Get to know your Employee Assistance Program
Last updated date: 03/22/2024
Life is filled with unexpected challenges, so it's important to have a support system you can turn to when you need it. Your EAP is an invaluable resource that offers a wide range of services designed to make life more manageable for you and your family members.
What is an Employee Assistance Program?
An Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, is a free, confidential employee resource available 24/7. It’s designed to support both you and your family members by helping you and your loved ones navigate issues that may have a negative impact on mental health, physical well-being, financial wellness, and overall quality of life.
What services are offered by an EAP?
Most EAPs offer a wide range of services to address various aspects of your life. Here are some key services you can access through the program:
Counseling and emotional support
- Confidential counseling sessions with licensed professionals to help you cope with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and more.
- Support for managing grief and loss, including assistance during difficult life transitions.
Work-life balance
- Guidance on managing work-related stress and achieving a healthy work-life balance.
- Resources to help you navigate parenting challenges, childcare, eldercare, pet care, and other personal responsibilities.
Financial and legal assistance
- Expert advice and referrals to professionals for financial planning, budgeting, debt management, tax preparation, and retirement planning.
- Legal consultations and referrals to attorneys for personal legal matters, such as family law, estate planning, home buying or selling, and landlord-tenant issues.
Health and wellness support
- Resources and coaching for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
- Assistance with navigating the health care system, understanding insurance benefits, and finding health care providers.
When to use the EAP
The EAP can be beneficial in a wide range of situations. Here are some examples of when you might want to consider reaching out to the program:
Are you or a family member …
- Dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns?
- Coping with grief, loss, or major life changes?
- Facing challenges in personal relationships, such as marital issues or parenting difficulties?
- Seeking guidance on communication skills and conflict resolution?
- Feeling overwhelmed by workload or experiencing conflicts with colleagues?
- Struggling with time management or work-life balance?
- Seeking career coaching to support your professional growth and advancement?
- Looking for resources for stress reduction, mindfulness, and self-care?
- Needing assistance with financial planning, debt management, or legal consultations?
- Seeking support for managing chronic health conditions or making healthy lifestyle changes?
- Navigating complex insurance claims or understanding health care benefits?
How to use the EAP
You can reach out to the EAP any time of day or night, 365 days a year, by phone or online. Search this website for your EAP’s contact information. Once you initiate contact, you can usually request in-person or virtual counseling to get started, or referrals to local professionals that meet your needs. The EAP can also offer guidance on how to apply your medical plan coverage if needed for longer-term mental health care.
The EAP is just a call or click away. Prioritize your well-being and take advantage of this valuable resource.
Sources:
“EAP Industry Trends 2024,” EAP Expert (eapexpert.com), accessed March 2024
“What Is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? How to Make the Most of Your Health-Related Benefits,” GoodRxHealth (www.goodrx.com), December 1, 2023
“What to Know About Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs),” Very Well Mind (www.verywellmind.com), July 7, 2023
