Getting help through work
Many NL employers and unions offer confidential counselling worth checking before paying privately.
What it is
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP), where one exists, is a confidential, employer-funded benefit that usually includes a set number of free counselling sessions, separate from your manager or HR being involved.
Good to know
EAP use is confidential by design — your employer typically only sees aggregate usage statistics, never who used it or what for. It's worth checking even if you've never been told you have one; many people don't realize the benefit exists until they look.
What helps
Checking your benefits package or asking HR directly (you don't need to explain why) is the fastest way to find out what's available. If there's no EAP, Doorways and the directory's free options remain available regardless of employment.
When to seek help
Check before you assume you have to pay out of pocket — it costs nothing to ask, and the answer is yes more often than people expect.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you're in crisis, go to Get Help Now instead of reading further.