National Association of Social Workers Launches EAP Referral Service

May 3, 2011 - PRLog -- The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) today announced a new program that allows EAP Network Providers to access qualified employee assistance professionals, matching them with their clients through a state-of-the-art database. The program, called EAPrefer™ is being offered to EAP Network Providers at no charge.

“EAPrefer™ makes it easy for EAP network providers to match qualified social workers with their clients in need,” said Elizabeth Clark, NASW Executive Director. “Each one of our members is committed to promoting the well-being of individuals, families and communities.” With 145,000 members, NASW is the largest professional organization of social workers in the world, and has state and community-based chapters in all 56 states and territories.  

EAPrefer™ was created to help meet the psychosocial needs of employees across the country, and as a benefit for NASW members to help them build or supplement their existing practices.  In order for social workers to participate, they must be a NASW member with an MSW or PhD degree, be licensed to practice in their state, meet any other state-mandated requirements to provide EAP counseling services, and hold professional liability insurance. Members with BSW degrees, with experience leading training and coaching workshops, are also included in the EAPrefer™ database to provide access to professionals with these qualifications.

EAPrefer™ is a program of NASW Assurance Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of NASW.  “This is a terrific new benefit for both our members and EAP Network providers,” said Tony Benedetto, NASW ASI Executive Vice President. “Network providers can now easily find qualified social work professionals with the right education, licensure and expertise – in locations near their clients.”

EAPrefer™ was piloted in seven states beginning in September 2010, and the program’s success has resulted in NASW ASI rolling out the program nationally. The database currently includes over 700 NASW social workers in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.  The database is now enrolling participants in Florida, and will include NASW members in all states by the middle of 2012.

Because EAPrefer™ is provided as a NASW member benefit, there is no contractual commitment or cost for EAP network providers to participate beyond the fee paid to the social worker for their services.  All payments go directly to the social worker, and EAPrefer accepts no portion of that payment.  EAP Network Providers must agree to reimburse participating social workers at a pre-determined rate.

EAP network providers wishing to learn more about EAPrefer™ and requirements for becoming a program partner can visit www.eaprefer.org or call 301-644-5402 to speak with a program representative.  


About NASW ASI
NASW Assurance Services, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NASW, responsible for designing, securing, and overseeing high quality, competitive insurance, financial, and other programs and services offered to social workers. Social workers control and oversee the NASW Assurance Services programs on behalf of members and strive to creatively meet the changing and diverse needs of social workers, enhance the value of NASW membership, and support NASW and programs of importance to social workers. While being ever mindful of their commitment to maintaining the financial stability and fiscal integrity of NASW Assurance Services.

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About EAPrefer:
EAPrefer™ is a revolutionary new program, designed to meet the counseling needs of employees across the country. EAPrefer helps EAP network providers find the employee assistance professionals they need easily and quickly. It allows EAP network providers to match social workers with their clients in need.