What is Employee Assistance Program?

Have to every heard of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? Therapy is expensive. This is often a myth that we still believe to be true in 2024. But what if I told you that there’s a way that you can get therapy for FREE? Yes, you read right for FREE. One of the ways that you can have access to free therapy is through your Employee Assistance Program, also known as EAP. 

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a workplace benefit offered by some employers to help employees manage personal problems that might adversely impact their job performance, health, and well-being.

Employee Assistance Programs typically provide confidential counseling and support services for a wide range of issues, including:

1. Mental Health: Support for stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
2. Substance Abuse: Assistance with alcohol or drug dependency.
3. Family and Relationship Issues: Counseling for marital problems, parenting challenges, and family conflicts.
4. Financial and Legal Issues: Guidance on managing debt, budgeting, and access to legal resources.
5. Workplace Stress: Support for dealing with job-related stress, conflict resolution, and improving work-life balance.
6. Grief and Loss: Help in coping with the death of a loved one or other significant losses.

EAP is meant to be used for short term counseling and should you need more assistance beyond your approved sessions, then your mental health professional will bill you or your health insurance. 

Here are some of the things that I love about the EAP program:

1. It’s confidential: Services are confidential, ensuring that employees can seek help without fear of it affecting their job security. Therapy is confidential and we are not able to disclose any information concerning your treatment unless you have signed an authorization of release of information. 
2. It’s accessible: While your therapist may not be accessible 24/7, EAP services are usually available 24/7, providing immediate support when needed. They are able to provide you with a list of providers near you. 
3. It has variety: EAPs may offer face-to-face counseling, phone consultations, online resources, and referrals to mental health professionals. They will ask about your preferences and will connect you with a therapist that better suits your needs. 
4. It’s FREE!: Yes, attending therapy through your EAP is at no cost to you. Once you use all of your approved EAP sessions and if you need continued counseling, then we will obtain your health insurance information to continue receiving services. After you use all of your EAP authorized sessions, you are transitioned to using your health insurance and your copay, coinsurance or deductible applies. 

EAPs are an important component of a comprehensive employee benefits package, demonstrating a commitment to the holistic well-being of employees.

If you work at Walt Disney World (Orlando), click here for information on how you can access your EAP. If you have questions about your coverage, feel free to contact us.

DISCLAIMER: Although I am a mental health professional, the information I provide should not be considered a substitute for a formal mental health evaluation. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, you can contact us at (407) 906-5214.

Mental health is a complex and highly individualized matter, and what works for one person may not work for another. The best course of action for anyone dealing with mental health concerns is to schedule an appointment with us for a personalized assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options. Please remember that seeking help from a licensed mental health expert is a vital step in addressing mental health challenges.

 If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact emergency services or a crisis helpline immediately.