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 reducing stress at work 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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Foremind offers multilingual support, with professionals available in languages including Spanish, Portuguese, mandarin, vietnamese and Persian
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.
What is the difference between counsellors and psychologists? 1. Qualifications & Training - Counsellor: Typically holds a Diploma or Master’s degree in counselling, or psychotherapy. Their training is focused on practical techniques for supporting mental health and well-being.- Psychologist: Requires a Master’s or Doctorate degree in psychology and must be registered with a AHPRA Their training includes clinical assessments, diagnosis, and therapy.2. Scope of Practice- Counsellor: Provides talk therapy and guidance for life challenges like stress, anxiety, work issues, and relationships. They help clients develop coping strategies but do not diagnose mental disorders.- Psychologist: Can provide therapy like a counsellor but also conducts clinical assessments, diagnoses mental health disorders, and uses evidence-based treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).3. Who Should You See?- If someone needs support for personal or work-related challenges, a counsellor is often enough.- If someone is experiencing mental health concerns, like depression, PTSD, or needs a formal diagnosis, a psychologist is more appropriate.
- Counsellors only offer f2f after the initial consult.- At Foremind, all face-to-face sessions must begin with an initial online session.- The initial online session gives your counsellor the opportunity to explain exactly how their face-to-face sessions work, what options are available, and to ensure everything is properly scheduled. This helps avoid confusion and makes sure you get the best experience possible.- For sales team info; @Dylan This is because our system currently doesn't allow therapists to list separate locations and availability for face-to-face sessions, and many of our counsellors offer in-person appointments only at specific times or locations.- For example, Skai near Byron Bay provides face-to-face sessions, but only on Thursdays and with enough advance notice to arrange space and travel.- F2F sessions also need a bigger time-buffer between so they cannot be booked back-to-back.- Availability for space -- First session is counted + information to book in counselling to allow make- F2f take 3 sessions to break through pleasing tendencies - therapeutic alliance - online