The Peer to peer eap model
What is Presented?
This presentation outlines the development, structure, and growth of an embedded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) within an organization, with a strong emphasis on peer-based support models. It begins by identifying how the need for an EAP is recognized at multiple organizational levels—executive leadership, mid-management, and frontline employees—highlighting that successful EAP adoption requires alignment across all tiers.
The program development section describes a progressive, staged approach to building peer capacity, starting with initial peer introduction and continuing through first-year education, advanced training, and ongoing individual education. The presentation emphasizes recruiting peers strategically across departments to ensure accessibility, awareness, responsiveness, and an embedded presence that reflects real organizational trends and concerns.
Peer recruitment is addressed through a structured application and interview process that includes leadership and departmental buy-in, along with bi-yearly reappointment to ensure accountability and engagement. Training content is extensive, covering EAP history, ethics, confidentiality, legal issues, the disease concept of addiction, suicide prevention, health insurance navigation, and caregiver self-care.
Ongoing peer education and advanced training are positioned as critical to program sustainability, with options including on-site training, online education, certification support, and community workshops. The presentation concludes by identifying key populations to include—such as retirees, management peers, and all departments—underscoring the goal of creating a comprehensive, integrated EAP culture within the organization
PDH approval: 1.5 PDHs Contact Hours: 1.5
Who Presents?
About the Presenter: Bryan Hutchinson, CEAP, Sean Marcil, LPC and Dan Boissonneault, CEAP
Bryan R. Hutchinson holds a Bachelors of Science in Psychology (1979) from Colorado State
University and a Masters of Science in Psychology (1983) from Idaho State University.
Bryan became a volunteer coordinator for the joint IAM/United Airlines EAP in 1984. He
currently serves as the Director of Employee Assistance Program services for the
International Association of Machinists, District 141 on United, American and Hawaiian
Airlines. In this capacity, he is responsible for Employee Assistance issues for IAM District
141 members and their families. The IAM EAP is an award winning peer assistance
program that works in partnership with each company to ensure EAP services are offered in
an appropriate and confidential manner to address mental health and substance abuse
issues. Bryan currently holds the following certifications: CEAP, (Certified Employee
Assistance Professional), SAP (Substance Abuse Professional), LAP-C, (Certified Labor
Assistance Professional), MAC (Master Addictions Counselor).
Sean Marcil is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug
Counselor with a rich background in both Labor activism and mental health advocacy.
With 12 years of hands-on experience as a Machinist, Sean brings a unique perspective
to his role as the lead Coordinator of the IAM EAP Peer Support training program. He
has revamped a comprehensive four-week curriculum that empowers Union members
to support each other’s mental health. Holding certifications from both the Labor
Assistance Professionals and the Employee Assistance Professionals Association,
Sean is dedicated to bridging professional and peer support models and making mental
health resources more accessible across working class communities.
Dan Boissonneault is the Immediate past President of EAPA. He began working
in the EA field in 2001 as the Local Lodge EAP Coordinator for IAMAW Local Lodge 700 then assuming the position of IAMAW District 26 Senior EAP Coordinator in 2015. Since that time, he has instructed EA trainings to EAP
Coordinators at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Maryland. He came to EAPA and spent two consecutive terms as a Director at Large on EAPA’s Board of Directors followed by two years as President
Elect.
On a local level, President Boissonneault has also spent two terms as Vice President and two terms as President of the EAPA Connecticut Chapter. Additionally, he is a founding member of the EAPA Labor Chapter and a Department of Transportation qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
Learning Objectives
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Identify indicators at the executive, management, and frontline levels that signal the need for an embedded Employee Assistance Program.
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Describe the key components of developing, recruiting, and training EAP peers, including initial education, advanced training, and ongoing support.
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Explain how a structured, embedded peer EAP model improves access to services, strengthens organizational awareness, and supports long-term program sustainability.
COST
$49 Members
$99 Non Members
What are the dates for this course?
Online:
April 6, 2026 12:00-1:30PM ET
How Do I Register?
Registration is EASY! Just register by clicking below. Space is limited to register today!
PDHs will be awarded for attendance at this event.
To register,
Click Here
Any questions or concerns, please contact Julie Rochester, EAPA Director of Education, at j.rochester@eapassn.org
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