services to identify or address underlying issues. EAP consists of a confidential assessment, a brief intervention, and referrals. Often issues identified can be resolved within several EAP sessions. Sometimes a referral to longer-term therapy may be recommended.

Stairways recognizes stressors can easily snowball into larger problems, and businesses can lose valued employees when this occurs. As behavioral health experts, they recognize the importance of taking care of emotional health and getting help for problems which impact us all. They also recognize how important maintaining our workforce is and how much it can negatively impact businesses when well-trained, skilled employees are lost. By offering businesses access to a local EAP to provide confidential, professional and affordable options to their employees, Stairways continues to pursue their mission of over 60 years: to assist persons with mental health care and addiction needs in their recovery.

Mood disturbances, relationship issues, excessive worry, and other issues are difficult and can be very disruptive – but help is available and recovery is possible. If you recognize a problem, reach out to a therapist, your primary care provider, or your company's EAP program.

If you are an employer considering EAP, please call 814-878-3433, or email us at EAP@stairwaysbh.org