myCSUSM
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Most of us manage our lives successfully. There are times, however, when personal problems interfere with relationships, job performance, and physical health. Everyone can benefit from help when these difficulties arise. That's why California State University San Marcos is providing a special employee benefit called an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), administered by Empathia LifeMatters®.
- Empathia Brochure
- Empathia Guide
- LifeMatters® Guide
- Empathia Website
(password: cougars) - Toll Free#: 800-367-7474
What is the EAP?
Your EAP is a professional counseling service to assist you and your family members through a period of personal difficulty. LifeMatters® by Empathia, a private firm specializing in Employee Assistance Programs, is your provider. The Empathia LifeMatters® staff consists of trained and experienced licensed clinical professionals with special expertise in counseling individuals with personal problems.
What Services Are Available?
The EAP provides confidential services for a wide range of concerns that include:
- Marital/Relationship Issues
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Financial Issues
- Bereavement or Grief
- Substance Abuse
- Depression
- Legal Questions
- Coping with Change
- Low Self-Esteem
Your EAP Provides:
- Confidential Counseling for Employees and their Dependents
- Five (5) counseling sessions per incident.
- Available 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week, 365 Days a Year
- A WorkLife benefit which includes online resources in the categories of: Emotional Wellbeing, Relationship, Financial, Health, Legal and Workplace.
When is the EAP Service Available?
EAP is there for you when you need them.
- Call during business hours to schedule an appointment.
- In case of emergencies, EAP is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
- Just call: 1-800-367-7474
How Does the EAP Work?
To schedule an appointment, simply call LifeMatters® toll free number. In the EAP sessions, several things occur. You are asked to define the problem, consider your options, and develop an action plan. EAP consultants are there to assist you with these issues and to help you find solutions.
Is the EAP Really Confidential?
Yes. It is always confidential, unless YOU decide otherwise, and give written permission to the consultant to confer with your supervisor or human resources department.
What is the Cost?
The service is paid for by your employer as an employee benefit. Assessment, referral, and brief counseling services are free to the employee and family members. If referral for treatment is necessary, you will be responsible for paying those fees. Your group health plan may cover some of those costs.
Provisions Relating to Telehealth Services
On October 1, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 457 (Santiago, Ch. 439, Stats. 2021) (“AB 457”). Under AB 457, Empathia Pacific, Inc. is required to amend certain contracts to include provisions relating to telehealth services. Therefore, the Specialized Health Care Service Plan Contract Amendatory Rider for AB 457 and the Combined Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure Form Amendatory Rider for AB 457 have been added to the LifeMatters website.