EASNA was founded in 1985 as a response to the changing face of EAPs and the need for an organization that met both Canadian and American professional development needs. The organization’s goal was defined "to provide a leadership role in the encouragement of quality EAP services through the development of Program Standards and an Accreditation process." In 2007 EASNA changed its focus to encourage more organizational members, while continuing to welcome individual members. Organizational members pay one fee but all of their employees may have access to the Members Only website. Programs and events are now developed with this structure in mind, as is this (2009) strategic plan.

The last strategic plan was completed in 2004 for the 2005-2008 time period.