Perhaps you’ve seen information from your employer about an employee assistance program. Many people do not take advantage of these programs because they don’t know what they are or how they can help. Joining an employee assistance program can provide you with short-term help for many struggles. Learn more about the benefits of joining an EAP by calling Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650.

What Is an EAP?

An EAP, or employee assistance program, is a program offered by employers to provide their employees with assistance for:

• Substance abuse
• Mental health disorders
• Stress
• Loss of a loved one
• Trauma

Most organizations now offer some sort of employee assistance program for their staff. Most EAPs cover only three to five sessions to help point employees in the direction of the appropriate treatment and care providers. EAPs may provide counseling, mediation, and referrals for more extensive treatment.

5 Reasons for Joining an Employee Assistance Program

Since joining an employee assistance program doesn’t provide a full course of treatment for mental health or addiction, you may wonder if it’s worth considering. Here are five reasons for joining an EAP:

1. You aren’t ready to commit to a complete treatment plan

An EAP is a great way to try out treatment for life’s challenges, whether work stress, substance abuse, anxiety, or depression. You may just want some feedback from a professional to determine if you need to enroll in a longer-term program. EAPs connect you with a counselor who can listen to your problems and introduce you to your treatment options. From there, you can decide if you want to continue with a full-blown treatment program.

2. You are stressed at work and want to talk to someone in confidence

If you are having a problem at work, you may not necessarily need the long-term assistance of a therapist. This is a great opportunity to utilize your employee assistance program to speak with a counselor over a few sessions. They can help you work through your issue without any obligation to commit to ongoing therapy.

3. You are going through some life challenges but cannot afford therapy sessions

If you don’t receive health insurance from your employer, you may be concerned about the cost of enrolling in therapy sessions. Even if you have health insurance, your plan may not cover the cost of therapy in full, leaving you to pay the balance. An EAP can provide you with free temporary assistance from a counselor who can teach you coping strategies in just a few short sessions.

4. Personal issues are interfering with your work performance

When things are tough in your relationships or you experience financial stress, you may be unable to stay focused on the job. Sometimes, it can be hard to separate home life from work. An EAP connects you with professionals who can help you create a better work-life balance and learn ways to manage stress at home better so that it doesn’t creep into your work life.

5. You are concerned about your substance use but are unsure if you need addiction treatment

When you are under a lot of stress, you may resort to using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Many people go through temporary periods where they misuse these substances, but they manage to get through them before it becomes an addiction. If you are worried that you may be dependent on a substance, you can reach out to an EAP to speak with a counselor about your use and determine if you need to enroll in rehab.

Bayview Recovery: Offering Support Through EAPs

If you think your organization’s employee assistance program may be just what you need to overcome a challenge in your life, you can count on Bayview Recovery. Our mental health and addiction treatment programs can help you with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to substance use disorder. Call us at 855.478.3650 to learn how EAPs work at our facility.