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Immediate support when it matters most

EAP provides rapid, confidential support to help USPS teams respond to and recover from critical incidents—safely and effectively.

Counseling

What is a critical incident?

A critical incident is a sudden, stressful event that disrupts safety and affects employees’ ability to function. It may impact individuals, teams, or an entire workplace.

Initiate a CIR

Examples of critical incidents at work:

  • Workplace accidents or serious injuries.

  • Death or serious illness of an employee

  • Violence, threats, or robberies

  • Natural disasters or community crises

EAP support after an incident

EAP provides immediate and ongoing support to stabilize the workplace, reduce stress, and help teams recover.

Immediate Response

  • 24/7 access to EAP professionals
  • Support for leaders assessing the situation
  • Immediate emotional support for employees
  • Guidance to stabilize the workplace
  • Direction on next steps and resources

On-Site or Virtual Support

  • Group briefings to normalize reactions
  • Individual and team support conversations
  • Coping strategies for stress and trauma
  • Reintegration guidance after the event

Ongoing Support

  • Referrals for individual counseling
  • Follow-up with leaders and teams
  • Monitoring workplace well-being
  • Recommendations to support recovery

How the CIR process works

From first call to follow-up, EAP guides you through each step to ensure timely, appropriate support for your team.

What EAP provides during and after an incident:

  • Recognizing signs of employee distress
  • Communicating effectively after a crisis
  • Immediate emotional support for staff
  • Fast, simple access to EAP services
  • Strategies to restore stability and safety

The CIR process: 5 simple steps

  • call
    STEP 1

    Report the Incident: Call 800‑327‑4968 (800‑EAP‑4YOU) TTY: 711

    A supervisor or manager contacts the EAP to request support.

  • calendar
    STEP 2

    Assessment

    An EAP professional gathers details and evaluates needs

  • headphone
    STEP 3

    Customized Response Plan

    A tailored approach is developed based on the situation.

  • call
    STEP 4

    Service Delivery

    On-site or virtual support is provided to employees and leaders.

  • calendar
    STEP 5

    Follow‑Up

    EAP continues support and checks in as needed.

Frequently asked questions

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