by Thomas Jensen, MF, MFT

Do you know about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? This is a mental health program offered by most large companies. EAP’s provide counseling sessions with a mental health professional that are paid for by your employer. Sessions can be used for individual, couple and family counseling.

You can also use them to get financial, legal, and parenting advice as well. There is a wealth of information and workshops offered by EAP providers. The sad part is that many people do not know if they have EAP benefits or, if they do know about them, they do not utilize them.

Employers offer EAP benefits because they need healthy, happy employees to work for them. Many have contracted with an EAP company to provide assistance for their employees with the goal of improving their personal and home lives, which, in turn, improves their work performance.

Now you may be saying to yourself, “Hey I don’t need free mental health services. I’m not falling apart!” Just like maintenance work on your car keeps it running optimally, an EAP gives you a free, easy and effective way to help you fine-tune your life.

You should also know that there are dozens of licensed mental health providers who offer EAP services and are LDS. If you would like to see an LDS therapist, most EAP’s will accommodate you - just don’t forget to ask the person giving you the referrals.
Ask your employer if they offer EAP’s. Use them if you need them. You’ll be glad you did.

Thomas Jensen is a Marriage & Family Therapist and a member of the Grand Canyon Ward, Lone Mountain Stake.