General Information
Welcome to the New York City Office of Labor Relations Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This site is designed to give city employees and their dependents information regarding EAP services, answers to frequently asked questions, and an array of other relevant information.
The City of New York offers its employees and their dependents a helping hand through a network of Employee Assistance Programs. Generally, an EAP provides education, information, counseling and individualized referrals to assist with a wide range of personal and social problems.
The NYC EAP provides services to the City of New York non-uniform Mayoral agencies, New York City Housing Authority and Health and Hospitals Corporation. Employees and their family members of these agencies can receive services by calling (212) 306-7660 or e-mail us at eap@olr.nyc.gov. The NYC EAP is located at 250 Broadway – 28th Floor, New York, NY 10007. Confidentiality laws and regulations protect the personal information that may be discussed with the EAP. Except in certain extreme situations, information will not be released without your written permission.
Employees who are not covered by the NYC EAP can receive services from either their agency or union EAP. Since not all EAPs offer the same services, we encourage you to call your agency or union EAP for further details.
Employees of the Police and Correction Departments may use their agency’s EAP or the NYC EAP for alcohol treatment services. If employees wish to receive treatment for substance abuse treatment other than alcohol they must self-refer through their own health plan.
A Helping Hand for NYC Employees and Their Families
Employees of the City of New York non-uniform Mayoral agencies, New York City Housing Authority and Teacher’s Retirement System can receive assistance through the professionals of the New York City Employee Assistance Program (NYC EAP).
The NYC EAP is designed to assist employees and their families who are experiencing a wide range of personal problems. Areas of services include marital or family conflict, mental health or emotional stress, problems with alcoholism and substance abuse, elder care, and traumatic events. Additional information and links on these topics can be found under Common Concerns Handled by the EAP.
Working with the EAP you can make changes in your life that will greatly improve your health and well being. To this end, the NYC EAP offers all employees and their families non-discriminatory counseling, information, and referrals to help resolve personal problems efficiently and confidentially.
The Employee Assistance Program will provide the following services to employees and their families:
- Individual interviews to assess and evaluate the nature and scope of problems.
- Crisis counseling, where appropriate.
- Referral to treatment and/or other problem-solving resources in the community.
- Periodic follow-up with employee and referral agency.
- Work site visits to debrief groups of employees who have been affected by a traumatic loss or accident at work.
The first step in receiving assistance from the NYC EAP is to call 212-306-7660 to schedule an appointment. The Program is located at: 250 Broadway, 28th Floor. Remember, all information is free & confidential.
Common Concerns
Sometimes in our lives certain situations occur that overwhelm us and talking to a family member or friend does not seem to help. The NYC EAP can be of assistance during this period. A professional counselor will work with you and/or your family members to help resolve your issues so that you can live a healthier life. All information shared with the NYC EAP counselor is kept confidential.
Below are some of the common concerns for which employees have sought assistance. The NYC EAP can provide a wide range of services to address these concerns.
- financial problems
- child care
- mental health issues
- chemical dependency
- eldercare
- anxiety
- depression
- panic disorder
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- stress
Websites containing additional information which may be of interest to you are listed below:
National Institute of Mental Health – www.nimh.nih.gov
American Physchological Association – www.apa.org
Anxiety Network International – www.anxietynetwork.com
National center for PTSD – www.ptsd.va.gov
Department of Health & Mental Hygiene – www.nyc.gov/health
Stress Management – www.stresstips.com
Note: Under Federal Law, the New York City Office of Labor Relations, Employee Assistance Program is prohibited form ranking, endorsing, or promoting agencies or organizations listed on its website.
Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency
The City of New York is concerned about the well being of its employees and their family members. The abuse of alcohol and other substances can have an enormous impact on work and family. The cost to an individual can include the loss of wages, health related issues, personal and family problems. The disease of chemical dependency can effect any individual regardless of age, race and ethnic group or income level.
If you or a family member has a problem with chemical dependency the NYC EAP can help. We offer free and confidential assistance. If treatment is necessary the NYC EAP can assist in making a referral to a provider that is covered by your health benefits. The NYC EAP can be reached at (212) 306-7660.
Employees of the Police and Correction Departments and those in the Probation Officer title services may use your agencies’ EAPs or the New York City EAP for Alcohol abuse treatment services. If you wish to access chemical dependency treatment services you must self-refer through your health plan.
