Your employer might be offering free therapy sessions that you're not using. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are one of the most underutilized benefits in the workplace. As a Seattle therapist based in Ballard, let me explain how EAPs work, their benefits and limitations, and how you might use them as part of your mental health strategy, even though I don't directly accept EAP referrals.

Understanding Employee Assistance Programs

What Is an EAP?

Employee Assistance Programs are employer-sponsored benefits providing free, confidential support for personal or work-related problems. They typically offer:

• Short-term counseling (3-8 sessions)

• 24/7 crisis hotlines

• Work-life balance resources

• Legal consultations

• Financial planning assistance

• Referrals for ongoing care

How Common Are They?

Widespread but Underused:

• 97% of large employers offer EAPs

• 75% of mid-size companies have them

• Only 3-7% of employees use them

• Many don't know they exist

• Free benefit going unused

How EAP Therapy Works

The Typical Process

1. Find Your EAP Information

   • Check employee handbook

   • HR website or intranet

   • Benefits packet

   • Ask HR directly

   • Look for posters/cards

2. Contact EAP Provider

   • Usually 800-number

   • Available 24/7

   • Brief phone assessment

   • Identify your needs

   • Get matched with counselor

3. Receive Authorization

   • Number of sessions approved (typically 3-8)

   • List of participating providers

   • Reference number

   • Instructions for scheduling

4. Attend Sessions

   • No cost to you

   • Completely confidential

   • Short-term focused

   • Specific issue targeted

5. Transition Planning

   • Assessment near final session

   • Referrals if needed

   • Resources provided

   • Ongoing care options

Confidentiality Protections

Critical to Understand:

• Employer does NOT know who uses EAP

• No information shared without consent

• Only aggregate usage reported

• Protected like any healthcare

• Separate from work records

Benefits of EAP Services

Immediate Access

No Waiting:

• Available within days

• Crisis support 24/7

• No insurance hassles

• No paperwork

• Quick intervention

Convenient Options:

• Phone counseling

• Video sessions

• In-person meetings

• Flexible scheduling

• Multiple modalities

Zero Cost

Completely Free:

• Employer pays entirely

• No copays

• No deductibles

• No surprise bills

• Travel may be covered

Low Barrier Entry

Easy to Start:

• No diagnosis needed

• No referral required

• Brief assessment only

• Choose your issue

• Anonymous if desired

Limitations of EAP Services

Brief Treatment Model

Session Limits:

• Usually 3-8 sessions per issue

• Per year or per incident

• May not be enough

• Band-aid vs. treatment

• Surface-level work

Generalist Providers

May Lack Specialization:

• Cover all issues broadly

• Limited trauma training

• Basic approaches

• High caseloads

• Less continuity

Scope Restrictions

Common Exclusions:

• Long-term therapy

• Specialized treatments (EMDR)

• Complex mental health

• Personality disorders

• Intensive work

When EAPs Work Well

Ideal Situations

Acute Stress:

• Work conflict

• Recent loss

• Life transition

• Decision-making

• Adjustment issues

Specific Problems:

• Sleep difficulties

• Communication skills

• Stress management

• Grief support

• Parenting challenges

Crisis Stabilization:

• Immediate support needed

• Safety planning

• Resource connection

• Short-term coping

• Bridge to care

As Entry Point

EAPs can be excellent for:

• First therapy experience

• Overcoming hesitation

• Testing the waters

• Getting unstuck

• Identifying needs

Why I Don't Accept EAP

Specialization Focus

My practice focuses on:

• Complex trauma

• Long-term work

• Specialized approaches

• Depth processes

• Integrated treatment

These don't fit EAP's brief model.

Administrative Burden

EAP participation requires:

• Extensive paperwork

• Multiple authorizations

• Session limits

• Reporting requirements

• Network constraints

This time is better spent on clinical work.

Treatment Philosophy

I believe in:

• Organic treatment length

• Deep, lasting change

• Specialized expertise

• Long-term relationships

• Comprehensive care

EAP's brief model conflicts with this.

Using EAP Strategically

Combination Approach

Smart Strategy:

1. Use EAP sessions first

2. Assess your needs

3. Get stabilized

4. Transition to specialized care

5. Maximize all benefits

What to Discuss in EAP

Make Most of Limited Sessions:

• Clarify main concerns

• Get coping strategies

• Assess need for ongoing therapy

• Obtain referrals

• Create action plan

Questions for EAP Therapist

• What would ongoing therapy look like?

• What type of specialist might help?

• What should I look for?

• How do I transition?

• What resources exist?

Transitioning from EAP

When You Need More

Signs EAP Isn't Enough:

• Issues too complex

• Need specialized treatment

• Require longer-term work

• Want deeper exploration

• Limited progress made

Making the Shift

Smooth Transition:

• Use EAP fully first

• Get therapist recommendations

• Request records transfer

• Plan overlap if needed

• Maintain momentum

Financial Planning

After EAP:

• Regular therapy costs

• Insurance benefits

• HSA/FSA use

• Budget planning

• Investment mindset

Common EAP Providers

Major Companies

National Networks:

• Lyra Health

• Spring Health

• BetterHelp for Business

• Talkspace for Business

• ComPsych

• Workplace Options

• Cigna EAP

Each has different:

• Session limits

• Provider networks

• Specialties available

• Access methods

• Additional services

Checking Quality

Ask About:

• Provider qualifications

• Specialization matching

• Session availability

• Continuity options

• Transition support

EAP for Family Members

Often Included

Many EAPs cover:

• Spouse/partners

• Dependent children

• Household members

• Parents sometimes

• Varies by plan

Separate Issues

Each person typically gets:

• Own session allocation

• Individual assessment

• Private treatment

• Separate authorization

• Independent care

Maximizing Your Benefits

Annual Reset

Strategic Use:

• Sessions refresh yearly

• Different issues qualify

• Plan usage wisely

• Don't let expire

• Check renewal date

Multiple Issues

Some EAPs allow:

• Work stress (6 sessions)

• Plus grief (6 sessions)

• Plus parenting (6 sessions)

• Read fine print

• Ask directly

Beyond Counseling

Remember other services:

• Legal consultation

• Financial planning

• Work-life balance

• Eldercare resources

• Manager consultation

Making the Decision

Use EAP When

• Facing immediate stress

• Need quick support

• Want to try therapy

• Have specific issue

• Seeking resources

Skip EAP When

• Need specialized treatment

• Require long-term work

• Have complex trauma

• Want specific approach

• Know your needs

Coordinating Care

If Using Both

Some clients:

• Start with EAP

• Transition to specialized

• Use EAP for crises

• Maintain primary therapist

• Coordinate care

Communication

With consent:

• Providers can coordinate

• Share relevant info

• Avoid duplication

• Support transitions

• Maintain continuity

Your Next Steps

1. Check EAP Benefits

   • Contact HR

   • Review materials

   • Note limitations

   • Save information

2. Assess Your Needs

   • Short-term or long?

   • General or specialized?

   • Crisis or ongoing?

   • Match to resources

3. Plan Strategically

   • Use free benefits

   • Prepare for transition

   • Budget if needed

   • Maximize resources

Working with Me

While I don't accept EAP:

• Happy to consult after

• Can receive your records

• Build on EAP work

• Provide specialized care

• Support your journey

During our consultation, mention:

• Previous EAP use

• What helped/didn't

• Ongoing needs

• Transition goals

• Questions you have

EAP can be an excellent first step. Use it wisely, then invest in specialized care when ready.

Dr. Elissa Hurand PhD - Compassionate Seattle Therapist

Schedule Free 15 Minute Consultation