Who We Are

As we move through life’s seasons, we all are confronted with changes and challenges. Once in a while we need help in facing these times. The EAP has helped thousands of employees put their problems in perspective and get the help they needed.

The EAP is provided by Partners HealthCare, a non-profit integrated healthcare delivery system in Eastern Massachusetts, and serves affiliated healthcare organizations.

Partners EAP has been awarded the 2007 Corporate Award for EAP Excellence by the Employee Assistance Society of North America. This annual award recognizes one exceptional EAP in the U.S. that demonstrates creativity and cutting edge services, best practices of the industry, and the value that EAP has for achieving individual and organizational effectiveness.

• Balancing Work and Family
  
• Parenting Concerns 
  
• Family and Marital Concerns
  
• Domestic Violence
  
• Relationship Issues
  
• Childcare
  
• Eldercare Resources 
  
• Work Issues 
  
• Anxiety
  
• Depression
  
• Emotional distress
  
• Substance Abuse and other Addictions
  
• Sexual Orientation Concerns
  
• Illness and Loss
  
• Financial Difficulties
  
• Legal Concerns
  
• Life Changes
  

Our Mission 
To promote a healthy work environment and to enhance and maintain the well-being of employees of the healthcare community which we serve, making possible excellence in patient care, teaching and research.

What We Do 
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a workplace based consultation, short-term counseling, information and referral program for employees and their families. The EAP offers assistance with all types of personal, family or work-related concerns. The EAP provides consultation and training to the workplace regarding the impact and resolution of behavioral/mental health and productivity problems; and it provides consultation and crisis intervention to workgroups. The EAP provides free, confidential and voluntary assessments, short-term problem focused counseling and referrals for treatment or other assistance. The EAP is a liaison between the workplace and community resources that provide service.

Will anyone know about my contact with the EAP? 
No, not unless you release that information. Since the EAP Staff consists of licensed professionals, all contact between you and the EAP consultants is confidential.  No information can be reported about you or your use of the EAP without your written consent, except when required by law. Information from your contact with the EAP is not included in your medical record or your Human Resources personnel file.

Will it cost anything to use the EAP? 
No, the EAP is part of your overall employee benefits program and is offered to you at no cost. If the EAP refers you to outside services, you will be responsible for charges you incur. Mental health referrals can be made within your medical plan. If you need other services, the EAP consultant will connect you with the most appropriate, cost-effective resource.

Can I be required to use the EAP? 
No, the EAP is a voluntary program. The decision to use the EAP is yours alone. Although a supervisor or co-worker might suggest a referral to the EAP, initial or follow-up visits cannot be mandated. Additionally, use of the EAP may not be tied to any disciplinary action.

Who We Are 
The EAP consultants are licensed professionals, with graduate level training in a variety of mental health disciplines and expertise in issues specific to the workplace.

Directors
Andrea Piraino Stidsen, LICSW, CEAP, Director
John Herman, MD, Medical Director

Clinical Staff
Kathie Burridge-Barnard, LICSW, LADC 1
Allison Caravana-Lilly, LICSW, CEAP, Operations Manager
Richard Chester, LMHC, LADC 1
Leonard DeBenedictis, LICSW, CEAP
Pam Gillespie, LCSW
Lisa Goss, LICSW, CEAP                                                                                                                                                      Donna Kausek, LMHC
Janet Loughlin, LICSW, CEAP
Henrietta Menco, LICSW, CEAP, Quality Manager                                                                                                          Susan Susan Opdyke, LICSW
Barbara Rinn, LICSW                                                                                                                                                        Hannah Saxe, LICSW                                                                                                                                                              Kellie Smith, LICSW
Leslie Strachan, LICSW, CEAP, LADC 1
Melinda Strauss, LICSW, CEAP

Support Staff
Maureen Gauvin -  Data Base Coordinator
Patricia Kneeland - Senior HR Assistant