EFAP Model
This model of employee assistance was originally developed by MacMillan Bloedel in British Columbia, Canada, in 1980. It has seen increasing success as it has been established in 18 communities across Canada. Three Trails EFAP in Casper, Wyoming is the first and presently the only program set up in the United States. ARS stands for Assessment and Resource Service, the common name used for the counseling office. Three Trails has chosen to use the more common name, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) to avoid confusion.

Three Trails EFAP, a professionally staffed counseling agency, is located at 812 South David Street in a remote location. It is purposely not housed in any member worksites to preserve confidentiality of the clients and, therefore, make it a safer and more attractive environment. It is staffed by a licensed psychologist, a clinical social worker and an administrative assistant. A resource library is also available for members to check out materials on a variety of issues that help promote emotional growth.

A unique aspect of the program is the ability of a spouse, live-in partner, or dependent family member to also use the service. While they may be seen as part of marriage or family counseling, they may also use the service independently of the employee.

Concerns that individuals may bring to Three Trails can be anything that interferes with living, such as marital or parenting problems, alcohol and drug use, workplace stress, depression, and many others. No concern is inappropriate since it is the counselor’s job to refer individuals to appropriate services if the problem is outside of his/her expertise or falls beyond the capability of counseling at Three Trails. More importantly, no concern is too small, since prevention and early intervention is the goal of the program.

Three Trails EFAP is governed by a Board of Directors made up of designated employees of member worksites. The Executive Director of Three Trails is directly accountable to the Board and thus is accountable to the member worksites. The Board is responsible for setting policies regarding the philosophy and function of Three Trails and supervising the Executive Director.

The Employee and Family Assistance Program is also comprised of workplace EFAP committees and representatives. These are trained employees that promote the EFAP and use of Three Trails for those that may benefit from it. In addition, EFAP committees facilitate educational programming within their worksites that serves to strengthen positive living skills in their employees.