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Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Writer's picture: Michael D. Erickson LPCMichael D. Erickson LPC

We are all trauma survivors.  We survived the pandemic and all the challenging events surrounding it.  One blessing was that many employees became aware of the mental health benefits already accessible to them and their families.  Prior to Covid, I approximate that 20% of my clientele used Employee Assistance Program benefits.  Following Covid, in excess of 80% of my clientele accessed the benefits already available to them.  These benefits provide free mental health counseling for the employee and everyone living in their household. 


As a mental health therapist, I want to highlight the significant benefits of utilizing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits for mental health counseling. Many people may not realize that EAPs offer a valuable, confidential, and often underutilized resource to support mental well-being, and using these benefits can be a powerful step toward improving overall emotional and psychological health.


1. Confidential and Professional Support

One of the primary advantages of using EAP services is the confidentiality they offer. Many individuals may feel hesitant to seek therapy because of privacy concerns, especially in a workplace setting. However, EAP counseling services are typically private and separate from any work-related files. This ensures that your employer will not be informed of your participation or any specific details of your sessions. This level of confidentiality can help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues and allow individuals to speak freely.


2. Access to a Wide Range of Counseling Services

EAPs often provide a variety of services, including individual counseling, family therapy, and sometimes even couples therapy. This can be particularly beneficial if you're dealing with personal stressors that involve not only work but also relationships, family dynamics, or life transitions. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, grief, or difficulties related to work-life balance, EAP counselors are trained to help address these issues in a holistic manner.


3. Cost-Effective Mental Health Care

Mental health counseling can be expensive, and many people may not have the financial resources to pay for therapy out-of-pocket. Fortunately, most EAPs cover several counseling sessions at no cost to the employee, making it a cost-effective option for those who might not otherwise seek therapy due to financial constraints. Even if your need for counseling is brief or temporary, the opportunity to access a few free sessions can make a significant difference in how you cope with and manage stress or mental health challenges.


4. Convenient and Flexible Scheduling

Many EAPs offer flexible hours and can accommodate appointments during evenings or weekends, which is especially helpful for people with demanding work schedules or family responsibilities. This convenience allows individuals to seek support without interrupting their workday or taking time off. Some programs may even provide virtual counseling options, making it easier to receive care from the comfort of your home or office.


5. Short-Term Counseling with Long-Term Benefits

EAP services are often designed for short-term intervention, meaning you can receive focused, solution-oriented counseling for immediate issues like stress management, grief, or personal conflict. While the number of sessions covered may be limited (typically around 3 to 6 sessions), many people find that these sessions are enough to help them work through pressing issues or to develop coping strategies that can be applied long-term. Furthermore, if your situation requires ongoing therapy, EAP counselors can help you make referrals to longer-term care providers.


6. Support During Crisis Situations

EAPs are invaluable in crisis situations, offering quick access to counseling when you need it most. Whether you're going through a personal crisis, dealing with workplace stress, or experiencing emotional distress, the EAP can provide immediate support and guidance. Having this resource available can help you navigate difficult situations more effectively and prevent them from escalating into more severe mental health concerns.


7. Improved Workplace Well-Being

When employees take advantage of EAP services, not only do they improve their own mental health, but the workplace environment can also benefit. Mental health challenges can affect productivity, engagement, and interpersonal relationships at work. By addressing personal issues through therapy, employees are often able to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance their overall job performance. In turn, this can contribute to a healthier, more supportive work culture.


8. A Proactive Approach to Mental Health

Using EAP benefits promotes a proactive approach to mental health, helping employees address issues early before they become more significant challenges. Many people wait until they are overwhelmed or struggling significantly before seeking help. Utilizing EAP counseling services signals a commitment to maintaining mental wellness and can empower individuals to take charge of their mental health before things spiral out of control.


9. Comprehensive Well-Being Support

EAPs often extend beyond just mental health counseling, offering resources for financial advice, legal consultations, or wellness coaching. This holistic approach to well-being means that employees have access to a variety of services that can support not only their mental health but also their overall quality of life, work-life balance, and sense of personal fulfillment.


Conclusion:

Using EAP benefits for mental health counseling is a valuable resource that can significantly improve emotional and psychological well-being, both at work and in personal life. It's a confidential, accessible, and cost-effective way to get the support you need, whether you're navigating everyday stressors or facing more complex mental health challenges. I encourage you to take advantage of this benefit, whether you're looking for short-term guidance or a longer-term strategy for mental health care. Taking the first step to seek help is often the hardest, but it's also one of the most powerful decisions you can make for your mental health.


Michael D. Erickson LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a exemplary history and experience working in the mental health care industry.  Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Crisis Intervention, Substance Abuse and Family Systems Theory.  Strong healthcare services professional with a Master’s Degree focused in Counseling Psychology from St. Mary's University of Minnesota.  Trained and credentialed mediator for civil and divorce mediation.  Also an experienced parenting coordinator/facilitator trained in the legal arena.

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11107 McCracken Circle #A

Cypress, TX 77429

Email:  mde@ericksoncounseling.com
Tel:  832-455-5729

Locally we provide service to clients in Harris County, Wharton County, Brazoria County, Galveston County, Waller County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, and Fort Bend County, including Katy, Sealy, Brookshire, Houston, Sugar Land, Pearland, Conroe, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring, Galveston, League City, Texas City, Pasadena, Baytown, Friendswood, Bellaire, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenberg, San Antonio and Dallas, TX. Services include: Mediation, Mediator, Divorce Mediation, Reunification Therapy,  Parent Coordination, Parent Facilitation, Cypress Psychotherapist, Cypress Therapist, Cypress Counselor, Therapy for Children and Teens, CBT, Depression, Anxiety , Oil and Gas Mediation.

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