The role of employee assistance counselors in addressing organizational problems

This paper discusses the role of EAP professionals in identifying situations in which organizational dynamics and problems underlie employees complaints of emotional distress. It reviews literature debating the limitations of an individually focused medical model in EAP work, considering special problems associated with organizational assessment and intervention. The article discusses the ethical implications of an expansion of EAPs role. It concludes that EAPs may make a significant contribution to the quality of occupational environments, but that doing so will require a broadening of perspective and the development of skills required for organizational interventions.