Pay-As-You-Go EAPs are exactly what they sound like. Instead of paying a one-time fee every year, companies only pay when an employee books a session. Since you only pay for the counseling sessions you actually go to, there are no upfront costs or points that you can't use at the end of the year. This plan makes sure that companies that don't know how often their services will be used don't waste money on services that aren't used. It's also great for startups and teams that are growing quickly because you don't have to pay employees who may not be with the company anymore. To put it simply, this plan gives businesses freedom and control while still making sure their workers can get private help when they need it.

As of 2025, costs for Pay-As-You-Go EAP will be different from one provider to the next. However, here are some rough numbers to get you started. A therapy session for one person can cost anywhere from $150 to $250, depending on the therapist, the length of the session, and whether it's in person, over the phone, or through online. Several companies may also offer deals that you can pay for ahead of time. Most of the time, these packages cost between $1,000 and $2,500 and come with a certain number of lessons at a lower price. These packs are often bought by companies that want to save money while still having some room for error. Another benefit is that most Pay-As-You-Go services don't require long-term contracts. This means that businesses can use the service month-to-month and make changes as needed. If a small business is trying to find a mix between health and limited funds, this pay-as-you-go plan may be a much better option than traditional EAP subscriptions.

No upfront costs There is a need for thorough comparison across EAP services by businesses. Check the session rates to see if they include things like after-hours support, follow-up therapy, and access to a manager. When planning a meeting, keep in mind that employees can meet in person, over the phone, via an app, or even via video chat; ease of use is of the utmost importance. That you have time on your hands while you're not at work is an additional point. On weekends or late at night, employees frequently need assistance. Verify that workers have faith in the service, and provide administrators access to anonymized data so they can track its efficacy. The privacy and reporting policies should also be reviewed thoroughly. Think about these things to help your company choose a service that will provide them value and peace of mind.

One of the main worries that employers have is whether or not workers will still get private help with a Pay-As-You-Go approach. The answer is yes, all services from reliable EAP companies are kept secret, whether they are paid-as-you-go or on a subscription platform. People also often ask, "What if no one uses the service?" That way, the company won't be charged at all. But getting the word out and talking to people are very important for the program to work. Employees might not even know the service is offered if they are not reminded often and clearly told about it. For a Pay-As-You-Go EAP to work best, managers should make sure there is good communication within the company so employees feel free to ask for help when they need it.