In Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), what determines the level of updates a counselor shares with the supervisor?

• A. Employer policy
• B. The referral source
• C. The issue type
• D. Client age

Answer: (B)

In EAP work, how much a counselor shares with a supervisor is guided by the authorization tied to the referral. The person or department that refers the employee—typically HR or the supervisor—sets the expectations for what information may be disclosed and under what conditions. Before starting, the counselor explains what will be shared and obtains a release that specifies the scope (for example, attendance, treatment plan, progress toward goals, or recommended next steps). Without that client consent, disclosures are limited to compulsory exceptions (like safety concerns). So the referral source essentially defines the reporting parameters the counselor must follow, balancing confidentiality with workplace needs. Policies, age, or issue type influence context but do not independently determine the level of updates.