Employee Assistance Program

EAP stands for Employee Assistance Program. It is a benefit offered to you by your employer that provides support services in life’s difficult times.

Overview

In life, everyone faces difficult periods. When a personal problem is making life difficult for you, it can often affect your job performance. The purpose of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is to help you deal with life's rough spots.

Your EAP is a free, professional, and confidential consultation service. All counselors and consultants are experienced, licensed professionals who have specialized training in employee assistance consultation. Everything discussed in consultation is kept completely confidential.

Types of Problems

Counselors can assist with any type of personal situation. Below are some examples of common services provided by EAP counsellors: 

• Marriage and family problems

• Work-related problems

• Stress, anxiety, depression and other emotional problems

• Difficulty with relationships

• Loss and death

• Alcohol or drug problems affecting you or your family

• Difficulty adjusting to a new culture or environment

• Any other personal concern which may benefit from a professional consultation

What are the benefits?

EAP benefits vary based on the plan selected and the vendor that provides the services. In addition to phone consultation, many EAP plans provide a specified number of personal counselling sessions (typically 3-5 sessions per issue) with the options of face-to-face counseling, telephonic, or web-video. If you choose to pursue additional outpatient consultation additional benefits may be payable by your medical plan.

How do I access services? 

Each EAP has a toll-free number that you can call to seek assistance 24 hours a day. Consult your employee benefit materials to confirm your coverage and for the toll-free number to access services.