Wondering if Amazon offers mental health services and other support for employees? As the second largest private employer in the US, Amazon takes employee well-being seriously. Read on for a comprehensive look at Amazon’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)—how it works, what’s included, and how to access counseling and more.
What is Amazon‘s EAP Exactly?
Amazon‘s EAP provides free, confidential help for all areas of life—mental health, relationships, family, work, money, legal needs, and more.
Some key facts about the program:
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Available 24/7 by phone at 1-800-511-3920 or online at resourcesforliving.com
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Administered by Resources For Living, a leading global EAP provider
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Open to all 1.6 million+ full and part-time Amazon employees
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Also covers household family members including partners and children
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100% free for employees – no copays, deductibles or fees
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Upholds complete confidentiality (with a few legal exceptions)
Employee assistance programs have been shown to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and lower healthcare costs. Companies like Amazon offer robust programs to support work-life balance and attract top talent.
The Range of Services Covered
Amazon’s EAP offers counseling, referrals, and support across all aspects of life. Here are some of the specific services available:
Mental Health
- Short-term counseling for issues like depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, etc.
- Crisis support for situations like suicide ideation
- Referrals for specialized care like rehab or long-term therapy
Family & Relationships
- Couples counseling
- Parenting support
- Conflict resolution
- Domestic abuse assistance
Workplace Support
- Managing stress, burnout, or difficult coworkers
- Improving work communication and relationships
- Resolving conflicts or complaints
- Coping with job change or loss
Health & Wellness
- Counseling for chronic conditions
- Wellness coaching for exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene
- Addiction treatment and support groups
- Smoking cessation plans
Financial & Legal Needs
- Credit and debt counseling
- Retirement planning
- Wills, powers of attorney
- Divorce, custody matters
- Small claims court guidance
- Tax audit assistance
Life & Family Services
- Childcare and eldercare assistance
- Pet care planning
- Home repair coordinators
- Identity theft recovery
You can speak with a counselor by phone, video, or in person. Up to 5 sessions are covered per person, per issue, every year. This provides short-term support and crisis stabilization.
If longer treatment is needed, counselors provide referrals to appropriate specialized care.
What‘s Not Covered by the EAP
Amazon‘s program focuses on assessment, short-term counseling, and referrals. Some key exclusions:
- Inpatient/outpatient medical treatment
- Prescription medications
- Services for intellectual disabilities or autism
- Formal psychological testing
- Counseling beyond session limits
- Legal advice (they provide referrals to attorneys)
- Child tuition and private education costs
- Home or car purchases
If ever unsure, verify coverage directly with Resources For Living before accessing services.
How Much Does Amazon‘s EAP Cost Employees?
The entire EAP program is offered at no cost to employees. There are no copays to see counselors and no fees for services.
If referred to additional care, you would pay any costs not covered by your health insurance separately. But the EAP services themselves are completely free.
This makes seeking help more accessible for employees dealing with stressful life situations.
Usage and Effectiveness Statistics
EAP usage has risen steadily across companies offering the benefit:
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5%-7% of employees used EAPs in 2002 vs.
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11%-15% in 2019
Higher utilization results from reduced stigma around mental healthcare and expanded service offerings.
And EAPs provide significant value for both employees and employers:
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80% of employees surveyed said the EAP helped address their issue
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65% of managers noted the EAP helped improve worker performance
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25% estimated reduction in psychiatric absenteeism
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Up to 5x ROI in reduced turnover and increased productivity
By promoting well-being, EAPs support a more positive, resilient workforce.
How Does Confidentiality Work?
Amazon’s EAP upholds complete confidentiality around your use of the program. Your participation is not shared back with Amazon or anyone else.
The only exceptions are if you provide written consent or in certain safety situations required by law. Counselors inform you of reporting requirements in your first session.
Many employees appreciate being able to get personal help anonymously through the EAP. This increases the likelihood of seeking support early before issues escalate.
Who is Eligible to Use Amazon‘s EAP?
All regular full-time and part-time Amazon employees can use the EAP starting on day one of employment. You do not need to enroll or be on an Amazon health plan.
Your family members are also eligible, including:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Dependent children up to age 26
- Any minors or dependents in your household
Former employees are not eligible. However, if you recently separated from Amazon, Resources For Living can help transfer your care to other providers.
How Do I Access Amazon‘s EAP Program?
Reaching out to the EAP is simple and available 24/7:
By Phone: Call 1-800-511-3920 at any time. Let the operator know you are an Amazon employee and wish to use the EAP. They will connect you right away with a counselor or specialist.
