EAP Solutions

Behavioral Health Programs versus EAPs Mental Hygiene: What's the Difference? Behavioral Health Programs are covered by Insurance Companies and EAP's Mental Hygiene Services are covered by Employers offering limited sessions for the Employee as well as their Family Members. Employers can add Behavioral Health Programs as an extra benefit on top of traditional EAP Mental Hygiene Services. Alternatively, some Behavioral Health Programs can include EAP as part of their offering. The main difference between an EAP Mental Hygiene Benefit and a Behavioral Health Program is how they approach addressing Mind issues. An EAP program focuses on external stressors. These may include workplace issues, financial difficulties, elder care needs, childcare needs, crisis assistance, or legal issues or simply Mental Hygiene Support. EAP counseling sessions are typically offered to employees for a set number of visits at no cost to employees. In comparison, a Behavioral Health Program focuses on the individual and addresses the emotional, mental, and physical sources of stress to promote healthy behaviors.

If an employer offers both services [ via EAP Program & Health Insurance ], employees can transition from an EAP to Behavioral Health benefits if they need more assistance.Often, in many instances EAP counselors are also included in the employer’s health plan network of providers. This will allow benefits to continue seamlessly from the EAP to a behavioral health insurance plan for continuity of care.