What is an EAP?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential employee benefit that provides free, short-term counseling and referral services. EAPs are paid for entirely by your employer — there is no cost to you, no deductible, and no copay. Sessions are completely confidential — your employer never knows you used the benefit or what you discussed.
Most large employers and many mid-size employers offer EAPs. Estimates suggest over 97% of companies with 5,000+ employees offer an EAP, and 75% of companies with 251–1,000 employees. If you're employed and haven't checked whether your employer has an EAP, do it today.
What EAPs cover
- Individual counseling sessions — typically 3–8 free sessions per issue per year
- Couples and family counseling
- Crisis counseling — often with immediate access, sometimes within 24 hours
- Referrals to longer-term mental health providers in your area
- Work-life services — legal consultations, financial counseling, dependent care referrals
- Substance use counseling and referrals
EAP counselors are licensed mental health professionals. The sessions are real therapy — not just information or referrals. For many people, 3–8 sessions of focused short-term therapy provides meaningful relief.
How to access your EAP
- Check your HR benefits portal or employee handbook for EAP information
- Call the EAP number directly — it's usually staffed 24/7
- Request an appointment — many EAPs can schedule you within 3–5 business days
- For urgent needs, say "I need to be seen urgently" — many EAPs prioritize crisis situations
EAP limitations
EAPs are designed for short-term issues — typically 3–8 sessions. They're excellent for situational stress, work difficulties, relationship problems, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, and initial treatment of more serious concerns. For ongoing or more severe mental health conditions, your EAP counselor will refer you to a longer-term provider covered by your health insurance.
EAP confidentiality
EAP sessions are strictly confidential. Your employer receives only aggregate data (e.g., "X% of employees used the EAP this year") — never individual information. The only exceptions are the standard confidentiality exceptions that apply to all therapy: imminent danger to self or others. Your manager, HR, and colleagues will never know you used the EAP.
What if my employer doesn't have an EAP?
Explore other low-cost options: community mental health centers, sliding scale therapists, Open Path Collective, and university training clinics. If you're uninsured, see our guide to therapy without insurance for a complete list of options.