How to Choose an EAP Provider
Types of Full Service Mental Health EAP Programs:
There are two basic types of full service programs provided to our corporate clients.
- Full Service Model (presented below); and
- Full Service Model With On-Site
Please note the capped model is often offered as a full service in the industry. Buyers should always ask what doesn't the full service model being offered cover. If there are lots of "extras" then it really isn't a full service program.
Full Service Mental Health EAP Program Model
The following key features should characterize most full service programs:
- No limit on the number of sessions available.
- No limit on the number of employees able to access the program.
- A designated consultant counsellor available to the specific program for purposes of counselling, program design, support, implementation and consultation.
- Emphasis on pro-active prevention programming and resourcing that can include monthly news bulletins or updates, educational workshops and seminars, manager & supervisor people skill training.
- Trauma response service for on-site work accidents or stress situations and attendance to families in crisis and/or trauma situations.
- Consultant counsellor available to meet regularly with company and/or Mental Health/EAP Steering Committee to monitor and shape the on-going evolution of the wellness program.
- Psychiatric assessment and consultation included in service.
- Referral and follow-up to services such as Addiction Services, Elder Care Services, Legal Services etc.
Con
- This program is more expensive because of no limits on the number of people using the program or for how long.
- The costing formula is based on number of dollars per each employee per year.
- This type of service involves more commitment from the organization for the promotion of the wellness service and the prevention programs.
- The organization doesn't know which employees are using the program.
- The organization receives only non-identifying statistical data.
- The organization has to trust the service provider.
Pro
- Total costs of the program are known up front for the year.
- Employees access the service directly and for as long as they need it.
- The consultant counsellor can offer organizational consultations to the company and its employees.
- The higher profile of the service means more employee utilization and therefore potentially more preventative interventions. As the service matures a corporate culture is created which takes away the stigma surrounding mental health counselling, and instead encourages people to seek help when they need it.
- Supervisory, union and organization consultations are more readily requested.
- This type of service allows for the potential establishment of a wellness committee with representation and ownership from all levels of the organization.
