EAP Benefits...

Tomilyn Richards

November 19,2021 at 5:20PM UTC

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EAP Benefits... Do you or have you used them?

I saw an article recently that they are one of the most underutilized benefits that an employer offers.

I have used them once in my career and wish I would have tapped into them more. I ended up getting a therapist after 4-5 sessions of my EAP because it felt so good to have someone to talk to.

We need to start normalizing having a therapist!! =) Now they are also very expensive. Having insurance that allows for only $25 visits versus $200 is HUGE!

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31 Comments

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AnonymousNovember 19,2021 at 6:16PM UTC
I used the EAP once; they offered three mental health sessions with a local counselor. I was hoping for help navigating social security, probate, and other practical things. The counselor didn't seem to understand why I was there. I think I only used two of my sessions. Later, I sought a grief counselor (not through the EAP). I have a friend that used theirs to facilitate drug and alcohol treatment and credits them with opening the door to her long-term sobriety.
AnonymousNovember 21,2021 at 2:00PM UTC
A lot of companies have great options for drug and alcohol treatment. I am in long term sobriety and have heard MANY stories that EAP saved people’s lives. USE all the help we can get, it could save your life.
Rosalyn JohnsonNovember 19,2021 at 7:04PM UTC
EAP has been a lifesaver. Its free with my job. 6 sessions per issue. Absolutely fantastic. Use ALL the benefits.
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 19,2021 at 8:04PM UTC
That is a really great benefit and I am so glad you are getting value from it!! =)
AnonymousNovember 19,2021 at 9:19PM UTC
i have used that bennie 2x. First time, I got 8 sessions, 2nd time (dif company), I got 5. Zoom therapy wasn't great, but worth a shot and free.
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 23,2021 at 12:40PM UTC
I didn't think of the video conferencing... yeah nice to be able to do throughout the pandemic...but in person is always better in my opinion. Glad you had such great benefits.
AnonymousNovember 19,2021 at 10:33PM UTC
Used mine for therapy and financial advice after some big life events impacted my financial stability.
Everyone in toxic environments should use them if they have them.
AnonymousNovember 20,2021 at 2:15PM UTC
I haven't had the need, but just knowing it's there is comforting and makes me appreciate my company just that much more. They take good care of their people on so many fronts.
AnonymousNovember 21,2021 at 1:33PM UTC
Do not use free therapy from your employer.
It rolls up to hr.
If needed they can get info.
It happened to me.
Just get someone private.
AnonymousNovember 21,2021 at 5:11PM UTC
This is certainly not true for many places. As a dept of one HR director, I have zero access to see what individuals utilize which services.
Laura Ann KleinNovember 21,2021 at 6:00PM UTC
Isn't disclosure illegal?
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 23,2021 at 12:39PM UTC
I think this is illegal in almost every case. I work in Talent Acquisition and work with many HR professionals and we have never been privy to this type of data. Many times you don't even know who is using those benefits out of confidentiality. I am really sorry that happened to you.
Bevin MarieNovember 21,2021 at 2:39PM UTC
If your company offers EAP benefits and then holds it against you when you use them... you're at the wrong place. I've used them for me, my kids and my domestic partner and feel grateful to talk to someone for at least a few sessions at zero cost. It also helps to try out a few people to find a good fit
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 23,2021 at 12:38PM UTC
I can't imagine a company doing that. So glad you got to use those benefits.
AnonymousNovember 21,2021 at 2:46PM UTC
I wouldn’t use unless I had paperwork stating I retained my health privacy rights.
Laura Ann KleinNovember 21,2021 at 6:00PM UTC
You will get a statement and documentation of this. It's the law.
Lomaxruiter@yahoo.comNovember 21,2021 at 3:15PM UTC
My company offers two EAP options to all employees. I have utilised the benefit twice with good outcomes. I am a CEO and no one in the company knows who uses the service. It is all maintained confidential by the providers.
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 23,2021 at 12:37PM UTC
That is a great benefit, the confidentiality part. So wonderful you offer those programs!!
Laura Ann KleinNovember 21,2021 at 5:59PM UTC
Don't forget the legal, respite care, and financial planning resources most EAP programs provide. Our EAP will also do wellness programs with work groups which have been invaluable to help cope with compassion fatigue during the pandemic.
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 23,2021 at 12:37PM UTC
What a great way to use that benefit... I know the last year and a half has really taken a toll on folks.
Olivia WoolmanNovember 22,2021 at 1:25AM UTC
I have used EAP services in the past and was connected to online resources which I would not have found or used on my own. Glad I don’t need EAP often but thankful the benefit is available for when I do.
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 23,2021 at 12:36PM UTC
Agree, =)
Karen GongawareNovember 22,2021 at 2:34PM UTC
EAP? I wish people would spell things out as I haven't a clue what EAP stands for.
I do agree with normalizing having a therapist, but in my neck of the woods it is normal. No one blinks or acts all weird.
AnonymousNovember 22,2021 at 7:57PM UTC
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 23,2021 at 12:36PM UTC
Yes, Employee Assistance Program... they typically cover things like counseling, legal council, financial consultation, etc. Really a great benefit that goes largely untapped!!
Chre M. Davis, M.S.Ed.November 22,2021 at 3:50PM UTC
Great point! I never think about this enough.
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 23,2021 at 12:35PM UTC
I think many of us forget about it! Even when you just having a slump... they are so great to tap into!!
AnonymousNovember 22,2021 at 8:00PM UTC
I tapped I to my company's EAP for 5 in person therapy sessions and a few follow up sessions to get me through a difficult time.
I was so appreciated that it was there and free. There was no reason not to use this benefit and it helped me tremendously.
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 23,2021 at 12:34PM UTC
Exactly!! I agree 100%!
AnonymousNovember 23,2021 at 11:14PM UTC
We had a coworker commit suicide shortly after being let go, it was shortly after my cousin had also committed suicide and I was not coping well. Having the EAP benefit from my employer at the time was extraordinary! I wish I would have had the means to afford a therapist once the EAP sessions were done; it was extremely beneficial. Definitely an underutilized benefit. One, I think employers should focus more on. Thanks for posting this! Great question :)
Tomilyn RichardsNovember 29,2021 at 11:59AM UTC
What a terrible time and so grateful you got to take advantage of a few sessions when you really needed them. I agree this needs to be a focus for benefit conversations vs just an add on, right?