An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an employer-sponsored service designed to assist with personal or family problems affecting mental health, substance abuse, addictions, marital and parenting issues, emotional well-being, and financial or legal concerns. This is typically a service provided by an employer to their employees and designed to assist employees in getting help with any of these issues they may be experiencing. The goal of the program is to keep employees on the job and maintain productivity. EAP originated with a primary drug and alcohol focus, with an emphasis on rehabilitation, as an alternative to termination for their substance problems.

It is sometimes implemented with a disciplinary program that requires or strongly encourages that the impaired employee participate in EAP. Over the years, EAP has expanded to also incorporate health, wellness, work, and life issues. EAP uses a two-step approach in addressing employee issues. Step one is focused on the individual employee and their family members and step two focuses on the services offered to the organization. This two-step approach works to maximize productivity and maintain a balanced work environment.