The phone rings. On the other end is an employee who recently lost his wife of over 60 years. He is desperate to talk with someone and ashamed to admit he needs help. However, he's taken what can be the hardest, yet most important step by reaching out to his Employee Assistance Program (EAP), where he's met with warmth, compassion, and attentive listening. His EAP created a personal connection with him and promptly referred him to a behavioral health provider who specializes in grief and loss.

Because he contacted his EAP first, he was able to meet with a provider and begin a treatment plan quicker than he had anticipated. After a month, the employee picked up the phone again, but this time instead of calling to ask for help, he expressed an abundance of gratitude to his EAP.