State of California

M E M O R A N D U M


To:      PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT LIAISONS                   Date:  June 10, 1992
                                               REFERENCE CODE:  92-70


         THIS MEMORANDUM SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED TO:
         ALL DEPARTMENT EAP COORDINATORS
         ALL DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL OFFICERS


From:    Department of Personnel Administration


Subject: Inability of the EAP to Provide Long Term Therapy


         Please advise all employees in your department eligible for EAP services
         under the State's master contract with Occupational Health Services, Inc.
         (OHS) that OHS counselors are not authorized to provide long term therapy
         to State employees and dependents accessing OHS services.  OHS will
         continue to review each case on its merits, make appropriate referrals
         and provide assessment and referral services as appropriate.  OHS
         counselors should develop treatment plans for their clients when
         appropriate.

         There are some State employees who access OHS services year-after-year
         for chronic problems which cannot be resolved by short-term counseling.
         Examples of these situations are chronic emotional and personal problems
         which should be treated by longer term therapy.  Low cost/no cost mental
         health services are also available from each employee's health provider,
         or other community resources.  State of California EAP services under the
         OHS contract are designed to provide problem assessment and referral
         services, short term therapy, and to provide encouragement and support
         toward pursuing a referral for ongoing treatment when indicated.  As in
         the past, after assessment and referral, State employees may elect at
         their own cost to voluntarily remain as a client of an OHS counselor.

         Department EAP coordinators who have questions about this issue should
         contact Diane Hachey, Statewide EAP Coordinator, at (916) 324-9353.




         Patricia Pavone, Chief,
         Benefits and Training Division