Do EAPs Cover Family Members?
Learn how Foremind’s EAP supports not just staff but also their family members.
At Foremind we understand that stressors that impact employees outside of work have a significant impact on them during work hours. Left unmanaged these stressors could lead to psychological harm in the long-term, as well as a reduction in productivity whilst at work.
That is why Foremind offers the ability for family members to access support through our EAP platform as a core part of our service in the event that they need support. This is something that you as an organisation can provide as part of our service offering, but it is not mandatory.
Why is it important that EAP is extended to family members?
Family dynamics significantly impact an employee’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Providing EAP services to family members is essential because it recognises the reality that our personal lives deeply affect our mental and emotional wellbeing. When our loved ones are supported, it eases the burdens we carry at home, helping us find peace and balance. This care isn’t just about making us better workers; it’s about ensuring we’re okay as people.
Addressing the broader scope of an employee’s wellbeing by including their family in EAP services not only benefits the individual employee but also fosters a healthier, more resilient, and more engaged workforce. This, ultimately, is a win-win for both the employee and the business, creating a work environment where employees feel valued and supported in all aspects of their lives.
Common Family Issues Addressed Through EAP Services
The benefits of extending EAP services for family members are numerous. It is really hard to show up and be your best self at work if things at home are causing stress. This might be relating to things like:
- Financial stress
- Family issues
- Death or grieving (even if it’s a pet)
- Managing elderly parents
- Kids/ schooling
Family-related challenges, such as marital issues, parenting struggles, financial pressures, and caring for aging parents, often have a profound impact on our lives. These stressors don’t just stay at home; they follow us to work, affecting our concentration, energy, and even our attendance.
The stress from work can also seep into our personal lives, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. When EAPs offer support for these specific challenges, they can help people find balance, allowing them to be more present and less overwhelmed in both their personal and professional lives. This support is about more than just getting through the day—it’s about finding a sense of peace and stability that allows your team to truly thrive, both at work and at home.
By ensuring that you support your teams mental health outside of work you are making an invaluable investment in their safety that easily outweighs the costs of a few counselling sessions.
How does this work? How do you book in with/for family members?
In order for family to access the EAP the employee simply needs to share the registration information with their family member so that they can access the platform or alternatively call the hotline number to be triaged appropriately with a counsellor that suits them.
Will my employer know my family or I contacted the EAP?
Confidentiality is a critical aspect of EAP and as such Foremind will not share information with employers without written permission by an employee or in the event that someone is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others, or as otherwise required by law and appropriate clinical code of ethics.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Louise is the Clinical Director at Foremind, with over a decade of experience in the mental health sector, contributing to well-known Australian organizations like Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Headspace, and LivingWorks.
Louise Thompson Clinical Director
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Hello 👋 I’m Joel the founder of Foremind.
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Answers to the frequently asked questions.
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We partner with counsellors who work in private practice so they are also free to work for other organisations if they see fit. The all have their own private practices however, they’re still all handpicked by Louise… Never had an issue with any of our counsellors… we maintain high levels of quality control.
Foremind offers multilingual support, with professionals available in languages including Spanish, Portuguese, mandarin, vietnamese and Persian
All our counsellors are contractors. They are highly qualified and go through long interview processes to ensure they are the right fit.
All counsellors must apply to the role and are interviewed before added to the platform, must meet the criteria as per the below.- We employee counsellors, mental health social workers, mental health nurses and psychotherapists.- Qualifications in Counselling, Psychotherapy or Social Work, minimum Bachelor or Masters qualification- Minimum 3 years direct practice experience post graduation- Registration with appropriate body – PACFA Clinical registration, ACA level 2 minimum, Accredited Mental health Social worker or Clinical Social worker- Broad experience providing individual coaching, counselling and support for personal and work-related issues- How far reaching is your EAP? We have counsellors located in every major city in Australia.