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 EAP providers matter in today’s regulatory and cultural climate, and how to select the right partner among the best employee mental health services for your organisation in 2026.
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 one of the UK’s largest EAP providers, 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 employee assistance 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.
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2. Vivup
Vivup is a specialist one ofthe employee assistance programme providers 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
- EAP organisations with 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, so we couldn't miss them in this list of eap providers. 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.
6. AXA Health
Their programmes combine round-the-clock counselling support with direct access to GPs and wellbeing specialists. This makes AXA a strong choice for organisations that want to integrate EAPs into wider health and insurance benefits.
Key Services:
- 24/7 counselling helpline
- GP advice line
- Wellbeing hub with health resources
Unique Selling Points:
- Backed by AXA’s global healthcare network, ensuring strong clinical expertise and integration with health insurance plans.
Pricing Model:
Custom per-employee or per-package pricing.
7. PAM Assist
PAM Assist is a UK-based mental health provider with a strong link to occupational health services, making it particularly suitable for organisations with compliance or safety-critical needs.
Key Services:
- Confidential counselling
- Financial/legal advice
- Occupational health integration
Unique Selling Points:
- Expertise in combining EAP with occupational health assessments, ensuring joined-up employee support.
Pricing Model:
Per-employee annual fee with modular add-ons.
8. Workplace Options
Their services extend beyond counselling to include practical work-life support, manager coaching, and wellbeing resources tailored for multicultural and multilingual teams.
Key Services:
- Global EAP coverage
- Counselling
- Manager training
Unique Selling Points:
- Worldwide network with extensive multilingual services, offering consistency for international employers
- Work-life balance support
Pricing Model:
Global or regional per-employee pricing, tailored by scope.
9. CiC Wellbeing
CiC Wellbeing has over three decades of experience delivering EAP services to UK employers. They are particularly recognised for their trauma and crisis intervention expertise, often called upon to support organisations through critical incidents.
Key Services:
- Counselling (phone, video, face-to-face)
- Trauma response
- Wellbeing training
Unique Selling Points:
- Specialist expertise in trauma support and crisis management.
Pricing Model:
Typically flat-rate per employee.
10. Spectrum.Life
Spectrum.Life is a UK-based employee wellbeing and EAP provider offering a clinically led, digital-first approach to mental health and work-life support. Spectrum.Life is often selected by organisations looking for fast access to professional support.
Key Services
- 24/7 confidential counselling via phone, video, and chat
- Mental health assessments and short-term structured therapy
- Legal, financial, and work-life information services
Unique Selling Points
- Clinically governed services with strong emphasis on early intervention
- Digital-first access designed to reduce wait times and improve uptake
- Clear reporting to help employers track utilisation and trends
Pricing Structure
Subscription-based pricing, typically per employee per year, with scope adjusted by organisation size and selected services
Expanded List of EAP UK Providers
EAP Providers in Major UK Cities
Although most EAP programs operate nationwide, many providers have strong local delivery models in major UK cities, offering onsite support, regional clinician networks, and experience with local industries and public-sector employers.
- EAP providers in London: London-based organisations frequently work with Optum and RedArc, both of which support large corporate and financial services employers through confidential counselling, work-life support, and specialist case management.
- EAP providers in Birmingham: Employers in the West Midlands often partner with Validium and HealthHero, combining traditional EAP services with digital mental health access suited to mixed on-site and remote workforces.
- EAP providers in Glasgow: Organisations in Glasgow commonly rely on First Psychology Assistance and Optima Health, particularly in sectors where psychological assessments, occupational health integration, and trauma-informed support are required.
- EAP providers in Colchester: Employers in Essex and surrounding regions often work with People at Work and Validium, offering flexible EAP delivery and wellbeing consultancy for mid-sized organisations and local public-sector teams.
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 vendors like Meditopia 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 support.
- 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.
Are EAPs Mandatory for Businesses in the UK?
No, Employee Assistance Programmes are not legally mandatory in the UK. That said, UK employers are legally required to protect employees’ mental and physical health, and in practice, EAPs are one of the most widely adopted ways to meet that responsibility.
What the Law Requires (Even Though EAPs Aren’t Mandatory)
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must:
- Safeguard employees’ health, safety, and welfare, including mental health
- Identify and assess workplace risks, including work-related stress
- Take reasonable and proportionate steps to reduce or manage those risks
This duty is overseen by regulators such as the Health and Safety Executive, which explicitly recognises work-related stress, burnout, and poor mental health as occupational risks that employers must address.
If employers fail to manage mental health risks adequately, they may face:
- HSE investigations or enforcement notices
- Employment tribunal claims linked to stress or discrimination
- Increased sickness absence and long-term capability issues
Why Many UK Employers Adopt an EAP (Even If Not Required)
Despite not being legally mandatory, EAPs are now standard across much of the UK workforce. Here’s why many employers implement them anyway:
- Compliance and Risk Reduction
EAPs help employers demonstrate that they have systems in place for early support, signposting, and crisis intervention. - Managing Work-Related Stress
The HSE consistently identifies stress as a leading cause of long-term sickness absence in the UK.- EAPs provide accessible, confidential support that complements internal policies and manager training.
- NHS Waiting Times and Access Gaps
With NHS mental health services often under strain, employers increasingly use EAPs to provide faster access to counselling and guidance, reducing prolonged absences and presenteeism. - Employee Expectations and Employer Brand
UK employees now expect mental health support as part of a modern benefits package.- Offering an EAP signals a supportive, responsible employer, particularly important for retention and attraction in competitive labour markets.
- Tax and Financial Considerations
Many counselling services provided through EAPs qualify for tax exemptions in the UK, making them a cost-effective way to support wellbeing. - Support During Organisational Change
EAPs are frequently relied upon during:- Redundancies and restructures
- Workplace conflicts or investigations
- Critical incidents or traumatic events
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.
EAP Usage Statistics in the UK
Here's a quick glance at how EAP providers are being integrated across the UK; understanding these figures can guide smarter implementation, improved engagement, and better employee wellbeing outcomes.
- Coverage: EAP services are available to 24.45 million employees across 105,000 UK organisations, equating to roughly 75% of the UK workforce [3].
- Counselling Reach: In 2022, EAPs delivered over 1.375 million counselling sessions, with 68% of users (around 434,250 people) being offered counselling support [4].
- Crisis Intervention: Approximately 1.7% of counselling cases were classified as “red flag, ”meaning immediate risk of self-harm or suicide, representing over 10,000 individuals.
- Return on Investment: UK employers averaged a £10.85 ROI for every £1 spent on EAPs (2021–22), up from £8 the prior year [5].
- Utilisation Rates: Traditional EAP uptake in the UK hovers around 5%, with many employers reporting take-up as low as 3–5%.
- Usage Growth: According to EAPA UK, average EAP usage increased to 12% in 2022, up from 11.4% in the previous year (and roughly 10% in earlier years).
- Evaluation Gap: Despite their importance, 31% of UK organisations have never evaluated the quality or impact of their EAP [6].
Global Perspectives on EAPs: Country-Specific Approaches to Wellbeing
Wondering how employee wellbeing is supported worldwide? Explore how cultural norms and workplace systems influence wellness strategies, and uncover innovative EAP providers making a difference across regions.
