With workplace wellbeing now a strategic priority across UK businesses, offering a robust Employee Assistance Program is no longer optional, it’s essential. From meeting compliance standards to boosting employee retention, EAPs are proving to be a crucial component in future-focused HR strategies.
This guide breaks down why EAPs matter in today’s regulatory and cultural climate, and how to select the right partner among the best EAP providers for your organisation in 2025.
Why EAPs Are Essential for Businesses in the UK
The UK's evolving work culture and legal framework make Employee Assistance Programs a vital resource for businesses. From mental health obligations to growing expectations around inclusivity, here’s why EAPs are key:
- Regulatory Compliance: UK employers have a legal “duty of care” to safeguard employee wellbeing under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
- NHS Strain and Waiting Times: Usually, NHS mental health services face long delays, so offering internal EAP counselling providers available 24/7 can reduce absenteeism and provide faster help [1].
- Increased Mental Health Awareness: Campaigns by organisations like Mind and Mental Health Foundation have raised awareness, pushing employers to offer better mental health resources.
- Government Incentives: The UK government has promoted mental health at work through initiatives like “Thriving at Work” [2] and tax exemptions for counselling services.
- Hybrid Work Challenges: As hybrid and remote work models continue in 2025, EAPs help maintain connection and support for a dispersed workforce.
To discover more relevant data about workplace mental health statistics in the UK and the world, and employee wellness software in UK, please read our blogs on the matter.
Top EAP Providers in the UK
Whether you're managing a hybrid team or addressing rising mental health concerns, the right EAP companies can make a significant difference in workplace wellbeing. Below is an in-depth analysis of the leading employee assistance program providers in the UK, covering services, sector expertise, digital capabilities, and pricing structure.
1. Health Assured
Health Assured is the UK’s largest EAP provider, supporting over 80,000 client organisations and 13 million users. They serve SMEs, corporates, and public sector clients. Their approach blends 24/7 counselling with digital wellbeing tools.
Key Services
- 24/7 helpline manned by qualified therapists
- Structured short-term counselling (phone, face-to-face, video)
- Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
- Legal and financial information
- Dedicated manager support
- My Healthy Advantage app for digital wellbeing
Unique Selling Points
- One of the largest EAP providers in Europe
- ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified
- AI-enhanced self-help tools and mood tracking via app
- Multilingual support on request
- In-house clinical governance
Pricing Structure
- Requires a custom quote based on the number of employees and service add-ons. Their pricing model is typically flat rate per employee per year, but the actual amount varies.
2. Vivup
Vivup is a specialist in employee wellbeing for the public sector, especially NHS trusts, local authorities, and educational institutions. Their clinically led EAP offers proactive and responsive mental health support.
Key Services
- BACP-accredited in-house counselling
- Trauma-focused therapy, including CBT and EMDR
- Managerial helpline and mental health training
- Critical incident response
- Digital wellbeing resources
- Financial, legal, and lifestyle advice
Unique Selling Points
- Strong presence in the public sector
- Clinically led services tailored to high-stress roles
- Integration with Vivup’s full employee benefits platform
- Ongoing wellbeing communications and campaigns
Pricing Structure
- Custom pricing is offered, especially tailored for public sector contracts. Discounts available for NHS and councils.
3. BHSF
BHSF is a not-for-profit EAP service provider offering ethical and affordable mental health support. With roots in healthcare and employee wellbeing since 1873, they focus on SMEs, charities, and value-driven organisations.
Key Services
- 24/7 confidential helpline
- Face-to-face and remote counselling
- Managerial guidance and referrals
- Online self-help resources
- Financial, legal, and debt support
- Option to include Occupational Health services
Unique Selling Points
- Ethical pricing model with no hidden costs
- UK-wide counselling network
- Longstanding expertise in nonprofit and charity sectors
- Focus on early intervention and prevention
Pricing Structure
- Per employee per annum (PEPA) starting around £8–£15
- Modular services can be added based on budget
4. Care First
Care First has delivered confidential EAP services to UK employers for over 30 years. They’re known for their depth of expertise in local government, education, and social care.
Key Services
- 24/7 counselling (telephone and online)
- In-house psychological assessments
- Critical incident support
- Manager and HR consultancy
- Online self-help modules
- Real-time web chat with clinical advisors
Unique Selling Points
- All counsellors are directly employed and BACP-accredited
- Real-time support via online chat
- Deep integration with HR and occupational health strategies
- Evidence-based reporting and usage tracking
Pricing Structure
- Offers flat-rate or tailored packages depending on organisational size and requirements.
5. Meditopia for Work
Meditopia began as a mindfulness and mental resilience app but now offers comprehensive employee assistance program services under "Meditopia for Work." It caters to modern, digital-first, and global teams.
Key Services
- Video therapy and 1:1 coaching in 13+ languages
- AI-based emotional wellbeing check-ins and companionship
- Personalised resilience-building programs
- Meditations, sleep stories, and workshops
- Analytics dashboard for HR teams
- Integrates with Teams, Slack, and other workplace tools
Unique Selling Points
- Global reach with multilingual, culturally sensitive content
- Combines online therapeutic services with professional wellness training
- Advanced analytics for HR visibility
- High engagement among hybrid/remote teams
- Specialized online and onsite webinars and workshops
Pricing Structure
- Scalable monthly or annual per-user pricing. Tailored for SMEs and international enterprises.
How to Choose the Right EAP Provider in the UK
Selecting the right EAP companies depends on your organisation’s size, industry, and strategic goals. Here’s what to consider:
- Company Size: Large enterprises may benefit from global EAP providers like Meditopi with scalable support, while SMEs might prefer local, flat-rate models like BHSF.
- Industry: Public sector employers (e.g., NHS, councils) often choose Vivup or Care First due to regulatory alignment and tailored services.
- Workforce Needs: Hybrid teams may need mobile-friendly platforms and virtual supportt.
- Pricing: Balance cost and service depth. Don’t just search “EAP cheap”—make sure the support quality aligns with your goals.
- Support & Language Access: Look for 24/7 availability, manager training, and multilingual options to cater to diverse teams.
