The EAP service

How can EAP services be free?

There is no charge to you and your family (if included in the program) to use EAP services. The fees for EAP services are paid for by the your organisation. In most cases, organisations pay a fixed fee to cover the service provision irrespective of the level of service used by employees and their families at any particular point in time.

Why would my organisation pay for counselling for me and my family?

It makes good business sense for your organisation to provide EAP services to employees and their families. EAPs contribute to the maintenance of a stable, healthy and productive workforce. Smart employers recognise that an investment in EAP resources returns high dividends to the organisation.

Do I have to go to counselling?

No - the use of the EAP service is always voluntary. No one can force you to use the counselling services if you don't want to.

What if I need to be referred out for additional or special therapy?

The vast majority of employees who access EAP services receive the full range of services without the need for an external referral. 

If your counsellor feels longer term therapy or specialist assistance is appropriate, they will advise you of a range of agencies from which you can select a suitable service provider. If there are free or subsidised services available, your counsellor will let you know.

The cost of any therapy or treatment provided by a referral agency is not part of the EAP program and is at your own cost.

How many sessions am I entitled to?

EAPs offer brief intervention therapy services.  Annual session limits vary - programs range from 1-10 sessions per annum.  Please consult your organisation HR Manager to find out how many sessions you are entitled to.

What if I miss an appointment?

If you don't give Interlock at least 24 hours notice to cancel your appointment, the missed appointment will be included in the count of your appointments.

What are the types of issues could I access the counselling service for?

Work Related issues that may include:

Family Coverage

What family members are covered?

Under a standard Interlock Employee Assistance Program, the immediate family members of employees have access to all EAP services. Immediate family members are usually limited to dependents residing at the same address and might include:

• parents - father and mother

• partner or spouse

• siblings - brothers and sisters

• children.

How do family members access EAP services?

The same way as employees. Simply contact the most convenient Interlock Counselling Centre and ask for an appointment.

What if my family members live in other parts of Queensland or Australia?

No problem. Through our associates throughout Australia and New Zealand, your family members can access EAP services anywhere in Australia and New Zealand. If they need a contact number, simply phone Interlock's Brisbane or Townsville Offices.

EAP Counsellors

Are the counsellors qualified?

Yes. Interlock counsellors must have full qualifications in Psychology or Social Work from a recognised University. They must also be full members of the Australian Psychological Society or the Australian Association of Social Workers. Psychologists must have full registration to operate as Psychologists in Queensland.

All of our counsellors have extensive experience in counselling across the range of issues presented in EAP counselling.

Will I continue to see the same counsellor?

Yes, if you want to. When a counsellor is allocated to assist you, that counsellor will continue to provide services to you. You can at any time request a change in counsellor.

Locations

Does Interlock make home visits?

In normal circumstances, EAP counselling occurs in our counselling centres. Only in very exceptional circumstances we will visit your home.

What if Interlock doesn't have a counselling centre in my locality?

Interlock counselling centres are located in the vast majority of Queensland cities and towns. In remote centres where appropriate resources are not available to set up a counselling centre, we provide counselling support via a freecall telephone counselling service.

Appointments for this service are made over the telephone and at the appointment time, the client telephones in and receives counselling.