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Employee Assistance Unit

Sometimes You Just Need Someone to Listen...

646-610-6730

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Maybe you are experiencing stress on the job and/or at home? If you just need to talk to someone, then the Employee Assistance Unit can help.

Members of the Department may contact the Employee Assistance Unit (EAU) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone may contact EAU Peer Counselors on or off duty to discuss issues of personal concern. The EAU peer counseling staff consists of both uniformed and civilian active duty members of the service in a variety of ranks/titles. You do not have to identify yourself when speaking to a peer counselor.

A peer counselor's main duty is to "listen and refer" We have found that most people can resolve their own issues if they use the process of stress reduction outline below:

  1. Blow off steam. Just talking about it helps to clear the air.
  2. Focus clearly on the problem at hand.
  3. Discuss and consider alternatives and consequences.

Occasionally, the process of stress reduction is not sufficient to address the root cause of a personal problem. More serious conditions such as clinical depression, alcoholism, anxiety disorder, severe marital problems, and others may require you to speak to a professional to resolve. EAU peer counselors are trained to recognize when the problem is larger than just listening to someone "blowing off steam" or a person needing to talk it out. Our peer counselors will make appropriate referrals to licensed psychologists or psychiatrists. Referrals are also made to union representatives, clergy, financial counselors, hospice, or any other resources your need may indicate. View the unit's Confidentiality Policy.

The Employee Assistance Unit (EAU) recognizes that personnel, in the course of their assigned duties, may encounter incidents that result in varying degrees of emotional and psychological trauma. Unaddressed, these events can lead to serious problems, which may affect the ability of a person to function in a well-adjusted, productive manner. Learn more about Critical Incident Care.

If you have any questions about accessing assistance from the Employee Assistance Unit, visit us at 90 Church Street, Suite 1213, or simply call 646-610-6730.