The agency I have worked with for almost 11 years participates in this program. I utilized this program about 8 years ago for grief counseling when my dad passed away. The counselor I worked with helped me a great deal, so when I needed a counselor again for a different situation, I returned to the same one I had previously seen. Five years ago I moved from a rural SE NE county to Omaha and since that time I utilized the same counselor in Lincoln whom I had established a professional relationship with, much like a doctor or other type of professional service. I had not see this counselor for more than a year and a month ago my mom passed away and I called to set up a grief appoint with the same counselor. I was surprised and disappointed when I was told that because I now live in Omaha, and the counselor I had seen prior was now a "provider" and I didn't live in Lincoln where their office is located, I would have to see a counselor in Omaha instead of the person I had seen on several occasions over an 8 year span. I was also told that this could be 'overridden' with manager approval however it was denied:(. I could understand if I pulled this counselors name out of a hat and it was the first time, but seriously! I used to tell people how wonderful the program was and actually tell co-workers to utilize it but not anymore!! My understanding of EAP is to help people who are dealing with a difficult situation like the loss of someone they love, not to provide additional stress when someone is needing to talk to a counselor they have utilized in the past through the SAME program because they know and trust them. I even asked if I could have just one visit provided with this counselor, and was told I would have to private pay or use insurance to see this counselor! So very very disappointing.