Mental Health in the Workplace: Consider a Career as an Employee Assistance Professional
Are you a mental health professional seeking to make a broader impact? A career as an Employee Assistance (EA) Professional offers a unique opportunity to use your clinical skills in both individual and organizational settings—supporting employees, their families, and entire workplaces.
EA Professionals provide voluntary, confidential services to employees and their family members, helping them address personal or work-related challenges. At the same time, they serve the organization by offering expert consultation and training on critical issues such as:
Many labor unions offer similar support through Member Assistance Programs (MAPs), further expanding the reach and relevance of this work.
Why Choose This Field?
The Employee/Member Assistance profession is ideal for those drawn to improving lives beyond the traditional therapy setting. Since its emergence in the late 1960s and 1970s, this field has continued to grow as employers and unions increasingly recognize the value of supporting the health and well-being of their people.
How to Learn More and Get Involved
The Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) is the leading international organization supporting this field. Visit www.eapassn.org to explore resources, training opportunities, and current job openings.
If you're in Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of EAPA is a welcoming local network where you can meet and learn from experienced professionals. You can reach us via Contact Us on this site, we will connect you with a member who can answer your questions.
Don't Miss the 2025 International Conference!
The 2025 EAPA Institute & Expo will be held October 10–12 in San Francisco—a premier event to learn more about the profession, attend sessions led by experts, and connect with leaders in the field.
Dive Deeper: The International Employee Assistance Digital Archive
For those interested in the roots and evolution of this profession, the International Employee Assistance Digital Archive, housed at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, is a treasure trove of knowledge. This free, publicly accessible archive offers historical and contemporary documents, presentations, and research relevant to the EA field.
Here are just a few examples of what's available:
Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot your career, Employee Assistance offers a meaningful path to help individuals and organizations thrive. We invite you to explore this fulfilling profession!
