City of Tampa Employee Assistance Program
(800) 878-5470 | BayCareEAP@baycare.org
If you’re in a crisis situation and need immediate help, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.
City of Tampa employees and dependents younger than age 26 are eligible for four free counseling sessions per person, per benefit year (October 1-September 30).
The BayCare Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free, confidential counseling and referral services for City of Tampa employees and their dependents who are facing personal challenges which could affect their work performance, personal lives or general well-being. BayCare can help manage challenges related to several common issues, including but not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Relationships
- Grief & Loss
- Conflict Resolution
Resources to Support Your Emotional Wellbeing
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Domestic Violence Hotline
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA)
Using the BayCare EAP
- Call the BayCare EAP confidential helpline at (800) 878-5470
- If you're calling during business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30am-6pm), you'll be connected to a master’s-level mental health clinician. If you're calling outside business hours, you can stay on the line for immediate crisis support, or you'll be prompted to call back during regular hours if you have routine administrative needs.
- The BayCare clinician will ask you for basic information including your name, address, phone number and email address. This information is confidential and isn't shared with anyone without your consent. The only exceptions are cases of child or elder abuse, or if you're an immediate threat of harming yourself or others.
- The BayCare clinician is a mental health professional and is ready to listen to your concerns. By telling the clinician about what prompted you to call, they'll be able to provide you with the most appropriate resources.
- If you're seeking counseling services, you'll be emailed the names and contact information for several therapists in the BayCare EAP network who match your needs.
- Call a therapist to request an appointment using your BayCare EAP benefits. If the therapist is unavailable, you'll get their voicemail and you can leave a message for them.
- If you don't hear back from a therapist or are unable to make an appointment in a timely manner, call or email BayCare at (800) 878-5470 or BayCareEAP@baycare.org so we can help you.
- For non-urgent needs, email BayCareEAP@baycare.org.
FAQs
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Does BayCare share my information with the city?
No. The use of mental health services is confidential and isn't shared with anyone. The only exceptions are in cases of child or elder abuse, or if you're an immediate threat of harming yourself or others.
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I have used my free sessions but would like to continue seeing my therapist. What can I do?
Therapists may offer a sliding fee scale or accept your medical insurance. If you need help accessing services beyond the free sessions provided through the EAP, talk with your therapist or contact BayCare.
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What are the providers' qualifications?
BayCare providers have at least a master’s degree and are licensed mental health counselors, licensed clinical social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists or licensed psychologists.
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How do I make an appointment?
Call the therapist and tell them you're using your BayCare EAP benefit. You may get the therapist’s voicemail, so be sure to leave a message. If you don't hear back from them, call BayCare for help.
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What can I expect when I see a therapist?
Your first visit is a time for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get a better understanding of the best way to proceed. Your next sessions will be more therapeutic to help you resolve your challenges.
