Our History

Balance EAP (Formerly GLA) is an established Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) since 1979, serving companies in all 50 states. We provide EAP services to small business customers as well as large private employer groups, representing: manufacturing, health care, insurance, education, utilities, construction, labor unions, benefit managers, and more.

Charles Gerlach, PhD and John Lear, MA began their professional relationship as mental health counselors, specializing in alcohol and drug abuse treatment. At the same time, the modern EAP was taking root in the business community as employers were seeking help to reduce alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace. Chuck and John realized the same need existed in Central Ohio and their EAP business was born. They became local experts on Employee Assistance Programs and were featured in the April, 1981 issue of Columbus Monthly Magazine. Chuck left the company for private practice in 2000 and Susan Lear assumed responsibilities of the company in 2009 after the death of her husband, John.

Today the company remains strong and current with additional services, a robust English/Spanish Work-life website, the latest communications technology and the ability to offer Employee Assistance Programs to the small and microbusiness customer.

It is our honor to continue the legacy of Chuck and John and our pleasure to partner with client companies that are committed to the wellbeing of their employees and family members. We pride ourselves in our reputation for being responsive, available and advocates for the success of all we serve. Many of our clients have relied on us for 30 years or more.

Our EAP Today

Knowing the success larger companies have when offering an Employee Assistance Program to their employees, we wanted to offer the same services to smaller companies. So, we developed ThriveEAP for groups with as few as 2 employees.

The small business community taught us they are often pained to provide benefits to their valued employees, especially medical insurance. Our solution is ThriveMD: individual pricing, no co-pay, no deductible.

We get it. We are a small business, too. Let us help your team Thrive!

Our Mission

To Support The Values And Goals Of Our Clients. We Offer Responsive Service, Problem Solving, Innovation, Candor, And Good Will. Our Goal Is To Do The Right Thing.