Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is an Employee Assistance Program?
A: CONCERN^® Services provides counseling for employees and their family members for any and all personal problems. The counselor will do an assessment and together you will develop a plan of action. If longer-term counseling or specialized services are needed, the counselor will refer you to qualified professionals or organizations in the community.

Q: What kind of problems do people bring to CONCERN?
A: Some examples of problems that clients bring to CONCERN counselors are the following:

• Marital or family problems
• Other relationship problems
• Divorce and/or separation
• Illness or death in the family
• Alcohol and/or drug problems
• Stress related problems
• Job problems
• Addiction problems
• Elder care concerns
• Maintaining a balanced life

Q: Who is eligible to use CONCERN?
A: CONCERN's services are available for you, your spouse and your dependents including your college age students.

Q: Can employers who have employees in other cities and states be clients?
A: CONCERN offers a National Program that companies can purchase that provides counseling and other services in all 50 States as well as Canada and Puerto Rico.

Q: How serious are you about confidentiality?
A: Strict confidentiality is maintained by CONCERN. In fact, confidentiality is the most important element in the relationship between the client and the counselor. CONCERN complies with all state and federal laws regarding confidentiality.

Q: Will my family or my employer be told that I am using CONCERN's services?
A: Your family and your employer will not know anything about your use of CONCERN unless you tell them.

Q: What qualifications do the counselors at CONCERN have?
A: All the counselors have at least a Master's degree in counseling, social work or psychology. They are all licensed professional counselors, social workers or psychologists. They all have at least five years experience in the behavioral health field.

Q: What about referrals?
A: The majority of problems can be improved through short-term counseling.If the client and counselor decide that additional services for specialized or longer care are required, a referral will be made to an appropriate community resource.

Q: How long is an EAP counseling session?
A: A typical counseling session is about 50 minutes. Your first session may take longer as you and your counselor complete your assessment.

Q: How many sessions of counseling are permitted?
A: It depends on the contractual agreement with the employer. Some programs include no more than three sessions and are intended to provide an assessment and referral. Some programs include more sessions and are intended to provide short term counseling in addition to assessment and referral services.

Q: What does CONCERN cost the employee?
A: The services of CONCERN are an employee benefit paid for by the employer There is no cost to the employee or any family member for use of CONCERN's services. If a referral is made, the employee or family member is responsible for any fees not covered by insurance.

Q: Is it difficult to make an appointment to see an EAP counselor at CONCERN?
A: It is very simple to make an appointment. One phone call to our Intake Department is all it takes to make an appointment. The Intake Department will help you find an appropriate time and location for your first appointment. You and your counselor make all subsequent appointments.

Q: What are the available hours that I can see a counselor?
A: CONCERN is open Monday through Saturday with appointments available in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Q: Where do I call for more information about CONCERN^® Services?
A: You can call the Cincinnati number (513- 891-1627) anytime between 8:30AM and 5:00PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday. Or, outside of Greater Cincinnati,you can call the toll free number 1-800-642-9794. Click here for Ask a Counselor or to e-mail CONCERN for more information.