Requirements for an Employment Assistance Program Counselor

by Ashley Miller, Demand Media Google
EAP counselors provide consultation to managers about troubled employees.

EAP counselors provide consultation to managers about troubled employees.

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Employee assistance programs, or EAPs, are worksite-based programs designed to help employers, employees and their families with personal problems and other issues that may have an impact on job performance. EAP counselors are professionals who provide services such as assessment, counseling, referral, education and consultation. They are usually trained mental health and substance abuse professionals with master's degrees, specific skills and relevant experience.


EAP counselors generally have at least a master's degree in a mental health-related field, such as social work or counseling. They also usually hold state licensure in their field of practice. Some EAP counselors have doctorates. Many EAP counselors are also certified drug and alcohol counselors. The requirements for drug and alcohol counselor certification vary by state, but usually include completing a specific training program in substance abuse counseling, submitting proof of supervised experience and providing professional references.


EAP counselors need to possess specific skills to be effective in their roles. They must have excellent communication skills and be able to work well with different professionals, including employees, employers, union officials and administrators. Since they often work with employees who have addiction and mental health issues, they must be adept in identifying and assessing substance abuse and mental health disorders. They must also be able to relate to employees in an empathetic manner while being mindful of professional boundaries. EAP counselors may provide crisis intervention services, so they should have good stress management skills and react calmly during times of crises.


Prospective EAP counselors must also be properly trained in EAP core technology. EAP core technology refers to the essential components of an EAP. According to the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA), EAP core technology includes promotion of EAP services to employers and employers, consultation and training of union officials and supervisors in the management of troubled employees, confidential assessment, intervention techniques, referral, managing provider contracts and evaluation of the effectiveness of EAP interventions. EAP counselors usually participate in professional development coursework and training under the guidance of a certified employee assistance counselor to obtain the skills and knowledge needed to provide EAP services.


The Certified Employee Assistance Professional, or CEAP, is the only professional EAP credential. Obtaining this credential shows the public, your clients and employers that you have met rigorous education, experience and training standards set by EAPA. There are two possible pathways to obtain the CEAP. If you have a master's degree in an approved field, like social work or counseling, you must have at least 1,000 hours of EAP experience, complete at least 20 hours of approved professional development coursework, participate in at least 12 hours of advisement with a CEAP advisor and pass the CEAP exam. All other candidates must complete the same requirements, but they must participate in 60 – instead of 20 – hours of approved professional development coursework.

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