An Introduction to Employee Assistance Programs

Employee assistance work is different from traditional therapy, and an EAP clinician should be prepared to address workplace impact during assessment and counseling sessions. The purpose of this course is to provide social workers, counselors, and therapists with a comprehensive overview of an employee assistance program (EAP), including the core technology, history, referral and assessment processes, and confidentiality requirements. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented. 


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to: 


1. Discuss the history of employee assistance programs (EAPs).

2. Review EAP core technology.

3. Differentiate EAPs from therapy.

4. Discuss the problem of dual EAP clients.

5. Identify EAP stakeholders and types of EAP referrals, including the use of call centers.

6. Outline all aspects of an EAP appointment, including assessment, referral, and follow-up.

7. Analyze the connection between substance abuse assessment and EAPs.

8. Describe the relationship between unions and EAPs.

9. Explain all services provided by an EAP and variations in program models.

10. Discuss confidentiality in an EAP setting.

11. Identify laws and organizations that impact and support the EAP community.


This 8-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.