Iowa State's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a toolbox of free and confidential services to help employees build a happier, healthier life. It's part of the employee benefits offerings.
The program, currently contracted with Des Moines-based Employee Family Resources, provides confidential support from experienced, master's-level clinicians in a safe and respectful environment. The services are free to all employees who use them, as well as to members in their immediate family.
EAP professionals can assist with:
- Work stress
- Family and personal relationships
- Emotional or mental health
- Work and life balance
- Substance abuse or addiction
- Financial or legal concerns
- Personal growth and development
Getting started
All assistance begins with a phone call. When you call the EAP number (1-800-327-469), indicate you're an Iowa State employee. A counselor will ask you to describe your concerns. The counselor will then connect you with one or more of the EAP services that can help you, including:
- Life coaching
- Togetherall 24/7 peer support community
- Legal consultation
- Financial consultation
- Elder care consultation
- Child care resources
- Counseling sessions, in-person or telehealth
Meet Melanie Clark
Melanie Clark
Melanie Clark is the new EAP counselor who's coming to campus twice a week for in-person counseling sessions with employees or their family members. Clark is on campus Mondays and Fridays (9 a.m.-4 p.m., last appointment begins at 4 p.m.) Her campus office is accessible on the first floor of the Communications Building.
Clark currently is a clinical intern at Grand View University, Des Moines, finishing a master's degree to become a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Iowa. She said her ability to build connections with clients stems from strong communication skills, empathy and an understanding of the challenges people face. Another of her strengths is working with families and recognizing the importance of family dynamics in overall well-being.
Virtual counseling sessions and a hybrid combination also are options for ISU employees thinking about counseling. Employee Family Resources has offices in downtown Des Moines and West Des Moines, and those location are possibilities if urgency, your daytime location or day-of-week preference better suits one of those sites.
