With rising awareness around mental health, increased legislative scrutiny, and evolving workforce expectations, organisations must proactively support their employees. One of the most effective ways to do this is by implementing a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP), but which one suits you better? Keep reading to discover the best EAPs in Australia, their plans, benefits, prices, and more.
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Why EAPs Are Essential for Businesses in Australia
In Australia, supporting employee mental health is no longer a voluntary perk—it’s a legal and cultural expectation. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have become a foundational element in modern workplace wellbeing strategies, and here’s why they are indispensable for employers today:
Legal Obligations under WHS Laws: The Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act requires employers to identify and managepsychosocial hazards—including stress, burnout, and workplace bullying. Failing to do so can lead to regulatory penalties or legal liability. Implementing an EAP helps companies meet these obligations proactively by providing direct access to support services and early intervention.
Rising Mental Health Challenges: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 44% of Australians aged 16–85 will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime. The cost of mental ill-health to businesses is staggering—estimated at $39 billion annually in lost productivity, absenteeism, and compensation claims (Productivity Commission). However, EAPs provide a structured, confidential avenue for early help, reducing these costs over time.
Employee Expectations & Employer Branding: Today’s workforce, especially Millennials and Gen Z, expect their employers to prioritise mental health. Offering access to EAP counselling providers is now a competitive differentiator. Companies that invest in EAPs are seen as more supportive, trustworthy, and progressive, improving both recruitment and retention.
Tax and Financial Benefits: While EAPs are not free, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) typically allows EAP services to be tax-deductible as a business expense. When viewed against the financial impact of high turnover, presenteeism, and absenteeism, EAPs offer a compelling ROI.
Support for Remote and Hybrid Workforces: With remote and hybrid work now mainstream, employees often feel isolated or disconnected. EAP service providers like Meditopia now offer virtual counselling, online therapy, and 24/7 support that bridge the gap and maintain connection regardless of location.
Risk Mitigation and Crisis Management: EAPs provide businesses with critical incident response services. This is crucial in industries exposed to trauma (e.g., healthcare, emergency services) or during times of organisational change (e.g., redundancies, mergers). These services help protect both the emotional and operational health of your teams.
Deep experience across government, education, mining, and finance
Culturally sensitive programs
Pricing Structure:
Per employee annual contracts or tailored quotes.
Provider Name
Key Services
Unique Selling Points
Pricing Model
Converge International
✅ Counselling
✅ Training
✅ Critical incident support
✅ Custom programs
✅ Industry expertise
Annual per employee
2. AccessEAP
One of the largest EAP providers in Australia, AccessEAP offers comprehensive support with a strong local footprint.
Key Services:
Short-term counselling
Wellness check-ins
Manager coaching
Unique Selling Points:
100% Australian-owned
Strong customer service reputation
Pricing Structure: Flat fee per employee or per-session model.
Provider Name
Key Services
Unique Selling Points
Pricing Model
AccessEAP
✅ Counselling
✅ Manager support
✅ Wellbeing programs
✅ Aussie-owned
✅ Customised packages
Flat or session-based
3. TELUS Health (LifeWorks)
Part of the international EAP providers category, TELUS Health is known for its digital-first approach and global scalability.
Key Services:
24/7 multilingual counselling
Wellbeing mobile app
Manager resources
Unique Selling Points:
Seamless global coverage
Robust digital platform
Pricing Structure: Subscription pricing based on employee volume.
Provider Name
Key Services
Unique Selling Points
Pricing Model
TELUS Health
✅ 24/7 global support
✅ Mobile app
✅ Scalable
✅ Tech-focused
Subscription-based
4. Benestar
A trusted name among eap vendors, Benestar delivers blended digital and human services for workplaces of all sizes.
Key Services:
Counselling (online, onsite)
Manager training
Trauma and crisis services
Unique Selling Points:
National coverage
Flexible plans for SMEs and enterprises
Pricing Structure: Usage-based billing with custom tiers.
Provider Name
Key Services
Unique Selling Points
Pricing Model
Benestar
✅ Counselling
✅ Manager support
✅ Trauma services
✅ Scalable
✅ Multilingual
Usage-based
5. Meditopia for Work
Meditopia has entered the EAP vendors market with a strong digital-first offering designed for the modern workforce. While originally known for meditation and mindfulness, its expanded suite now supports emotional wellbeing at work.
Key Services:
Mental health content library
Online therapy sessions
Analytics for HR teams
Custom wellness programs
Unique Selling Points:
Deep localisation with services in over 13 languages
Focus on proactive, preventative wellbeing
High user engagement through mobile-first delivery
Pricing Structure: Typically offered via per-user, per-month licensing; custom enterprise plans available.
Provider Name
Key Services
Unique Selling Points
Pricing Model
Meditopia for Work
✅ Online therapy in 5 languages
✅ 1000+ Mental wellness content
✅ HR and employee workshops
✅ Content in 12 languages
✅ Preventative wellbeing focus
✅ AI-powered wellness assistant
Per user/month or custom
How to Choose the Right EAP Provider in Australia
Selecting from a list of EAP companies can be overwhelming. Besides having a deep understanding of your team needs, to find the right fit, consider the following:
Company Size: Larger firms may need a provider with global infrastructure like Meditopia; smaller businesses may benefit from AccessEAP or Acacia’s pricing models.
Industry-Specific Needs: Mining, education, and government sectors often need tailored support—providers like Converge excel here.
Workforce Demographics: Multilingual services are vital for diverse teams; ensure your provider offers inclusive access and formats.
Support Quality: Look beyond basic counselling—manager sensitivity training and crisis response are crucial.
Budget Considerations: Compare EAP service providers by contract model—flat fee, usage-based, or hybrid—to suit your financial structure.
If you are looking for an EAP for a small business, read our specialized blog and discover exactly how they can support your organization.
Key Takeaways
Australia's workplace laws and mental health awareness make EAPs more than optional—they're strategic.
Leading providers like Converge, AccessEAP, and Meditopia offer scalable solutions for diverse business needs.
Sometimes searching for “eap cheap” options is not the best idea because they usually skip personalization and don’t offer enough language options.
The best fit depends on your size, industry, and whether you need digital, global, or culturally tailored support.
Comparing a broad list of EAP companies can simplify the decision-making process and ensure a better ROI.
No, EAPs are not legally required, but businesses must manage psychosocial risks under the Model WHS Act, and EAPs are a proactive way to meet this obligation.
They help employers meet their duty of care by offering confidential, accessible support services, training, and resources that address workplace mental health.
Not typically. EAPs are separate from public healthcare and are paid for by employers, although Medicare may cover mental health plans outside the workplace.
High-stress sectors like healthcare, mining, education, finance, and government agencies frequently use EAP counselling providers to support mental health.
I’m a Social Psychologist and Mental Health Copywriter dedicated to fostering well-being in the workplace. I create insightful, approachable content to help HR leaders and managers understand and support employee mental health, empowering teams to thrive and companies to grow.
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