Counseling Services

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program currently conducts all counseling sessions via telephone or Zoom.

Our office is staffed by licensed psychologists in the state of California and is authorized by the California Board of Psychology, Department of Consumer Affairs, to provide counseling services exclusively to residents of California. Due to state licensing regulations, we are unable to extend our individual counseling services to individuals residing outside of California.

You can schedule a one-time FSAP consultation appointment to discuss referrals and mental health resources in your state.

Please note, we are unable to extend our services to county and non-UCSF employees at the ZSFGH, Oakland Hospital, or Fresno employees employed by CCFMG or other affiliated entities. For UCSF Health Saint Francis and St. Mary’s employees, EAP services are provided through Lyra, which offers individual counseling services.

Your discussions with an FSAP counselor are confidential and will not become part of your personnel file.

Confidentiality is a primary cornerstone of most mental health services. It is a legally bounded contract that essentially protects a client’s anonymity. Confidentiality shields a client’s sensitive information from being released or accessed by anyone outside of the agency (FSAP) without the client’s permission. Sensitive information includes the fact that you’ve accessed services, as well as the content of each session.

There are a few limitations to confidentiality, in which this contract of anonymity may need to be breached. These instances essentially concern safety and are especially pertinent when imminent threat is posed to the safety of the client, other identified victims, patients, or the University. In such cases, we are legally obligated to discuss the case and certain particulars with the appropriate authorities to ensure the welfare of all parties involved.

Upon being seen at FSAP, you will be provided more information about client confidentiality. If you have any questions, please ask your provider. Our providers are more than happy to discuss any questions you may have about confidentiality and its limits at any time during your work together.

Many concerns can be addressed — and often resolved — through our brief treatment approach. Generally, the program provides brief short-term counseling for an average of four sessions (with some exceptions). You and your counselor will work together to identify your problems and the best way to address them, whether with FSAP or with an outside provider or program.

FSAP counseling services are entirely voluntary. All discussions with program counselors are strictly confidential and will not become part of your personnel file. Your counselor will not release any information to other individuals (including the fact that you have come to FSAP) without your express permission.

While FSAP does not provide long-term treatment, the program can provide contact information or resources for behavioral health representatives that can assist you with finding referrals through your insurance. These insurance representatives also can refer you to providers with specific expertise to meet your needs.

The program provides counseling and assessment for a broad range of personal and work-related issues.

Personal issues

• Anxiety
• Anger management
• Coping with disabilities
• Crisis situations
• Depression
• Domestic violence
• Elder or dependent care    
• Personal health
• Grief and loss
• Parenting issues
• Relationship concerns
• Stress
• Substance abuse (alcohol or drugs)
• Traumatic events

Work-related issues

• Competing professional and personal demands    
• Coping with hostile work environments
• Interpersonal conflict (with supervisors, peers or subordinates)    
• Layoffs
• Organizational transitions
• Problems with job performance
• Workplace incivility

Coaching

Many times, employees do not need help with specific psychological, emotional or interpersonal issues, but may greatly benefit from individualized coaching. FSAP provides individual coaching for clients on the same basis as our counseling services — free, confidential and voluntary — but with a focus on problem solving and skills development in areas such as assertiveness, communication, boundary setting, and leadership. 

Referrals

While FSAP does not provide long-term treatment, we can provide you with the contact information or resource center for behavioral health representatives that can assist you with finding referrals through your insurance. These insurance representatives will also be able to refer you to providers with specific expertise to meet your needs.

Couples counseling

FSAP does not provide services to non-employees, including family members. However, services are available to couples when both members are employees. If you and your spouse, partner or significant other are experiencing relationship problems, we can offer short-term couples counseling aimed at improving communication, providing tools for conflict resolution, and a skillful third party to help facilitate difficult discussions.

Biofeedback/HeartMath

Due to COVID-19, we have suspended this service until further notice. Please check back.

FSAP is pleased to provide biofeedback sessions using the HeartMath™ system. Using HeartMath™ techniques, you will learn to reduce your stress and anxiety, develop self-regulation skills and build mental and emotional awareness. Developing new levels of emotional management can stop the momentum of stress and create inner peace, whatever your circumstances. This program can help you build emotional resilience which is all about having the inner balance and energy to do what is most important in your life. Biofeedback may be integrated into your counseling experience or made the focus of your FSAP counseling experience as determined by you and your counselor.

If you are experiencing an urgent/crisis issue, please email us at [email protected] or call our main line, 415-476-8279, and ask to speak to our Officer of the Day, who can determine if we can assist with your situation.