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Kentucky Employees' Assistance Program

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Our Mission

We are dedicated to helping employees find resources for personal concerns such as family issues, emotional distress, substance misuse, financial concerns or job stress challenges. Our services are confidential and are available to all state employees and their dependents. There is no cost for information or referral services.

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KEAP Services & Resources


KEAP can recommend and provide a variety of services based on the specific needs of the individual or group. This is an overview of the services provided by KEAP:

Assessment
​Each person seeking help will receive a confidential assessment with a trained professional. The purpose of the assessment is to clearly identify the problem. The assessment may be conducted face-to-face or by telephone.

Referral
After the assessment, KEAP may make a referral to the most appropriate professional or resource and provide assistance in making contact with those resources. KEAP does not provide ongoing counseling.

Follow-up
After making the referral, KEAP maintains intermittent contact with the employee to ensure the process has gone smoothly and the needed services are being provided.

Crisis Intervention
When critical incidents or workplace trauma occur, the EAP can provide crisis response. Psychological first aid services provide individuals with information about possible reactions that may follow a critical incident. A structured environment allows individuals to discuss their thoughts and reactions to the incident.

Grief Response
When death affects a workgroup, KEAP is available to help co-workers.

Management Consultation
Supervisors may consult with KEAP professionals for guidance regarding difficult employee and workplace situations.

Education
KEAP staff members are available for staff development training and onsite educational opportunities.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a common emotion characterized by fear, worry and tension. There can also be physical manifestations including increased heart rate and increased rate of breathing.  Anxiety can become problematic when it begins to interfere with daily life. There are several subcategories of anxiety, including panic disorder, phobia, generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD. If you want to learn more about anxiety, click here.

 


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

There are four subtypes of ADHD, but the symptoms are in two categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. The hallmark inattention symptoms are difficulties with focus, distractibility and organization. The hallmark symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity are fidgeting, waiting and being loud. All these symptoms are a result of neurological development with genetics and environmental factors playing a role. Treatment is available to improve these symptoms.

For employees with ADHD, improving focus and utilizing tools to minimize distraction can be very beneficial. Learn more here.

KEAP also offers on-demand training, Meeting the Challenges of ADHD in the Workplace, in the employee training portal, MyPurpose.

 


Depression

Depression is quite common and is treatable. Symptoms and severity of symptoms vary from person to person and sometimes depression makes it difficult to carry out one's activities of daily living. Asking for help with depression is the first step on the road to recovery.  Find more information about coping with depression here.

 


Eating Disorders

There are three main diagnoses for eating disorders, each a medical disorder with mental health components. The three are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating. Each of these disorders can lead to significant consequences but are treatable. When thoughts about body image, food and eating behaviors become a struggle, getting help is very important. If you would like to learn more about eating disorders, click here.

Family Members of the Mentally Ill

It can be challenging when a loved one has a mental illness. Families and friends can offer support to each other, guiding them with their past experiences and with compassion. If someone you care about struggles with mental illness, learn about support and other resources here.

 


Grief

Grief is a natural response when we have lost something or someone important to us. Whatever type of loss you've suffered, there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Many find getting extra support during times of grief beneficial. For all employees and their beneficiaries with a Basic Life Insurance Plan, receive up to five grief counseling sessions per event to discuss any major loss, including but not limited to death, bankruptcy, finalized divorce, terminal illness, or losing a pet. You can connect with this benefit, available 24/7, by calling 888-319-7819 and identifying your employer as theCommonwealth of Kentucky.

 


Mental Illness

There are a variety of health conditions that impact the way we think, feel and relate to others. Mental illness is an umbrella term for conditions that involve changes in one's behavior, thinking or emotion and is more common than you might think. As with physical illness the severity can vary widely from person to person.  Learn more about mental illness here.

 


Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation is a simple practice that can support many types of therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Internal Family Systems. It's also a key part of another well-researched approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It can help improve outcomes for many concerns, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, substance use, trauma, and pain.

At its core, mindfulness teaches you to notice your thoughts and feelings without judging them. This can help you see that thoughts aren't always facts. It makes it easier to step back from negative thinking and catch yourself before reacting in unhelpful, automatic ways.

