Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) may cover addiction treatment depending on your level of insurance coverage. Find out more about what EAP programs are, how they work, and how you can use them to cover the cost of rehab treatment in Tennessee.
What is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
Drug and alcohol use disorders can cause disruptions in a person’s family, community, and workplace. However, addiction is a treatable disease and your work may have a program to help you.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based program that offers a variety of services for employees. EAP programs for employees “address a broad and complex body of issues affecting mental and emotional well-being, such as alcohol and other substance abuse, stress, grief, family problems, and psychological disorders.” EAPs can also be involved in assisting organizations prevent and cope with workplace trauma, violence, and other emergencies.
Other services EAPs usually offer include:
- Employee education.
- Individual assessments.
- Organizational assessments.
- Short-term counseling.
- Management consultations.
- Referrals to treatment.
Some EAPs also offer financial, legal, and retirement services. EAP coverage and services will vary depending on each program. All information regarding the treatment, diagnosis, and identity of an employee accessing an EAP is confidential.
Free Addiction Assessment
Schedule a free, confidential assessment with a licensed clinician. Apex Recovery can check your insurance coverage levels for drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health treatment in Tennessee.
How Does an EAP Work?
Many people reach out to EAPs on their own, but sometimes it is through a referral from a coworker, Human Resources, or another department. EAP services are confidential, free of charge, and on-demand (services are available when you need them).
First, when you reach out, you will typically meet privately with an EAP professional to identify and/or resolve the issues that are affecting your job performance. Most EAPs offer a combination of channels of service including phone calls, web-based technologies, and office visits.
Using an EAP for Substance Abuse
Substance use disorders and other mental health problems affect over 14% of people aged 18 or older in Tennessee in 2022, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. EAPs are a free and confidential resource for employees struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Many EAPs have specialists and staff who are certified and trained in working with people with drug and alcohol misuse problems. EAP substance abuse services often include:
- Identifying substance misuse problems.
- Short-term counseling.
- Education.
- Referrals to treatment.
- Follow-up support.
EAPs offer detailed information to help you or your loved one navigate the overwhelming process of seeking treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction reaching out for help is a step toward recovery.
- Please complete and send the form below.
- One of our staff members will contact your insurer to check your coverage.
- We will contact you promptly with the results and to discuss the next steps.
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Benefits of Employee Assistance Programs
Some of the main benefits of EAPs include:
- Free and confidential guidance
- Accessibility
- Some programs allow spouses and other dependents of employees access to services.
- Certified trained professionals.
- Objective assessments of your condition.
Cons of Employee Assistance Programs
One of the biggest cons of EAPs is the short-term nature of the services for substance use disorders. However, EAPs are a great referral resource to long-term certified programs like Apex Recovery. If you or someone you know may be struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, you can reach out to an EAP for more information on how to get help and they can assist you in finding treatment.
Employee Assistance Program FAQs
What Do EAPs Cost?
EAPs are typically provided at no cost to the employee or the dependent of the employee using the service. However, programs that EAP staff refer you to may have associated costs. Many drug and alcohol programs have resources to help you understand and pay for treatment. Apex Recovery has a free online tool to check your insurance coverage. You can also speak with a specialist at Apex Recovery 24/7 to discuss payment options for rehab.
Can I Be Fired for Going to Rehab?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 states that Employers “cannot fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees merely because they are enrolled in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.” However, the ADA doesn’t provide any special protection for people who are currently using illegal drugs.
If you are unsure or have questions about your right to attend rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction, reach out to an EAP today for free and confidential services.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice.
How to Use an Employee Assistance Program
If you want to know how an EAP works at your place of employment, you can follow these steps:
- Contact the EAP provider
- Be prepared to provide information and documentation.
- Have a list of questions to ask written down.
- Ask about your options.
Rehabs Near Me That May Accept EAP Coverage
Apex Recovery Tennessee has rehab facilities throughout Tennessee that provide addiction and mental health care. If you or someone you love needs help, contact Apex Recovery at (877)-881-2689 to learn more.
Tennessee Rehab Centers for Drug & Alcohol Detox, Addiction Treatment and Mental Health Therapy
Our substance abuse and mental health programs in TN include residential, outpatient, and dual diagnosis treatment options, ensuring clients receive quality care. Call us at (877) 881-2689 today.
Apex Recovery Franklin
4601 Carothers Pkwy STE 250A
Franklin, TN 37067
Apex Recovery Columbia
2710 Trotwood Ave STE A & B
Columbia, TN 38401
Sources
- NIDA (2018). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (Third Edition).
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). (n.d.). Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Provide Support.
- California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. (n.d.). Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- EASNA. (2009). Selecting and Strengthening Employee Assistance Programs: A Purchaser’s Guide.
- SAMHSA. (2024). 2021-2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health National Maps of Prevalence Estimates, by State.
- Attridge et. al. (2009). Selecting and strengthening Employee Assistance Programs: A purchaser’s guide.
- SAMHSA. (2024). Federal Laws and Regulations.