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Assistance Programs
Whether you’re dealing with stress, mental health concerns, a child with a learning disability, a parent who needs in home care or a difficult colleague, the university offers resources to help.
The assistance programs provide resources for life’s issues — no matter how big or small. You and your immediate family members can use the assistance programs for confidential, no-cost individual and family counseling.
There are two options: the university of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Member Assistance Program (MAP). Learn more about what each offers below.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a high priority. The assistance programs retain all confidential records and notes; those records and notes do not become a part of your personnel file or other university records. Professional standards and state and federal laws protect your and your eligible dependents’ privacy.*
The assistance programs will not disclose any information to another university employee about your use of assistance program services, unless you have explicitly authorization a release. Only in certain work-related circumstances, when referred by your supervisor, will the assistance programs confirm that you kept an appointment and the length of that appointment.
*There are exceptions when mandatory state or federal reporting is required, such as matters involving potential threats and matters of safety.
The assistance programs are available 24/7/365—holidays included. Call any time.
UAMS EAP
The university of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) EAP offers a library of online resources and counseling with on-site professional staff. Visit with a counselor over the phone, through video chat or in person.
For confidential sessions during work hours, you will need to use accrued sick leave or annual leave benefits. If you prefer not to use your leave time, you must notify your supervisor of your EAP appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 800-542-6021 or 479-973-9072, or visit the EAP website.
Referrals
When an assessment by the EAP identifies a need for services beyond those provided by UAMS EAP professionals, you may be referred to a specialist in the community or directed to your health benefits. If you choose to receive services from a community resource, you will be responsible for the costs of using that resource. Some discounts may apply. EAP counselors will work with you to provide a full range of referral options within your financial means. Counselors will help you locate appropriate specialists within the university’s benefits provider network (in-network providers) whenever possible.
UHC MAP
The MAP through UHC is available to all benefits-eligible employees and offers:
- Unlimited 24/7 phone access to master’s degree-level specialists; the national network includes 144,000+ clinicians.
- Up to three sessions of counseling per issue.
- A legal consultation of 30 minutes per issue. You can choose to meet with an attorney by telephone or in person to discuss legal concerns. If you need to retain an attorney for ongoing services, you’ll pay a 25% discounted rate.
- A 30- to 60-minute financial consultation per issue. One of many credentialed financial professionals can help you with estate taxes and other financial matters.
Explore Your MAP Benefits
Call 877-660-3806 (TTY: 711) for personal and confidential assistance. Translators are available for non-English speakers.
How the Assistance Programs Compare
The UAMS EAP and UHC MAP both offer free, confidential counseling as well as other resources, including webinars, guides, and helpful links. Use this table to learn how the programs differ, and decide which is the right fit for you right now.
| Service | UAMS EAP | UHC MAP |
|---|---|---|
| How to get counseling services | Call or register on the online portal to request an appointment | Call |
| Telephone counseling | 5-10 phone sessions | Unlimited phone calls |
| In-person and video counseling | 5-10 phone, video, or in person counseling sessions In person counseling available at one of the five statewide locations | Up to 3 visits per issue |
| Financial counseling | Links to community resources; personalized counseling not included | Yes, personalized counseling with a financial planning expert |
| Legal and mediation counseling | Links to community resources; personalized counseling not included | Yes, personalized counseling with a legal professional |
| Wellness resources | Links to community resources, education, screening tools, mobile apps, and peer groups | Topic-based articles and tools, including weight calculators, screening tools, online health risk assessment, wellbeing education by topic |
| Work group services | Management consultations, workshops tailored to your work team’s needs, supervisor trainings and EAP orientation available at no extra charge | N/A |