Employee Assistance Programs

An employee assistance programs (EAP) is a work-based intervention program designed to identify and assist employees in resolving personal problems (e.g., marital, financial or emotional problems; family issues; substance/alcohol abuse) that may be adversely affecting the employee’s performance. The plan may also include a wide array of other services, such as nurse advice telephone access, basic legal assistance and referrals, adoption assistance, or assistance finding elder care services. EAP services are usually made available not only to the employee but also to the employee’s spouse, children and non-marital partner living in the same household as the employee. EAP plans are usually 100% paid by the employer.