Resources:
To learn more about alcoholism and chemical dependency call or click on any of the links below:
- New York City Department of Health at www.nyc.gov/html/doh
- Inter-group Association of Alcoholics Anonymous of NY (intergroup) at (212) 647-1680
or (212) 870-3400 or www.nyintergroup.org - NYS Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services at www.oasas.ny.gov
- NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse at www.nida.gov
- SAMHSA National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at www.samhsa.gov
- Al-Anon Infocenter at (800) 344-2666 or al-anon.org
- Narcotics Anonymous at (212) 929-6262
- Pills Anonymous at (212) 874-0700
Coping with Domestic Violence
Domestic violence affects the lives of thousands of New Yorkers. It takes many forms, some you may not recognize. Here are some steps to take against domestic violence.
Understand Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is the effort by one partner in an intimate relationship to control the other partner through emotional, physical, psychological, financial or sexual abuse. Domestic violence is a problem that impacts all social and economic levels.
In addition to married couples, domestic violence affects elderly dependents, unmarried couples, gay and lesbian partners and men and women of all ethnic backgrounds. Children in violent households can suffer deep emotional damage. Domestic violence strains the resources of government, the justice system, private enterprise and the healthcare system of our City and Nation.
Recognize Domestic Violence
At home:
- Are you afraid?
- Uncertain of what will happen if your partner “loses it”?
- Are you cut off from family and friends? Do you have access to your money?
- Are you threatened with public humiliation?
- Physical injury?
- Constant verbal criticism?
At work:
- Is a coworker missing time?
- Afraid to take calls? Borrowing money?
- Hiding bruises?
- Getting an unusual number of personal calls/faxes?
- Showing deterioration in job performance?
- Being harassed/stalked at the work site?
Take Action Against Domestic Violence
For yourself:
Nobody deserves to be abused and afraid. Help is available. Call EAP, go to 311 online or call the NYC Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE to get confidential help. You can make a safer life for your family.
For your family:
If you find yourself behaving violently or you are concerned that your emotions may get out of hand in the family, help is available for you too. Contact EAP for help to make things better at home.
For a coworker:
Don’t be a silent witness! If a coworker seems to be in trouble, reach out and connect them to help. If you are not sure what to do, call the NYC EAP for advice.
For society:
Take a stand for respectful and fair resolution of conflict at home and at work. Feeling angry? Talk it out! Teach your children how to resolve conflicts without violence. Give others the respect you want for yourself. Learn to listen!
Remember, for domestic violence or other personal problems:
City employees may call NYC EAP at (212) 306-7660 for confidential assistance.
Note: Under Federal Law, the New York City Office of Labor Relations, Employee Assistance Program is prohibited from ranking, endorsing, or promoting agencies or organizations listed on its website.
Healthier Living
The NYC EAP is Concerned About The Health of Employees
People experiencing stress, grief or anxiety often stop caring for some aspect of their well-being. Below is a list of simple actions you can take to stay healthy and function while you cope with difficult situations.
- Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol
- Avoid the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Eat well-balanced and regular meals
- Get plenty of rest
- Exercise regularly
- Structure your time and set priorities
- Do things that you enjoy
- Write down your thoughts and feeling
- Ask for help if you need it
Tips for Managing Stress
All of us show some signs of stress in our lives. If you have a number of signs, however, you may need to spend some time on learning how to manage your stress. Too much stress can have negative effects on your health. Some tips for managing stress include:
Deal with Your Feelings in a Healthy Way
- Talk about your feelings with others
- Find positive ways to deal with anger, such as taking a time out, physical exercise, etc.
- Be patient with yourself and others
- Know what you can and cannot do and accept your limits
- Ask for help when you need it
Remember to Relax
- Set aside time each day for relaxation
- Try deep breathing techniques or meditation
- Devote time to enjoyable hobbies and activities
- Cope better by learning your triggers and symptoms of frustration
Manage Your Time
- Try making “to do” lists
- Do not put off doing things that are important to you
- Give yourself enough time to complete tasks
- Be realistic about what you can accomplish
Develop Good Health Habits
- Exercise regularly, get plenty of rest and eat well-balanced meals
- Take medications as directed by your health care provider
- Avoid alcohol, drugs and caffeine
- See your health care provider if you are worried about the effect of stress
- Laugh and rely on your sense of humor to help you cope
- Try to find humor in difficult situations. A sense of humor helps you cope by keeping things in perspective.
- Avoid overexposure to media coverage of life’s most serious problems
Fitness and Health
Exercise regularly. It can help work off some physical stress symptoms, leaving you feeling calm and better able to relax. If you are feeling lethargic, it can help to energize you and clear your mind. Exercise is one of the best things to do to live a healthier and stress-free life. Be sure to consult your physician before starting any exercise program.
Remember that problems can seem much larger under stress. The pressures of dealing with work, family, terror alerts or continuing to cope with the World Trade Center disaster can add to the stress you already feel in your life. Be sure to take care of yourself and manage your stress.
