Employee Assistance Services (EAP)

EAP

What is an EAP?

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are a wellness benefit that is separate from your primary health insurance plan. EAPs offer short-term engagement and support for employees around mental health — from anxiety and depression to everyday stressors like caregiving and work-life balance. 

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Mended is now in-network with two different EAPs through Alma:

• Cigna Confide Enhanced EAP

• Aetna Resources for Living EAP

Alma is in-network with the following EAPs. Mended’s credentialing is pending with expected acceptance Fall 2024: 

• Optum Live & Work Well EAP

• Optum Emotional Wellbeing Solutions Premium EAP

If you are a Cigna client and you’re not sure if you have Confide Enhanced EAP (in network with Alma) or another Cigna EAP (out of network with Alma), you can log into Cigna’s website to confirm your EAP information.

Why are EAPs important?

EAPs give additional mental health coverage outside of the framework of a formal insurance plan at no cost to you as a client. You can use these benefits for short-term clinical interventions (such as relationship counseling or maintaining work-life balance) without paying a copay, coinsurance, or deductible.

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If you do not currently have access to health insurance, or if you are paying down a high deductible on your health plan before you can access your full health plan benefits, EAPs can provide an alternative means for receiving care quickly and affordably. 

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If you have Optum or Cigna EAP benefits and are currently seeing an Alma provider either out-of-pocket or in-network with Alma’s insurance program, you may be able to apply your EAP coverage to anywhere between 3 and 10 sessions (depending on your benefit) with Alma. Note that some mental health services are not covered under EAPs, so discuss this option with your Alma provider to make sure it is a good fit for you.

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How do EAPs typically work?

Session cost

A major advantage of EAP visits is that they are entirely free for you as a client. All costs are covered by the employer, and there is no copay, coinsurance, or deductible for services. 

Access to services

Unlike traditional insurance, EAPs give you the agency to verify your own eligibility for benefits. 

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Every program has its own pathway for accessing this information.

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Please note that Mended nor Alma can gather your EAP enrollment information directly or on your behalf. You will need to complete the EAP enrollment process with your health plan before starting EAP sessions with an Alma provider. 

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Services covered

In general, EAPs cover a limited range of mental health services, which can include 30- and 45-minute psychotherapy appointments, couples and family therapy, and group therapy. EAPs will not cover longer therapy sessions or medication management. 

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Summary: Using Your EAP Benefits

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Below is a quick summary of the EAPs Alma supports through Mended, along with the websites you can visit to get more information about your benefits directly from your health plan. 

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Find instructions here.

Cigna

Confide Enhanced EAP

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You can reserve a consultation with an Alma provider directly through Cigna’s website.

As part of the consultation process, Cigna will automatically transfer all of your EAP details directly to Alma’s platform — no further steps required.

Find instructions here.

Aetna

Resources for Living EAP

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You can request a consultation with Mended, an Alma provider, by contacting Aetna. Connect with your employer or your employer's Human Resources (HR) department for contact information specific to your EAP plan.

As part of the consultation process, Aetna will automatically transfer all of your EAP details directly to Alma’s platform — no further steps required.

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Who is the Alma approved EAP Provider for Mended?

The Alma approved EAP Provider for Mended Soul Solutions is Cherysh Green-Caldwell, LCSW. 

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Information Sourced from "Using EAP Benefits at Alma" Guide. Click button for direct access to Article