Mindfulness can help your brain work more efficiently, improving your ability to stay present, focus, and manage emotions. Anxiety often pulls us into worrying about the future, while depression can keep us stuck thinking about the past. Mindfulness helps bring your attention back to the present, giving you more energy for what matters most.

With better focus, it becomes easier to let go of worst-case-scenario thinking and pay attention to what's important. And with stronger emotional regulation, you're better able to handle everyday challenges and bigger stressors—helping you show up as your best self.

For more information about this topic click here.

 


Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves unwanted thoughts and behaviors that cause significant distress or get in the way of important life activities. Symptoms can get worse when one is under stress. It is easy to see how a compulsion to carry out repetitious behaviors can become a barrier to success. Learn about OCD treatment, and other resources that can help here.

 

 

Suicide Prevention

If you or someone you care about is contemplating suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. The 988 lifeline can be reached at 988 for phone or text and at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website for chat. 988 has services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Healing Loss via 988 Videophone by calling 988 with a VP number. For TTY users: use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.


Accommodations

Sometimes qualified employees with disabilities need reasonable accommodation to do parts of their job. Learn more here.

 


Interactions with Managers

Throughout our careers we will encounter a variety of colleagues and supervisors. Since no two people are the same, we must learn to interact with different communication and management styles. To learn more about strategies to help you manage challenging interactions click  here.

 


Intimate Partner/Domestic Violence it the Workplace 



Extended Leave Return to Work Planning​

 


Suicide Prevention

We can all play a part in preventing suicide.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and practices for professionals.     Call 988 or 800.273.8255

The Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet's Division of Occupational Safety and Health Education and Training (KYSAFE) presents a video to help employers recognize risk factors and warning signs associated with employee suicide on the KYSAFE website.

When suicide impacts a work team,  learn action steps for dealing with the aftermath of suicide in the workplace here.

 

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Tips to Manage Job Stress

Kentucky State Government employees are providing important, meaningful services to citizens of the Commonwealth. Sometimes work demands can become stressful. Stress can sometimes give us energy and help us rise to a challenge, but when it becomes too much, it can start to take a toll. No matter your job, there are proactive steps you can take to better manage stress and support your well-being.  Learn more about managing job stress here.

 

 

Workplace Skills Coaching Sessions

This service helps individual employees focus on increasing highly valued workplace soft skills. Growing competencies in the area of managing emotions and reactions, relationship management, communicating in order to develop understanding and trust, listening, verbal communication, assertiveness, managing difficult conversations, professional courtesy, non-verbal communication, time management, resilience/flexibility leads to improved work life. Contact KEAP to learn more. 


Balancing work and family

Everyone wants a healthy balance with work and personal life. Making small changes can make a big difference. Make small changes to your morning routine to improve the morning rush. Use a schedule. Meal prep. Other ideas may take more work, like setting boundaries with family members, or setting up a schedule of household chores. It may not be simple, but changes for more balance are worth it. Learn more here.

 


Childcare

One of the most important concerns of a parent is the care your child will receive while you are at work. Kentucky State Government employees needing to learn more about safe and healthy childcare options can find that information by clicking here.

 


Coping with Disaster & Trauma

Kentuckians have experienced numerous natural disasters over the past few years, including floods, tornados and wildfires. There are both physical and mental health impacts from these and other traumatic events life can bring. To find more helpful information about the steps employees can take to reduce negative effects of exposure to disaster or trauma click here.

 


Eldercare

Many state employees are also children of aging parents. This can bring up a host of issues, including financial, legal, and relationship concerns. KEAP has prepared a comprehensive eldercare guide.  Learn more about this resource here.



Family Issues

Family life is important to work life. Persistent family issues can affect wellbeing and may lead to emotional stress and anxiety. Get more resources for family concerns here.



Finances

Stress in any form can be challenging, and financial stress can feel especially heavy. Taking steps to better manage your finances can support your overall well-being, and thoughtful planning can help create a more secure and positive financial future.  The State Employee Money Management information covers a broad range of financial topics for Commonwealth employees. And if it has been a while since you've checked in with your budget, a basic budget worksheet is available here.

 


Gambling

In recent years, gambling has become far more accessible. Here are a few of the warning signs of a gambling problem: thinking about gambling all the time, going back to try and win back your money and feeling irritable when trying to stop or cut back.  If you have concerns gambling has become a problem, take a self-assessment and learn about helpful resources here.

