Employee Assistance Program Guide: How to Get Free Therapy at Work
Did you know your company might already offer free mental health support through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? Many large organizations, including those in tech, finance, healthcare, and other industries, provide free therapy sessions to their employees—and sometimes even to their dependents.
If you’ve been thinking about therapy but are worried about the cost, it’s worth checking if your employer offers this benefit. It could make a huge difference to your mental well-being without costing you a penny.
What Is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a workplace benefit that gives employees confidential access to mental health support, counseling, and wellness resources—completely free of charge.
Many companies partner with EAP providers to offer free therapy sessions, typically ranging from 8 to 25 sessions per year. The goal? To help employees effectively manage stress, anxiety, burnout, work-life balance, and personal challenges before they become overwhelming.
How to Check If You Have Free Therapy Sessions Through Your Employer
1️⃣ Ask Your HR or Benefits Team
The simplest way to find out if your company offers an EAP is to reach out to your HR department or benefits coordinator. They can provide details on what’s covered, how many sessions you have, and how to access them.
2️⃣ Check Your Employee Benefits Portal
Many companies list mental health and wellness benefits on their internal benefits portal or handbook. Look for terms like “Employee Assistance Program (EAP),” “mental health support,” or “counseling services.”
3️⃣ Look for EAP Provider Information
If your company partners with an EAP, it’s usually handled by a third-party provider that coordinates scheduling and therapist matching. Once you confirm your eligibility, you can start your sessions directly through their platform.
Why Take Advantage of an EAP?
✔ Completely Confidential: Your employer won’t know if you use the service.
✔ Free Sessions: Therapy costs are covered, so you don’t have to worry about expenses.
✔ Support for Various Concerns: Whether it’s work stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or personal growth, therapy can help.
✔ Available for Employees & Dependents: Some programs even offer free therapy benefits for your family members.
I'm a Therapist Contracted with Leading EAP Providers
As a licensed therapist, I work with several major EAP providers to offer confidential therapy sessions for employees across various industries. While I can’t disclose the names of the companies or EAP providers I work with, I encourage you to check if this benefit is available to you.
If you’ve been thinking about therapy, now is the perfect time to see if you have access to free sessions. Why pay out-of-pocket for therapy when you may already have quality mental health care available through your job?
Don't Let Free Therapy Sessions Go to Waste
It’s surprising how many employees don’t use their EAP benefits simply because they don’t know about them. These free therapy sessions often go unused year after year. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply need someone to talk to, checking your EAP eligibility could be the easiest step you take toward improving your mental health.
Mental Health Support Without the Wait
One of the best parts about EAP services is how quickly you can get connected to a therapist. Unlike traditional therapy, which can sometimes involve long waiting lists, EAPs often provide streamlined access so you can start sessions within days. Whether you’re struggling with work-life balance, relationship issues, or personal growth, EAPs are designed to help you feel better, faster.
📌 Take the first step today: Contact your HR team or check your benefits portal to see if you’re eligible for free therapy through an EAP. Your mental health is worth it.
