What’s Included in an Australian EAP? Full Feature Comparison (2026)
Last Updated 9/1/26 By Vanessa Cortez
EAP Programs @ Mindway EAP
Employee Assistance Programs, sometimes known as EAPs, have become an important component of health and fitness training at workplaces in Australia. As more people become aware of the ways in which mental health impacts work, employee retention, and vacations, an increasing number of businesses are incorporating employee assistance programs (EAPs) into their entire people strategy. On the other hand, not all EAP is equal. A great number of companies provide fundamental services that are, for the most part, same; yet, the additional services, distribution methods, and services that are included with these basic services might vary greatly. You need to be aware of these distinctions by the year 2026 if you want to select an employee assistance program (EAP) that is suitable for both your company and your employees. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about Executive Assistance Programs (EAPs) in Australia, including what extras certain EAPs offer and how to select the appropriate level of assistance for your team.

What You’ll Learn in This Article
  • Core services typically included in Australian EAPs
  • Additional features that may be available
  • Differences between basic and premium EAP packages
  • How to evaluate EAP offerings based on your organisation’s needs
  • Insights into pricing relative to included features

Core Services Included in Most Australian EAPs

A significant number of employee assistance programs (EAP) in Australia offer a broad range of services that are intended to provide staff members with assistance that is both immediate and confidential. The provision of short-term psychotherapy for issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, or conflict at work, crisis support that is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, assistance with financial and legal matters, tools for achieving a healthy work-life balance, and referrals to specialised healthcare or longer-term treatment are typically included in this process. In addition, this process typically includes the provision of crisis support. Every worker will have access to a safe and accessible method of accessing knowledgeable support whenever they require it, thanks to these key qualities, which guarantee that they will have access to it.

Employee:
What extras should we look for beyond basic counselling?
You:
Workshops, manager support, and digital tools can greatly enhance your team’s resilience and engagement.

Additional Features Offered by Some Providers

It is of the utmost importance for businesses to go through the process of picking the perfect EAP plan tier for their employees. Basic packages often include components such as counselling, crisis aid, and referrals. These are all components that are covered. This makes them appropriate for use by smaller businesses or nonprofit groups who are operating on a low budget and require only a few sessions and reports. This makes them suitable for usage by these types of organisations. The addition of digital self-help tools, manager resources, and more in-depth counselling are all components that are included in mid-level packages. These packages offer a combination of services that is beneficial to medium-sized organisations. All of the services that are included in the mid-level packages are also included in the premium packages. In addition, the premium packages include workshops, health coaching, support in various languages, dedicated account management, and thorough reporting. However, because they are more expensive per person, they are best suited for large organisations or industries that are subject to a significant amount of stress for their employees.

Basic vs Premium EAP Packages

For businesses, the process of selecting the appropriate EAP plan tier requires a great deal of attention. Counselling, crisis assistance, and recommendations are typically included as components of basic packages provided by most organisations. The meetings and reports that are being discussed here are beneficial for nonprofit organisations or small businesses who are operating on a limited budget and require only a few appointments and paperwork. There is a wide variety of services that can be obtained by medium-sized enterprises through the use of mid-level packages. These packages include digital self-help tools, boss resources, and more in-depth counselling. All of the services that are included in the premium packages are also included in the mid-level packages. A large number of reports, workshops, health coaching, assistance in various languages, specialised account management, and assistance in multiple languages are also included. However, due to the fact that they are more expensive per person, they are more suitable for large firms or industries that experience a great deal of stress.
"Choosing an EAP isn’t just about cost, it’s about matching services to what your people truly need." - Australian HR Institute

How to Choose the Right EAP Features for Your Organisation

It's not always the case that the most expensive EAP is the best one. Specifically, it is the one that is most suitable for the size, nature, and requirements of your team. Plans that are straightforward could be effective for smaller teams, but teams that are considerably larger or more diverse might require services that cover a greater number of domains. Considering the challenges that your sector is confronted with, it is important to note that high-pressure fields can gain from crisis assistance and resilience training. Furthermore, make certain that your budget includes features that employees will actually make use of. You should go with a service provider who has a solid reputation that can be supported by testimonials from previous customers or experience in the relevant area. It is important to have a variety of delivery choices, including face-to-face, video, and phone delivery.

Pricing in 2026 (Australia) Relative to Features

Despite the fact that the number of available choices has increased, the cost of EAP in Australia has remained relatively same. A basic plan will cover the fundamentals and will cost between $40 and $60 per employee per year. Tools and training are included in the mid-level plans, which range from $70 to $90 per year. More than one hundred dollars is required to purchase a premium plan, which includes personal account support, workshops, and lifestyle programs. It is important for companies to consider the costs associated with absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover when calculating return on investment (ROI). According to a study, an employee assistance program (EAP) can return between $3 and $8 in increased productivity and decreased absenteeism for every dollar that is invested in it.

Key Takeaways
  • Core Counselling is Standard
    Most EAPs provide confidential short-term mental health support.
  • Additional Features Add Value
    Workshops and digital tools can boost workplace wellbeing.
  • Match Services to Your Needs
    Customise your EAP choice based on your workforce profile and budget.
  • Pricing Reflects Features
    More comprehensive plans naturally cost more but offer greater support.
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