Trends in Employee Assistance Program Implementation, Structure, and Utilization, 2009 to 2010

Abstract

This data was derived from a Request-For-Information (RFI) submitted to a sample of 26 large and medium-size external Employee Assistance Program (EAP) vendors across the United States. EAPs reported an increase in covered employees over the 2009 to 2010 period. EAP organizations associated with health plans and organizations that offer EAP and carve-out mental health programs saw the greatest growth. Purchasers were choosing a short-term counseling model of four to six visits. EAPs are relying on brief intake assessments for initial phone triage. Few programs were accredited and only a small number of intake or affiliate counselors held the Certified Employee Assistance Professional credential. Vendors reported that average EAP utilization was less than 6% with great variation between contracts.

KEYWORDS:

• EAP research
• EAP utilization
• employee assistance
• external EAPs