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 was 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.

In 2009, Partners EAP was awarded accreditation by the Council of Accreditation, a hallmark of excellence for EAP providers that has been earned by less than five percent of EAPs internationally.  The EAP also received the 2009 EAP Digest/Employee Assistance Professional Association Quality Award.


We provide support for any work/life issue such as:

• 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 all employees, Partners EAP provides free, confidential consultation, short term counseling, resources and referrals for any work/life, family or personal concerns.

What We Do 
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a voluntary workplace based consultation, short-term counseling, information and referral program for employees and their household members. Professional, licensed EAP counselors provide private, confidential and safe assistance for all types of work/life, family or personal concerns. EAP services include free, confidential consultations, short-term problem focused counseling and community referrals for treatment or other assistance, and is a liaison between the workplace and community resources. 

The EAP also provides consultation and training to the workplace regarding the impact and resolution of behavioral/mental health and productivity problems, and it provides consultation and support to workgroups impacted by critical incidents and adverse medical events .  Partners EAP demonstrates best practices in providing services, including  continuous quality improvement. 

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, CEAP, LADC 1
Allison Caravana-Lilly, LICSW, CEAP Operations Manager
Jessica Carmer Loftus, LICSW
Richard Chester, LMHC, CEAP, LADC 1
Leonard DeBenedictis, LICSW, CEAP
Pam Gillespie, LCSW, CEAP
Lucila Leone, LMHC
Janet Loughlin, LICSW, CEAP
Deborah Goldberg McCarthy, LCSW
Henrietta Menco, LICSW, CEAP Quality Manager                                                                                                          
Barbara Rinn, LICSW, CEAP 
Nancy Robb, LICSW, CEAP
Lisa Goss Staffiere, LICSW, CEAP
Leslie Strachan, LICSW, CEAP, LADC 1
Melinda Strauss, LICSW, CEAP                                                 

Support Staff
Michele Burns - Office Operations Supervisor
Diane Corning - Database Specialist
Maureen Gauvin -  Senior EAP Assistant
Mahadia Granthier - Staff Assistant
                                                                                                                                   
In case of emergency, please call 911 or your local hospital emergency service.