Benefits July 12, 2004

More Employees Seek Counseling Via Email

July 12, 2004 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The use of corporate employee assistance program via e-mail have risen 25% in the first half of 2004, compared with the same period in 2003.
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The reason for the increase could be traced back to employee comfort levels, said ComPsych, an EAP provider. “‘We’ve found that, even as stigmas related to seeking counseling are abating, some people still feel more safe sending an e-mail rather than making a phone call for assistance,” said Richard Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych.

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Yet, ComPsych said this is no substitute for a face-to-face meeting. “Our aim, of course, is to get the employee to visit a counselor in person,” Chaifetz added. “After e-mails are exchanged we will encourage them to set an appointment. Regardless of the convenience of e-mail, voice and visual cues are still paramount to effective treatment through therapy.”

ComPsych found the four most common issues presented through e-mail to ComPsych counselors are related to:

  • dealing with depression
  • child disciplinary problems
  • marital conflict
  • family member/coworker conflict.

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