Online: Visit resourcesforliving.com and click on “Register/Log In.” Select “Access My Benefits” then follow prompts to view counselor listings in your area. You can filter by specialty, language, availability, and more.
Sessions: You have the flexibility to meet counselors by phone, video chat, or in person. When scheduling, select the mode you are most comfortable with.
If you need to cancel a session, be sure to call at least 24 hours in advance or it will count toward your annual limit. Emergencies are exceptions to this policy.
About Resources For Living – The EAP Provider
Resources For Living administers employee assistance programs for hundreds of leading companies worldwide, including Amazon, Delta, IBM, Walmart, and many more.
Some background on Resources For Living:
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Founded: 1985 in Bridgewater, NJ
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Employees: 1,300+ staff including counselors, coordinators, and specialists
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Clients served: Millions each year across 200,000 locations
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Areas of expertise: Mental health, addictions, legal and financial needs, work-life balance, health coaching, crisis response
Resources For Living takes a highly tailored approach to EAP services. Programs integrate onsite assistance, mobile access, management consultation, and network customization.
The company draws on decades of experience to identify risks, reduce claims, enhance productivity, and contain costs. They partner with employers to build cultures of wellbeing.
How Does Amazon‘s EAP Compare to Other Tech Companies?
Most major technology companies today offer EAP benefits to support their large workforces. How does Amazon’s compare?
| Company | Counseling Sessions | Legal/Financial Help | Wellness Coaching | Onsite Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | 5 per issue per year | Yes | Yes | No |
| Apple | 10 per issue per year | No | Yes | At some campuses |
| 5 per issue per year | Yes | Yes | At some campuses | |
| 6 per issue per year | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Microsoft | 3 per issue per year | Yes | Yes | No |
Amazon’s EAP is very competitive. The 5 annual sessions per issue exceeds many companies. And the wide range of services, from counseling to legal aid, creates a comprehensive program.
Onsite counseling at large campuses provides one area of expansion. But overall, Amazon offers robust EAP benefits on par with industry leaders.
Recent Expansions and Updates
Amazon continues enhancing its EAP program with new services. Some key expansions over the past few years:
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2022: Added virtual group counseling for addiction recovery support.
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2021: Launched on-demand emotional wellness activities through the Resources For Living mobile app, such as mindfulness exercises.
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2020: Increased EAP counseling sessions from 3 to 5 per issue per year. Added 24/7 crisis support line.
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2019: Introduced counseling by text message for simpler access.
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2018: Expanded provider network for greater coverage across all locations.
Amazon actively solicits employee feedback to guide EAP program improvements year after year.
Real Employee Experiences Using Amazon‘s EAP
The best way to understand how Amazon‘s EAP helps is hearing directly from employees. Here are a few recent testimonials:
“When our teenage son started failing school and acting out, our EAP counselor helped us get him back on track. She made house calls and really went the extra mile. It was life-changing for our family.”
“I was in a really dark place after going through a bad breakup made worse by social media. Just having someone to talk to anonymously kept me from doing something drastic. I’m still struggling but making progress.”
“As a busy single dad, I was overwhelmed trying to find childcare options for my 8-year-old. My EAP coordinator researched programs, explained pricing/schedules, and helped me apply for financial aid. I now have the support system I desperately needed.”
“Between hiring contractors for home repairs and figuring out Medicare plans for my dad, I was maxed out. The EAP financial advisor explained everything clearly and took so much off my plate. I tell all my coworkers they need to utilize this benefit.”
The caring, personalized support makes a real difference for employees facing life’s hurdles. Amazon’s EAP can provide the helping hand when you need it most.
The Bottom Line on Amazon‘s Employee Assistance Program
I hope this guide provided a comprehensive overview of Amazon‘s EAP and how this free benefit can help you and your family members.
Here are some key takeaways:
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Provides confidential counseling and referrals for all aspects of life – mental health, relationships, family, legal, financial, and work
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Administered by Resources For Living, a leading global EAP provider with over 1,300 professionals
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Available 24/7 by phone at 1-800-511-3920 or online at resourcesforliving.com
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Covers up to 5 counseling sessions per issue for employees and household family members
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Requires no copays, deductibles or fees – 100% free for Amazon employees
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Helps address issues early before they escalate and offers specialized referrals if needed
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Upholds complete confidentiality around your use of the program
Don‘t hesitate to access Amazon‘s EAP if you are facing life, family, or work struggles. Support is always available, completely confidential, and free of charge. Wishing you health and happiness in your work and life.
