Employee Assistance Program

Employers can offer mental health treatment/counseling to their employees through this service. This service can benefit employers by potential improving the productivity of their staff. Employees suffering from problems with depression, anxiety, or stress-related issues may benefit from counseling by learning coping skills.

Typically, an employee is given a limited number of sessions that are at no cost to the employee in order to assess a problem, refer to a specialist, or resolve an issue. Most employees are given 3 to 5 sessions to complete this. At times an employee may be given up to 10 sessions. Some employers permit family members to participate in EAP sessions.

Typically, the employee or family member participating in the sessions is not identified to the employer, unless the sessions are mandated by the employer due to a problem that interferes with work. Often, the issue is serious and may result in termination for the employee if he/she do not comply with the EAP counselor and attend sessions. In these cases, the employer is given information regarding progress during sessions to determine the next step in assisting the employee.