According to research, Brazil ranks first in Latin America and second globally for the highest rates of anxiety disorders, with 9.3% of the population affected, and 5.8% suffering from depression [1]. These stats are not easy to tackle, but more and more Brazilean companies are choosing EAP providers to support their teams. Let's discover some, and what results have they had so far.
Why EAPs Are Essential for Businesses in Brazil
With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout affecting every sector, companies are under pressure to take action. At the same time, the limitations of Brazil’s public health system (SUS) leave many employees without timely access to psychological care, legal guidance, or financial counseling.
Here are some reasons why EAP companies in Brazil are a corporate gamechanger:
- A recent study found that 30% of Brazilian workers show signs of burnout, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and finance [2].
- While SUS (Public Health System) guarantees access to mental health care, wait times for psychologists often exceed 3–6 months in some regions. EAPs fill this gap with more immediate and confidential support [3].
- The Norma Regulamentadora 17 (NR-17) requires companies to protect workers from psychosocial risks, especially those caused by mental overload, stress, or unhealthy organizational culture. Though not mandating EAPs, it creates a compliance incentive for their adoption [4].
- Millennials and Gen Z employees in Brazil are more likely to expect mental health support from employers, including psychological services and flexible work conditions [5].
- In one analysis of the São Paulo metropolitan area, researchers estimated work loss and cost attributable to mental and substance use disorders in the economically active population [6].
EAP Usage Statistics in Brazil
Brazil is still in early stages when it comes to systematically measuring how many employees use EAPs (versus just offering them). That said, several related indicators can help sketch the landscape.
- Research suggests that among EAP call categories, 5 % of calls were for financial support / issues in some programs [7].
- In recent years, benefits for mental health–related incapacity leave (sick leave, etc.) in Brazil have surged. From 2022 to 2024, the number of benefits granted for mental health problems jumped from ~201,000 to ~472,000 — a 134% increase [8].
- In a Brazilian context, SAP Brazil reported that after an internal push and communication campaign, their EAP usage increased by 300% over six months [9].
Top Employee Assistance Programs in Brazil
Below is a list of eap companies that either operate in Brazil or offer services compatible with Brazilian operations. Take a look at their offerings, and consider which one is more adapted for your unique corporate challenges.
1. Meditopia For Work
Meditopia offers a modern, holistic EAP model that combines counseling, wellness content, and supportive services. It is designed to integrate preventive and reactive care through technology and human professionals.
Key services
- Counseling and 1:1 expert consultations
- Webinars, employee engagement programs, content libraries
- Preventive self-guided content: guided meditations, self‑care modules, AI coach
- 24/7 emergency support, medical referrals, and integrated platform access across devices
Unique selling points
- Positioned among international eap providers with multi‑language, global deployment capabilities
- Claims of four times higher engagement and usage rates compared to traditional EAPs (e.g. up to 45% usage)
- AI companionship, app, dashboards, integration with HR tools
Pricing structure
Scalable, PEPM.
2. MantraCare
MantraCare blends traditional EAP support with modern wellness strategies, helping organizations across Brazil access everything from counseling to yoga and legal help under one platform.
Key services
- Emotional well‑being: counseling, coaching, psychotherapy
- Financial wellness programs
- Wellness modules: yoga, mindfulness, physical health support
Unique selling points
- Strong local adaptation
- Broad holistic approach (mental, physical, financial) rather than just mental health
- One of the hybrid employee assistance program providers with local + international reach
Pricing structure
- PEPM, custom.
3. Optum (Global EAP)
Optum delivers a structured and scalable EAP model tailored for multinational organizations, making it one of the most established international eap providers in Brazil. Through its deep expertise in healthcare and behavioral benefits, Optum supports both individual employees and leadership teams with end-to-end services that include crisis intervention, legal help, and wellbeing education.
Key Services
- Emotional support, legal/financial referral, crisis management
- Manager consultations, online assessments, 24/7 support
Unique Selling Points
- Scalable for multinational workforces seeking international eap providers
- Integrated with larger corporate wellness and benefits systems
Pricing Structure
- Typically bundled with broader benefit packages
4. Cigna EAP
As one of the largest eap providers in the global market, Cigna brings credibility and integration to its EAP offerings in Brazil. With a strong foundation in insurance and health services, Cigna’s EAP is designed for organizations seeking bundled care, ranging from short-term counseling to family support and financial coaching.
Key Services
- This is one of those EAP vendors with short-term counseling
- They offer work-life balance services and legal and financial consultations
Unique Selling Points
- Global brand with local adaptations
- Integration with Cigna’s insurance and health products
- Deep experience as employee assistance program providers
Pricing Structure
- Customized depending on package size and services / Usually part of bundled employee health plans
5. Chestnut Global Partners
Chestnut Global Partners, through its local operation CGPB (Chestnut Global Partners Brazil), is among the few EAP mental health providers offering modular and customizable programs for Brazilian companies. Known for their "EAP FLEX" model, they integrate mental health support with corporate compliance, maternity risk, and productivity management.
Key Services
- Psychological counseling and behavioral health interventions
- Maternity and disability risk management
- Workplace compliance and wellness training
Unique Selling Points
- Offers EAP FLEX: customizable programs aligned with employer risks and goals
- Strong adaptation to Brazilian labor and wellness challenges
Pricing Structure
- Enterprise pricing based on service modules selected
6. Pluxee / Apoio Pass
Pluxee (formerly Sodexo Benefits & Rewards) offers Apoio Pass as part of its employee well-being ecosystem in Brazil. While not a traditional EAP-only company, it acts as a hybrid solution by integrating essential support services into broader employee benefits.
Key Services
- 24/7 telephonic and online support for psychological, legal, and financial issues
- Referral network of professionals across Brazil
Unique Selling Points
- Seamless integration into broader benefits offerings (food, transport, wellness)
- Confidential service model that encourages employee use
Pricing Structure
- Typically bundled into existing benefit contracts
Extended List of EAP Organizations in Brazil
How to Choose the Right EAP Companies in Brazil
With burnout, anxiety, and financial stress impacting productivity across industries, Brazilian employers are increasingly turning to the best EAP providers to deliver scalable, culturally relevant support.
- Understand Your Team’s Real Needs: Do your employees need legal advice, psychological support, or financial counseling, or all three? A good EAP should offer a tailored blend of services, especially for diverse teams or remote staff across Brazil.
- Look for Brazilian Market Experience: Some of the largest EAP providers operate globally but may not localize well. Ensure the company has real experience in the Brazilian market, including knowledge of CLT labor laws, language-specific support, and cultural nuances around mental health and confidentiality.
- Verify Scope and Depth of Services: EAP counselling providers like Meditopia also offer proactive services like resilience training, on-site workshops, digital tools, and wellness content in 14 languagues, Portuguese included.
- Ask About Engagement and Utilization: Low usage often means low impact. Choose EAP companies that provide communication campaigns, onboarding support, and tools to increase employee awareness and trust in the service.
- Data Protection and Reporting: Brazil’s LGPD law requires strict data handling. Your provider must offer GDPR- and LGPD-compliant operations, plus employer reporting dashboards that don’t compromise employee confidentiality.
- Flexible and Transparent Pricing: Whether it’s per-employee-per-month (PEPM), flat-fee, or usage-based, your EAP should offer a clear and scalable pricing model. Be cautious of vague proposals without detailed service breakdowns.
Discover EAP Companies by Countries
Are you curious about the EAP world and the landscape of HR support services? Check what global EAP providers are doing, and how they could support your workforce's mental wellbeing.
