Confidentiality | Critical Incident Care | Articles

Sometimes You Just Need Someone to Listen…

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed?  Maybe you are experiencing stress on the job and/or at home?  Or perhaps you are just plain fed up!  Well, if you just need to talk to someone, then the Early Intervention Unit is the place for you! 

Members of the Department may contact the Early Intervention Unit (EIU) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Anyone may contact EIU Peer Counselors on or off duty to discuss issues of personal concern. The EIU Peer Counseling staff consists of both Uniformed and Civilian active duty members of the service in a variety of ranks/titles. You do not have to identify yourself when speaking to a Peer Counselor.

A Peer Counselor’s main duty is to “Listen and Refer.” We have found that most people can resolve their own issues if they can use the below process of stress reduction:

1. Blow off steam. (Just talking about it helps to clear the air.)
2. Focus clearly on the problem at hand.
3. Discuss and consider alternatives and consequences.

Occasionally, the process of stress reduction is not sufficient to address the root cause of a personal problem. More serious conditions such as clinical depression, alcoholism, anxiety disorder, severe marital problems, and others may require you to speak to a professional to resolve these conflicts. EIU Peer Counselors are trained to recognize when the problem is larger than just listening to someone “blowing off steam” or a person needing to talk it out. Our Peer Counselors will make appropriate referrals to licensed psychologists or psychiatrists. Referrals are also made to union representatives, clergy, financial counselors, hospice, or any other resources your need may indicate.

If you have any questions about accessing assistance from the Early Intervention Unit, visit us at One Police Plaza, Room 1010C, simply call (646) 610-6730 .