When it comes to supporting employee well-being, both virtual mental health services and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) aim to provide access to care. But they’re not the same — and understanding the differences can help employers choose the right solution for their team.
EAPs are typically bundled into insurance or offered as standalone services. They provide limited free sessions (often 3–6) with mental health professionals and support for issues like stress, grief, or substance abuse. While valuable in theory, most EAPs suffer from:
Virtual mental health services, like those offered by First Stop Health are designed for ease of access and ongoing care. Employees can:
It’s high-quality, stigma-free care that meets people where they are.
For employers focused on outcomes, virtual mental health solutions often drive 5–10x higher engagement than traditional EAPs. That means more employees are actually getting help, and organizations see measurable benefits like reduced absenteeism, improved morale, and lower healthcare claims.
Traditional EAPs can be a good starting point but they’re rarely enough on their own. Virtual mental health solutions offer a more scalable, accessible way to support employees’ emotional well-being in real time.
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