Employee assistance program

1 in 5 Australians will experience a mental health condition in any given year. Western Sydney University recognises that how we deal with these challenges, and how quickly people bounce back, is dependent on several factors including the support we receive. (EAP privacy policy).

What is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?

EAP is a professional, confidential coaching service for employees and their immediate family members (spouse, partner, parents, parent’s in-law, children, etc), paid for by the University. It is free for you and your family.

EAP is a short-term, solution focused program aimed at assisting with personal or work related issues that may be impacting on quality of life or sense of well-being. It can be accessed 24/7, and includes face-to-face sessions, or telephone assistance.

This service is provided by an independent company called AccessEAP counsellors are all qualified, experienced professionals who have extensive training in coaching, counselling and workplace consulting.

What EAP offers


What assistance does EAP provide?

EAP services are free, confidential and voluntary. They provide a variety of services that can assist with a range of work, personal or family  challenges including:

  • Developing new strategies on professional or personal goals
  • Improving relationships/communication with others
  • Strategies for handling conflict
  • Handling anxiety and stress
  • Assistance with financial and legal distress
  • Grief and loss support
  • Feeling depressed or down
  • Improving work performance
  • Feeling overwhelmed and distracted

What does EAP cost?

EAP services are offered free of charge to Western Sydney University staff and members of their immediate family.  The costs associated with EAP is covered by the University.

How many sessions are available?

A total of 6 sessions are available per person or family each year.

How can I access EAP?

The EAP can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Emergency support can be accessed via 1800 81 87 28.

You can also make an appointment by calling 1800 81 87 28 or by downloading the AccessEAP app.

How confidential is EAP?

Western Sydney University receives no personal information about your access to or use of EAP services. Information you provide the counsellor is not shared with others and is strictly confidential.

What is the age requirement for EAP?

EAP services are offered to staff members immediate family including children over the age of 10 years old.

Video Tools to Support your Mental Health and Wellbeing

AccessEAP have created three short video tools to help support your mental health and wellbeing.

Each video is short (only a few minutes long) and contains practical tips that will help you carve out some time in your very busy and demanding day.

The videos are available via the links below.