Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access free, confidential counseling for mental health and financial stress through your employer's assistance program.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a supportive service provided by an employer to help staff manage personal or professional challenges.
Who it's for
This program is available to all hospital employees. Whether you are working on the floor in patient care or in a support role within the facility, the program is designed to be accessible to the entire workforce.
What you get
You can access free and confidential counseling sessions through this program. These professional sessions are designed to help you manage various life challenges, including:
- Managing mental health concerns and emotional wellbeing.
- Coping with high levels of stress related to your work environment.
- Navigating difficult financial issues that may be impacting your personal life.
Because these services are provided by the EAP, they are intended to offer a way to address these problems before they become overwhelming.
What it costs you
There is no cost to you. This is a free benefit provided by your employer as part of your employment package. You do not have to pay out of pocket for the counseling sessions provided through this specific scheme.
The catch to know
The biggest challenge with this program is awareness. Many healthcare professionals, such as nurses, often do not realize they have this resource available to them until a crisis has already occurred. It is a preventative tool that is most effective when you engage with it early, rather than waiting until you are in the middle of a major emergency.
How to apply
- Review your employee handbook or employment contract to find the specific details regarding your workplace's assistance program.
- Contact your human resources department or your supervisor to request the direct contact information for the designated service provider.
- Reach out to the provider directly to schedule a confidential session to discuss your needs.