Employee Assistance Program

The New York State Employee Assistance Program is a confidential assessment and referral service for New York State government employees and their family members who need assistance with personal problems or concerns that may be affecting their work performance or overall well-being. For more information, please check out the history of EAP.

How to use EAP

The SUNY Potsdam Employee Assistance Program has two EAP Coordinators:

  • Toby White 
  • Ada Santaferra 

They are available to discuss personal concerns and make appropriate referrals. You may contact them at the numbers listed above, or you may call the Statewide EAP in Albany at (800) 822-0244.

  1. If you wish to access SUNY Potsdam's EAP, call Toby White at 267-3434 or Ada Santaferra at 267-2229.  Your call will be returned within 24 hours.
  2. Your Coordinator will assist you in determining the nature of your problem and linking with an appropriate referral.
  3. You may also choose to use a Coordinator from another agency; You may choose to locate a different coordinator if you feel there is a conflict of interest.

Eligibility

The EAP welcomes all employees of the State of New York including CSEA, PEF, UUP, Council 82, NYSCOPBA, and Management/Confidential employees.  We also serve family members and retirees.

The NYS Empire Plan and HMO covers many aspects of treatment, including mental health and substance abuse. For more information on what is covered in your specific are, check with your Health Benefits Administrator or look on the NYS Online benefits.

For Supervisors

Cooperation between labor and management will assist employees to use their EAP at the earliest possible stage before behavioral or medical problems occur or get worse. EAP training for supervisors is encouraged at all levels. EAP training for supervisors can be done on-line at the GOER.

Supervisors need to learn to recognize problems and refer employees before job performance deteriorates beyond recovery. In addition, employees should be encouraged to use the EAP without fear of jeopardizing their jobs.