- Employee Assistance Program
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- New Employee Resources
- Benefit Summaries by Bargaining Unit
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Reimbursement Arrangements
- Deferred Compensation
- Staff Development & Wellness
- Employee Regional Park Membership
- Clean Commute
- Home Purchasing Loan Programs
- Benefit Forms, Plan Documents and Important Information
- Benefit Guides
- Mid-Year Enrollment Changes
- CareCounsel Health Advocacy
- Sonoma County Employees Retirement Association
- Website Accessibility Assistance
- Back to Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is offered by Optum. This confidential service is available to all County of Sonoma employees and their family members.
Life is busy
When you need more resources to manage it all, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) professionals can help. The EAP provides information, guidance and support to help you and your family reach your personal and professional goals, manage daily stresses and develop fulfilling relationships. Benefits include:
- Six (6) face-to-face, text, phone, or virtual visits with a counselor per situation
- Legal and Financial Services
- Work/Life Services
- Online Resources and Tools
EAP is here to help
You don’t have to handle your concerns on your own. It’s OK to ask for help. In fact, seeking help early enables you to take immediate control of your situation and can prevent small issues from turning into big problems. EAP counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether your concern is big or small, don’t hesitate to call (866) 248-4096 for an authorization code. You will need to provide the authorization code to the counselor for billing purposes, prior to begining any sessions.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Accessing EAP Services
How To Access EAP Services
Obtain an Authorization Code
EAP is a confidential service available at no cost to you and your family 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You will need to receive an authorization code prior to contacting a counselor. To obtain an authorization code, call (866) 248-4096.
The authorization code is your insurance authorization for the approved sessions. It is important to provide the authorization code to the counselor prior to beginning any sessions to ensure proper billing. Without the authorization code, you and/or your medical insurance will be billed for the counseling services rather than EAP.
Find a counselor
Once you receive an authorization code you are ready to contact an in-network licensed counselor.
For faster access to a licensed counselor and more flexibility, try TalkSpace. TalkSpace is an online platform that allows you to meet with a licensed counselor virtually or via text.
Note: If you choose to text with a counselor, one week is considered one session.
For more information about these options and to find an in-network licensed counselor, visit www.liveandworkwell.com. Click on "Browse with an access code" and enter "Sonoma".
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Who Is Eligible For EAP Services?
All County of Sonoma employees, including part time and extra help, and their families are eligible for EAP Services.
A family member is any individual living with the employee, including, but not limited to a spouse, child(ren), grandchild(ren), domestic partners, parents, and grandparents. Children living away from home are also eligible for EAP.
Nannies, housekeepers, or other domestic help living with the employee are not considered family members.
EAP Benefits
Counseling Services
Talk one-on-one with an experienced, licensed counselor for support with stress management, strengthening relationships, work/life balance, grief and loss, and more. You can access a counselor face-to-face, online, by phone, or text — whichever is most convenient for you. As with all EAP services, your conversation will be strictly confidential.
To obtain an authorization code, call (866) 248-4096 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Legal Services
- Divorce
- Landlord and tenant issues
- Real estate transactions
- Wills and power of attorney
- Civil lawsuits and contracts
- Identity theft recovery
Financial Services
- Saving for college
- Debt consolidation
- Mortgage issues
- Estate planning
- General tax questions
- Retirement planning
- Family budgeting
Work and Life Services
Care services
Adult care, caregiver support, child care, special needs care, summer camps, holiday child care and back-up care
Education services
Education resources including preschools, public and private schools, tutors and test preparation, financing, and continuing education
Daily living services
Information on parenting, adoption, pregnancy and infertility, pet sitters,relocation, home repair services and more
Autism Family Support services
Offers families the tools, information and resources they need to care for a child with ASD. This specialized program is not a medical service; rather it provides support, guidance and advocacy for parent caregivers of children with autism.
Online Resources
Visit www.liveandworkwell.com to access articles and tools such as videos, calculators and quizzes to help you improve your health and manage life events. You can also search for service providers in your area. The site is available in English and Spanish.
Topics include:
- Depression
- Strengthening marriage and relationships
- Stress management
- Anxiety
- Conflict management
- Weight management
- Communication