Definition:
An Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, is a benefit offered by many major employers. The EAP is generally separate from any health insurance that the company offers. An EAP is designed to provide short-term emergency relief in the form of counseling and referrals. Depending on the company, the EAP may cover mental health disorders, substance abuse issues, caregiver stress, financial counseling and even legal advice.
EAP benefits are usually free to the employee, but are heavily restricted. For example, you may be limited to three counseling appointments. If you need further assistance, the EAP counselor will typically write a referral, and you will be financially responsible for the additional sessions.
Examples:
When Mike had a panic attack on the elevator at work, he made an appointment with the company's EAP counselor. The Employee Assistance Program paid for three brief therapy sessions, in which Mike was taught to manage his fear.
