Join us for this exciting event!

The presentation will describe the process of developing a Harm Reduction treatment model including real life examples and challenges. The presentation acknowledges common misconceptions about harm reduction, objections to come of the common tools used in the name of harm reduction and lays the groundwork for an updated understanding of philosophical tenets to harm reduction, as well as pragmatic application for those tenets.

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES:

Define Harm Reduction as a clinical philosophy and distinguish it from common misconceptions

Describe the core philosophical tenets of harm reduction including patient autonomy, non-judgmental care, and quality-of-life-based outcomes

Identify key clinical components of a harm reduction model including collaborative goal setting, safer use strategies, and pharmacologic interventions Analyze the gap between harm reduction theory and real-world clinical practice including regulatory, cultural, and organizational barriers

Evaluate how abstinence-based frameworks may conflict with evidence-based harm reduction approaches and impact patient outcomes Recognize common staff misconceptions and biases that may hinder effective implementation of a harm reduction model

Apply strategies for shifting organizational culture toward a harm reduction model, including leadership alignment, training, and policy review

Asses patient-centered outcomes associated with harm reduction, including engagement and improved quality of life.

PRESENTER

Lea McMahon, LPC, EdD, Chief Clinical and Operations Officer for Symetria Recovery

Dynamic, mission-driven healthcare executive with 20+ years of progressive leadership experience in multi-state operations, clinical oversight, compliance, and payer relations. Proven ability to restructure organizations, modernize workflows, and lead high growth startups and established providers alike. Recognized for building strong teams, forging payer partnerships, and delivering operational excellence across residential, outpatient, OBOT, OTP, and mental health settings.

REGISTRATION RATES:

NIEAPA Members - FREE

As part of your membership benefit, all Chapter Meetings are free! Members are allowed to share one free pass with a guest. We invite you to share this pass to connect and build relationships with friends and colleagues.

Non-Members - $40
Other EAPA Members - $10 (discount code required)
Students - FREE (discount code required)

#NIEAPA #EAPProfessionals #ThankYou #SymposiumSuccess #LearningGrowingLeading

As we reflect on where we’ve been, and look ahead, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude—and even more so, a sense of purpose.

The landscape of employee assistance is evolving. Challenges in mental health, workplace conflict, equity, trauma, and burnout continue to grow. But so does our opportunity to lead. EAP professionals not only need to respond, but also need to reshape how the workplace supports the whole person.

So how do we move forward? How do we grow?

We begin by staying grounded in what makes us strong: compassion, confidentiality, and connection. Next, we boldly build on that foundation.

1. Expanding Access and Equity

Let’s make our services accessible to every worker, regardless of location, language, or title. That means culturally responsive care, hybrid access models, and real-time support. We must meet people where they are—and be who they need, when they need us most.

2. Embracing Innovation

Technology is not our enemy; it’s our ally. It amplifies our impact—whether through virtual trainings, app-based tools, data-informed programming, or integrated care platforms. Innovation allows us to serve smarter, faster, and with greater reach.

3. Strengthening Partnerships

We can’t do this work alone. Let’s deepen our partnerships with unions, HR departments, DEI teams, clinical providers, and community-based resources. Together, we form a safety net that catches more people—and keeps them uplifted.

4. Investing in Our Workforce

Our counselors, consultants, and coordinators are the heart of what we do. Let’s support them with training, supervision, mentorship, and moments to breathe. Because when we care for the caregiver, everyone benefits.

5. Telling Our Story

Finally, let’s raise our voices. Too many still don’t understand the full value of EAP. Let’s showcase our success stories, publish our outcomes, and share our impact—not to boast, but to build support and visibility.

This is a time for growth—not just in numbers, but in depth, quality, and sustainability. Together, we are not just offering a program—we are building a movement. One that reminds every employee: you matter, and help is here.

As your President, I am committed to listening, collaborating, and pushing forward with intention. The future of EAP is bright, and it’s ours to shape.

Let’s grow—together. Thank you,

Cheryl Bristor-Wilson, LCSW, CADC, CEAP (she/her)

"NIEAPA members shall seek to develop an awareness of their own personal and cultural values and beliefs as one way of appreciating the importance of multicultural identities in our own lives and in the lives of those we serve. NIEAPA members shall have and continue to develop specialized knowledge and understanding about the values, traditions and systems of all employees at the workplaces they serve."

The Resource Directory is a central source of services that fall under the EAP umbrella and is a great tool for all. We encourage you to use and share with your colleagues.

Please use the Resource Directory if you are looking for up to date information on treatment centers' recent changes, additions or reduction of services. The link also provides contact information for each center's outreach professional.

This list has been provided by the Chicagoland Professional Liaison Association, which is an organization for outreach professionals in the behavioral health field working in the Greater Chicagoland area. We thank the group for sharing this information with their NIEAPA colleagues.

NIEAPA Resource Directory

Northern Illinois Chapter Employee Assistance Professionals Association (NIEAPA)

Phone: +1 (708) 692-21203 Email: board@nieapa.org