Free Counseling Benefits Employees

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 22, 2010) -- The University of Kentucky’s Work+Life Connections program, a brief confidential counseling and referral service, allows up to five free sessions/consultations per fiscal year for faculty and staff as well as their spouses, sponsored dependents and children.  Retirees are also welcome to access the services.

Staff at Work+Life Connections have counseled children and adults, couples and families for a variety of issues related to stress management, depression, anxiety, communication difficulties, parenting, substance use concerns and grief.  The office, a service of UK Human Resources’ Work-Life Office, also provides referrals for financial assistance, food and clothing and psychiatric needs.  Work+Life Connections can also help managers who are concerned about their employees. 

Stress management and grief issues are the most common requests, with sessions generally lasting one to two hours.  Services include resources for parenting, child care, lactation, elder care, pet care, and other topics. One of the newest programs is a monthly lunch group for Parenting Teens and Tweens and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. 

Work+Life Connections Coordinator Ann M. Bassoni often makes brief presentations to UK groups about the services offered.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the mental health field.  She has experience working with adults, children and families and in the field of substance abuse. 

“I would really appreciate the opportunity to discuss my program and let people know of this free and confidential service,” she said.

For more information, contact Ann M. Bassoni at ann.bassoni@uky.edu or  www.uky.edu/hr/wlc or  (859) 257-9433.