 


Health-related issues

Get important information to help you and your family stay healthy. Learn more here.

 


Intimate Partner Violence

Everyone has the right to be safe in their relationships. 

Sometimes the nature of abuse makes it confusing to identify unhealthy relationship behaviors. You can learn more about the different characteristics of healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships at loveisrespect.org. Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior that occurs between family members and/or intimate partners to gain power and control. It can take the form of physical, sexual, psychological, or economic abuse. Domestic violence impacts people from all backgrounds. And it doesn’t stay at home. Like other workplace health and safety issues, domestic violence affects productivity, time/attendance, and health- care costs. If you are a state employee who is experiencing interpersonal violence, you are not alone. The Kentucky Employee Assistance Program staff are available to talk confidentially with any employee experiencing domestic violence. They can connect you with local resources and guide you in safety planning. Here is a planning checklist you may find helpful. In addition, ZeroV, formerly The Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, offers information, support and resources statewide. Learn more at ZeroV. If you are a supervisor who suspects an employee is experiencing domestic violence, KEAP can consult with you on best ways to work with the employee and conduct workplace safety planning. Supervisors and Coworkers can read this toolkit for information on how to respond to an employee or co-worker in an abusive relationship. It is vital that domestic abuse be seen as a serious and preventable problem and that those in need receive the support and resources that are necessary. ​

 


Kentucky Resource Locators

Are you looking for assistance for your family? The Kynect resource platform helps Kentuckians locate a wide range of programs and services. Learn more here.

 


Legal Services

 Kentucky Judicial Branch

Kentucky Court of Justice and the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission have a portal designed to help people who are handling their own legal matters. Explore the portal’s resources. The portal also provides links to legal information categorized by topic on kyjustice.org, the online legal advice clinic ky.freelegalanswers.org/, lawyer referral services and Kentucky's regional civil legal aid programs. These legal aid programs provide free legal assistance to eligible individuals in civil legal matters. The Administrative Office of the Courts legal forms library is also available through the portal. Here, users will find an array of standardized legal forms. 

Kentucky Bar Association

Find a Lawyer

 


Local Community Assistance Programs

Find local community resources throughout the Commonwealth that assist with essential services by clicking here.

 


Parenting

 Parents want to raise their children in a healthy, happy home. However, difficulties on many fronts can increase stress and cause unhappiness. The following websites provide tips for dealing with situations faced by many parents, including adjusting to a new baby, separation and divorce, co-parenting, blended families, grandparenting , childhood obesity, depression in teens, health and education issues. 

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/parenting.html

https://www.helpguide.org/home-pages/parenting-advice.html 

​Top parenting resources from psychologists: 

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/04/parenting-resources​ 

Parenting materials are available to employees at the state library (KDLA). If you are interested in them, you can call the Library at 502-564-8300, ext. 342 or 800-928-7000, ext 342, or you can request items through the KDLA cataloguehere. 

Materials can be picked up at the Library or items may be sent to your office by messenger mail, regular mail, or UPS. Below are just a few of the parenting resources available at KDLA: 

The Challenging Child: Understanding, Raising, and Enjoying “Difficult” Types of Children by Stanley I. Greenspan (1995) 

Co-Parenting Survival Guide by Elizabeth Thayer and Jeffery Zimmerman (2001) 

How to Talk so Children Will Listen and How to Listen so Children Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (1980) 

 How to Talk so Teens Will Listen and How to Listen so Teens Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (2005) 

Why Do You Have to Get Divorced and When Do I Get a Hamster? by Anthony E. Wolf (1998)​​

 


Stress Management

Everyone experiences stress and everyone needs their own stress management plan. Learn more about what you can do to better manage stress  here.

 

 

Wellness

Your wellbeing matters. Employees of the Commonwealth of Kentucky can learn more about all of the components of the state's Wellness Program here.


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Click here to​ learn more about the Kentucky Employee Assistance Program.
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Other KEAP Documents

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Have Questions?

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To schedule an appointment or workshop contact us at 502.564.5788 or 800.445.5327. Employee contact with KEAP is permitted on state time with supervisor's prior approval. Supervisors may refer employees to KEAP when job performance deteriorates, however participation is voluntary.

If this is an emergency situation, DO NOT leave a message. Hang up and dial 911, or call the phone number on your insurance card, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.​

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