Pay As You Go EAP Options for Australian Startups and SMEs
Last Updated 09/01/26 By Vanessa Cortez
EAP Programs @ Mindway EAP
The health and happiness of their employees is becoming an increasingly important concern for a significant number of small and medium-sized enterprises and corporations in Australia. Having said that, the idea of being required to pay for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) on an annual basis can be unsettling. In the past, employee assistance programs (EAPs) would charge a predetermined price to each worker, regardless of whether or not they utilised the service. From the perspective of a small firm that encounters a diverse range of individuals on a daily basis, this may appear to be a waste of money. You can get cash whenever you need it, and it works quite nicely for situations like these. People are able to receive expert assistance with their mental health and fitness at both locations, and customers have the option of paying only for the services that they really utilise. As a result, they are an excellent choice for companies that wish to assist their communities without investing a significant amount of money.

What You’ll Learn in This Article
  1. What a Pay-As-You-Go EAP is and how it works
  2. Typical pricing for Australian providers in 2025
  3. Advantages for startups and SMEs
  4. How to compare providers and choose the right fit
  5. Common questions about usage limits and confidentiality

What is a Pay-As-You-Go EAP?

"Pay as You Go" employee assistance programs (EAPs) are exactly what they sound like: they provide assistance to employees. It is not necessary for businesses to pay a fee on an annual basis; rather, they only have to pay when an employee registers for a class through the organisation. Only the lessons that you actually attend will be charged to you when you go to treatment. It is not necessary for you to make any payments in advance or accumulate points that you will not be able to utilise at the end of the year. Businesses who are unsure about the frequency with which their consumers will use their services may find that this is a strategy to prevent spending money on services that will not be utilised by their customers. Due to the fact that they do not have to pay employees who could no longer be employed by the company, young firms and teams that are expanding rapidly are another excellent alternative. With this approach, businesses are able to maintain their operations and maintain control, and it also ensures that their employees are able to receive private assistance whenever they require it.

Typical Pricing in Australia (2026)

Pay-as-you-go Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) will be offered by a variety of sellers beginning in 2026, each of whom will charge significantly varying prices. Nevertheless, in order to assist you in getting started, below are some basic statistics. Depending on the individual, the cost of therapy sessions might range anywhere from $150 to $250. There are a number of factors that influence the cost, including the therapist, the duration of the session, and whether or not it is conducted in person, over the phone, or online. There are also a lot of companies that provide packages that will allow you to pay for them in advance. In most cases, the price range for these acquisitions is between $1,000 and $2,500. They come with a certain amount of classes and are more affordable. They are frequently purchased by those who are concerned about their financial situation and are also terrified of making blunders. Pay-as-you-go services provide a number of advantages, one of which is that they do not require you to sign a contract for an extended period of time. This indicates that companies can utilise the service once a month and make adjustments wherever they are required to do so. In the event that your small business is attempting to strike a balance between the prices of health care and a limited budget, this pay-as-you-go plan might be an excellent option.
Employee:
I’ve been feeling really stressed lately, but I’m not sure if I can use the company’s EAP, do we even have one?
You:
Yes, we use a Pay-As-You-Go EAP. You can book a session whenever you need, and the company will cover the cost. It’s completely confidential.

Advantages for Startups and SMEs

EAPs that are pay-as-you-go are great because companies only have to pay for them when they need them. It's no longer a waste of money to sign monthly contracts for things you don't use very often. One more great thing about teams that are getting bigger is that they can still get bigger. This makes it easy to get extra help when new employees start because you can add lessons whenever you need to. A small promise is just as appealing because you don't have to promise anything or spend money for a long time. The service can be set up and going in a few days for many groups. Firms can get professional help right away and don't have to spend a lot of time setting it up. Because of these pros, Pay-As-You-Go Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are not only possible, but also easy for small businesses that don't have a lot of money to use.

How to Compare Providers

To begin, there is no cost. When a company wants to buy an EAP program, it should look at all of them and compare them carefully. Check the session fees to see if they cover extras like help after hours, follow-up therapy and the chance to talk to a manager. People can meet in person, over the phone, through an app, or even by video chat. Keep this in mind when you set up the meeting. It is very important that it is simple to use. One more thing is that you have free time when you're not working. Most of the time, workers need help on the weekends or late at night. Managers should make sure that workers believe the service and give them access to data that has been anonymous so that they can keep an eye on how well it's working. You should also read the rules about privacy and reports very carefully. To help your business pick an option that will give it both value and peace of mind, think about these things.
"The right support at the right time can transform workplace wellbeing. Flexible EAP models ensure no business is too small to provide that support." - Australian HR Institute (AHRI)

Common Questions

It's mostly what employers worry about: will workers still be able to get private help with a pay-as-you-go plan? Yes, all services from reputable EAP providers are private, whether you pay for them one time or on a regular basis. "What if nobody uses the service?" is another question that people often ask. The company won't have to pay anything then. Talking to people and getting the word out about the school are very important, though. If workers aren't told about the service often, they might not even know it exists. For a Pay-As-You-Go EAP to work well, people should be able to get help whenever they need it. Managers should make sure that everyone in the company can talk to each other well so that this can happen.
Key Takeaways
  • Flexible Pricing
    Pay-As-You-Go EAPs remove the need for large upfront costs, perfect for small teams.
  • Scalable Support
    Easily add more sessions as your business and team size grow.
  • Confidentiality Maintained
    Employees get the same privacy as with annual programs.
  • Accessible Options
    Many providers offer app-based or phone sessions, making support easy to reach.
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