The New York City Employee Assistance Program is located at: 250 Broadway, 28th Floor. Call (212) 306-7660 for an appointment.
Resources
Listed below are websites which may be of assistance to you.
Department of Health & Mental Hygiene – www.nyc.gov/health
National Mental Health Association – www.mnha.org
Stress Management – www.stresstips.com
Mindtools – www.mindtools.com
Note: Under Federal Law, the New York City Office of Labor Relations, Employee Assistance Program is prohibited from ranking, endorsing, or promoting agencies or organizations listed on its website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NYC Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
The NYC EAP offers all employees of New York City’s non-uniformed mayoral agencies and their eligible dependents a helping hand through the use of its professional counselors who can help handle problems in areas such as stress, alcoholism, drug abuse, mental health problems and family difficulties.
When should I call the EAP?
When there is something you have trouble dealing with or talking about, the EAP offers you an objective person who can help you through it.
How can the EAP help me?
An EAP counselor can speak with you in person or on the telephone to help you sort through your difficulties and decide what steps need to be taken to help resolve your problem.
Is there a cost for this program?
EAP services are free to employees of covered mayoral agencies. However, additional costs maybe incurred for other services
What type of problems does the EAP address?
EAP services include personal, family and job difficulties; alcohol and substance abuse; mental health problems including stress, anxiety and depression and social service needs.
What resources can the EAP offer me?
The EAP can help you get in touch with resources in your community such as childcare, eldercare and financial counseling, etc. Working with your health plan, the EAP can help you receive treatment for alcohol or drug dependencies, emotional and relationship problems. In all cases, the EAP will work with you until you receive asisstance that is affordable and effective.
Can I receive EAP services?
Just call the EAP during business hours and ask to speak with a counselor. The telephone number is (212) 306-7660. After hours, you can leave a message and a counselor will return your call on the next business day.
Is the EAP consultation confidential?
The personal information that may be discussed with the EAP is protected by confidentiality laws and regulations. Except in certain extreme situations, information will not be released without your written permission.
What if I do not want my employer to know?
The EAP can arrange for private meetings on your time – your lunch hour or on your personal time.
Are there situations when my supervisor can send me to the EAP?
Sometimes employees are referred to the EAP by supervisors, union representatives or disciplinary officers because their problems are interfering with their work performance. As in all cases, participation is voluntary and your right to privacy and confidentiality are respected.
Can the EAP be called to help when there is a traumatic event on the job?
Often the EAP responds to workplace events by visiting the site and speaking to the employees involved to help them manage the emotional effect of the trauma.
Where is the EAP located?
Office of Labor Relations
40 Rector Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10006
Phone: (212) 306-7200 (General Information)
Fax: (212) 306-7202
Here’s how to contact departments in the Employee Benefits Program:
Health Benefits Program – Retiree Inquiries Only*
40 Rector Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10006
Phone: (212) 513-0470
Fax: (212) 306-7756
TTY (hearing impaired): (212) 306-7753
Office hours: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
* Active employees should contact their agency representatives.
NYC Employee Assistance Program
250 Broadway, 28th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 306-7660
Fax: (212) 306-7666
Office hours: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Email: eap@olr.nyc.gov
Deferred Compensation Plan
Customer Service Center: 22 Cortlandt Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10007
Please direct all written inquiries/correspondence to the following mailing address:
New York City Deferred Compensation Plan
Bowling Green Station, P.O. Box 93
New York, NY 10274-0093
Phone: (212) 306-7760
Outside NYC: (888) DCP-3113 (888-327-3113)
Fax: (212) 306-7376
TTY (hearing impaired): (212) 306-7707
Office hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Appointments are available 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Email the Deferred Compensation Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts Program
Customer Service Center: 22 Cortlandt Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10007
Please direct all written inquiries/correspondence and claims to the following mailing address:
New York City Flexible Spending Accounts Program
Bowling Green Station
P.O. Box 707
New York, NY 10274
Phone: (212) 306-7760
Fax: (212) 306-7376
TTY (hearing impaired): (212) 306-7707
Office hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
For questions about the MSC Buy-Out Waiver Program, please call: (212) 306-7507.
Email the Flexible Spending Accounts Program
Management Benefits Fund
Customer Service Center: 22 Cortlandt Street, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10007
Please direct all written inquiries/correspondence to the following mailing address:
New York City Management Benefits Fund
Bowling Green Station
P.O. Box 707
New York, NY 10274
Phone: (212) 306-7290
Outside NYC: (888) 4000MBF (888-400-0623)
Fax: (212) 306-7353
TTY (hearing impaired): (212) 306-7629
Office hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm