• Short-term counseling involves brief intervention for issues that are appropriate for problem solving with identifiable, achievable solutions.

• The EAP can refer clients to licensed professionals who specialize in interventions such as psychotherapy, medication evaluation and management, and cognitive behavioral therapy and substance misuse treatment.

• The EAP will work with clients to identify community resources (for example, financial, legal, housing, childcare) that correspond with their reason for contacting the EAP.

• The EAP is available to support managers and supervisors via consultation, employee referrals, work group interventions and manager training/education.

• The EAP offers a variety of work-group interventions including assistance for critical incidents and adverse events.

• The EAP offers a variety of trainings and webinars geared towards employees and managers.

• The EAP manages and connects lactating employees to lactation rooms and resources to allow them to continue breastfeeding when they return to work.

Notice of Privacy Practices for Client Confidential Information

Your Information, Rights and our Responsibilities:

This Notice is being provided to you because federal law gives you the right to be told ahead of time about how Mass General Brigham EAP will handle your protected health information, our legal duties related to your protected health information, and your rights. Mass General Brigham EAP has long been committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of health and other information received from our clients. As part of our compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), we want to provide you with this Notice of Privacy Practices.

This Notice describes how health information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review this Notice carefully.

Your Confidentiality

What confidential information does the EAP have about me?
This notice only describes Mass General Brigham EAP’s privacy practices regarding health information. For purposes of this notice, “health information” means any information, whether oral, written or recorded in any form, that Mass General Brigham EAP professionals create or receive in the course of EAP consultation with you and relate to your past, present or future EAP sessions. Mass General Brigham EAP has additional confidentiality and records procedures that apply to your EAP information maintained, created, or used by Mass General Brigham EAP.  An explanation of EAP confidentiality is outlined in the EAP’s Statement of Understanding which is available to you at the start of service and any time at your request.

Who sees my confidential information?
Your protected health information will be available only to Mass General Brigham EAP staff, including independent contract EAP professionals, in order to provide you immediate assistance and EAP services. Your protected health information may be reviewed by an internal EAP staff member to monitor the quality of our services.

We may share such information with other programs or persons if required or allowed by law or permitted by you with your authorization to release information.

The EAP will maintain the confidentiality of the records of your contact with the EAP including the date of each occurrence and the services provided to you. Your EAP records are kept in secured computer files and in our locked offices. They are not part of the medical records system, personnel files or insurance company records.

What if someone else needs my confidential information?
You may be asked to sign an authorization to release confidential information form allowing your information to be shared if:

• You want us to send information to or talk to another agency or provider to coordinate your care or make a referral to care;
• You want information sent to another person such as your attorney or other representative; or
• You want us to share specific information with your supervisor or other member of management or other person or entity.

Your permission to share your information is effective for one year from the date you sign the authorization form, unless otherwise indicated.  We can only share the information you authorize.  You may withdraw or change this permission in writing; provided, however, that the authorization will cover any information disclosed based on the authorization prior to the withdrawal. 

When does the EAP share confidential information?
We keep and share information to coordinate your care.  With your permission, we may share information to:

• Help you determine eligibility for services or benefits; or
• Evaluate the quality of care you receive from EAP Staff or for internal program evaluation purposes.

May confidential information be shared without my permission?
Information about your use of the EAP will not be revealed to anyone outside the program except if we receive your consent in writing.

There are times when we may need to share your protected health information without your permission.  By law, we are, at times, required or allowed to share confidential information about you, even if you do not give us permission.  These situations are:

• Providing information to appropriate government agencies when we suspect abuse or neglect of minors, elders, developmentally disabled adults and nursing home residents;
• Providing notice to appropriate individuals when we believe it is necessary to avoid a serious threat to health or safety or to prevent serious harm to an individual or to the workplace, including patients;
• As required by the EAP for independent audit, and program evaluation;
• For use in research using de-identified data;
• The disclosure is required by a court order; or
• If, in our judgment, your information is needed in an emergency.

Mass General Brigham EAP will not otherwise use or disclose your protected health information without your authorization.

Your EAP Record 

May I see my EAP record?
In most cases you have a right to look at or get a copy of your Mass General Brigham EAP record. You must ask for this in writing to the EAP Clinical Manager (Privacy Officer), EAP Director or your EAP Counselor at the address listed at below:

Mass General Brigham EAP Sr. Clinical Manager (Privacy Officer) at Mass General Brigham Employee Assistance Program, 175 Cambridge Street, Suite 320, Boston, MA  02114.

We will respond to you within thirty (30) days from our receipt of your written request. We may offer to give you a summary or explanation of information if we believe that releasing your record would not be beneficial or may be harmful to you.

May I change my record?
If you think the protected health information in your record is incorrect, you must send a written request and ask that Mass General Brigham EAP amend protected health information in your record. You must provide a reason that supports your request.

We may deny your request if, among other reasons, the information in the file was not created by us, if the information is not properly considered part of your EAP record, if it is not health information; or if the information is otherwise accurate and complete.  We have sixty (60) days to respond to your request.

When may EAP terminate service?
We are committed to providing a safe environment for clients and EAP staff; our policy is available upon request. We retain the right to terminate services if we believe you pose a safety risk to our staff.

How We Contact You 

May I request how Mass General Brigham EAP contacts me?
Mass General Brigham EAP may contact you:

• At the address and telephone numbers you gave to us including leaving messages at the telephone numbers
• With information about referral and resource choices, and follow up
• At the e-mail addresses or other contact information you provide to assist us in activities described in this Notice
• If at any time you give us a mobile telephone number as a way to contact you, you consent to receive calls at that mobile number.

For Example: We may contact you about missed, scheduled or cancelled appointments, resource and referral Information, follow-up, or program satisfaction.

May I request how I receive my health information?
 You have the right to request that we communicate health information about you in a certain way or at a certain location, such as only in writing or only at work.  Direct such a request to your Mass General Brigham EAP Counselor from whom you receive services. We will attempt to accommodate reasonable requests.

Your Rights 

May I have a copy of this Notice?
Yes, you may request an electronic or paper copy of this Notice.  If you received this Notice electronically, you may ask for a paper copy at the address listed below or by calling: 866-724-4327.

Will I be informed of breach of protected health information?
We will let you know promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your information.

When may EAP terminate service?
We are committed to providing a safe environment for clients and EAP staff; our policy is available upon request. We retain the right to terminate services if we believe you pose a safety risk to our staff.

Does Mass General Brigham EAP have a nondiscrimination statement?
Mass General Brigham EAP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship, alienage, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability. Mass General Brigham EAP does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, citizenship, alienage, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability. Mass General Brigham EAP:

• Provides services to people with disabilities to communicate effectively with us, such as:
  • Qualified sign language interpreters
  • Written information
• Provides language services to people whose primary language is not English, such as:
  • Qualified interpreters
  • Information written in other languages

If you believe that Mass General Brigham EAP has failed to provide these services or discriminated in another way on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship, alienage, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability, you can file a grievance in person or by mail, or email directing your complaint to the Mass General Brigham EAP Sr. Manager (Privacy Officer) or EAP Director at Mass General Brigham Employee Assistance Program, 175 Cambridge Street, Suite 320, Boston, MA 02114, or you may call 866-724-4327. The EAP Sr. Manager (Privacy Officer) or EAP Director will assist you with questions you may have about this notice.

Or you can also file a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), electronically through the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal, available at https://ocrportal.hhs.gov/ocr/portal/lobby.jsf,

Or by contacting the OCR New England Regional Office at:

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Government Center
J.F. Kennedy Federal Building – Room 1875
Boston, MA 02203

800-368-1019, 800-537-7697 (TDD)

How do I report a violation of my privacy rights?
If you think we may have violated your privacy rights or you disagree with any action we have taken with regard to your protected health information, we want you, your family, or your legal guardian to speak with us.  If you present a complaint, our service to you will not be affected in any way.  It is the goal of Mass General Brigham EAP to give you the best service while respecting your privacy.

You may file a complaint by contacting the Mass General Brigham EAP Sr. Manager (Privacy Officer) or EAP Director at Mass General Brigham Employee Assistance Program, 175 Cambridge Street, Suite 320, Boston, MA  02114, or you may call 866-724-4327. The EAP Sr. Manager (Privacy Officer) EAP Director or your EAP Counselor will assist you with questions you may have about this notice.

You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights by sending a letter to J.F.K Federal Building – Room 1875, Boston, MA  02203, calling 617-565-1340, or visiting www.hhs.gov/hipaa/filing-a-complaint/

We will take no retaliatory action against you if you file a complaint about our privacy practices.

Whom do I contact if I have questions about this Notice or my rights?
If you have any questions about this Notice, please ask the person who gave it to you.  If you need further assistance, you may call the EAP Sr. Manager (Privacy Officer) or EAP Director at 866-724-4327.

What if privacy practices change?
We reserve the right to change practices in this Notice. This Notice is posted on our website at: www.eap.partners.org  If the law changes, we will post the new Notice on our website.  If you have any questions about our privacy practices, please let us know.

Associate Chief, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Distinguished Scholar of Medical Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Dr. Herman is Associate Chief of the Department of Psychiatry and the Trustees Chair of Medical Psychiatry at MGH. He is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Herman was the Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, overseeing the Commonwealth’s 31,000 licensed physicians and the safety and quality programs of its 200 hospitals.

In 1984, following his residency, Dr. Herman joined the staff of the MGH Psychopharmacology and Addiction clinics. Until 2003, for 14 years, Dr. Herman directed the Department’s postgraduate education division, Harvard Medical School’s most successful National and International CME program. Between 1991 and 2000, he was Director of Adult Psychiatry Residency Training at MGH. Dr. Herman is past President of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatry Residency Training

In 1990, Dr. Herman co-founded the MGH Employee Assistance Program where he serves as Medical Director. In 1996, the EAP expanded to become the Partners HealthCare Employee Assistance Program, serving 74,000 employees and their immediate family household members.

Dr. Herman has lectured across the United States and internationally. His primary interest is in improving access to mental health care in primary care practices. He focuses his teaching efforts on helping primary care clinicians learn straightforward approaches to patients suffering from psychiatric problems. Dr. Herman is co-editor (with Ted Sterne, MD) of The MGH Guide to Primary Care Psychiatry (McGraw Hill, 1998, 2003) and Psychiatry Update & Board Preparation (MGH Psychiatry Academy Publishing, 2017).

Allison is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional, with a Master’s degree from Boston College. She was promoted to the EAP Director in January 2019. Allison supports the mission of the EAP by managing and administrating the provision of employee assistance services to staff, employees including physicians, and their household members across the Mass General Brigham system. Allison is responsible for overall administration, strategic planning and program design, operations, quality and customer satisfaction programs. Prior to joining the EAP in 1997, she was the Director of a Connecticut hospital-based EAP that also served community businesses. Allison has expertise in providing critical incident staff support and has spoken nationally on EAP staff support following critical incidents and humanitarian missions, and authored a chapter, “Supporting Healthcare Provider Impacted by Adverse Medical Events,” in Patient Safety Handbook, second edition (Jones and Bartlett Learning, 2013). She brings over 35 years of professional experience to Mass General Brigham EAP.

Henri is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional, with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College. Henrietta (Henri) manages the clinical supervision and quality processes of the EAP. Over the years her work has been devoted to working with employees in health care systems and to developing innovative ways to meet the needs of this population. She speaks nationally on EAP ethics, management consultation services and program outcome and evaluation measures. Prior to joining the EAP in 2002, Henri was the Director of the Mount Auburn Hospital EAP and Occupational Health Department. She provides expertise in program and policy development, individual and group crisis response services following critical incidents, accreditation and continuous quality improvement, and EAP ethics.

Richard is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Employee Assistance Professional, with a Master’s degree from Cambridge College.  Prior to joining the EAP in 1995, he was a Staff Manager and EAP Consultant with NYNEX (now Verizon). Richard has spoken locally at schools, colleges and radio about substance abuse, serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of Boston Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programs, Inc., and is a Senior Faculty Member at the Cambridge College Graduate School of Psychology and Counseling.

Connie is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from West Virginia University. Prior to becoming a per diem EAP counselor in 2019, Connie retired as the Director of Behavioral Health and Integrative Services at the Lowell Community Health Center. She currently serves on the NASW-MA Committee on Inquiry (Ethics), and also maintains a Clinical Private Practice. Connie brings post-graduate training in Family Systems Therapy, Mediation, CISD and Psychological First Aid.

Susannah is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional, with a master’s degree from Simmons University. She is the EAP Liaison to Mass General Brigham and Mass Eye and Ear. She is a state-certified rape crisis counselor. Prior to joining the EAP in 2016, she was an Outpatient Clinician at Spectrum Health Systems in Saugus, MA.

Shira is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Fordham University. She is the EAP Liaison to McLean Hospital. Prior to joining the EAP in 2018, Shira was an EAP Consultant at AllOne EAP in Natick, MA . She is an active member of the Boston Medical Reserve Corps and was deployed by the NYC Medical Reserve Corps in the 2012 aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Cate is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, with a master’s degree from Columbia University. She is the EAP Liaison to Salem Hospital and North Shore Physician’s Group and previously served as the Domestic Violence Coordinator at the EAP. In additional to her role as a liaison, she also provides short term counseling to medical residents through the GME Training Assistance Program and to students at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. She has worked in outpatient substance abuse treatment, hospital-based domestic violence services, and college mental health. She enjoys implementing CBT, mindfulness-based and trauma-informed interventions with students and employees.

Biography to follow shortly

Biography to follow shortly

Sydney is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s Degree from Springfield College. She is an EAP Counselor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Prior to joining EAP in 2023, Sydney was the Clinical Social Work Lead at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Emergency Department for 6 years. Her varied experience ranges from emergency services, substance use, and forensics, as well as inpatient acute psychiatric care settings.

Yohanna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s degree from Salem State University. Yohanna counsels clients in English and Spanish. Prior to joining the EAP in 2019, she was a Community Clinician at Whittier Street Health Center in Roxbury, MA and has an interest in reducing health disparities and minimizing the stigma of seeking mental health services in the Hispanic/Latino populations.

Elizabeth is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional, with a Master’s degree from Smith College. She is the EAP Liaison to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and provides short term counselling to medical residents through the GME Training Assistance Program. Prior to joining the EAP in 2015, she was the Director of Staff Development at Pioneer Valley EAP at ServiceNet, Inc. in Northampton, MA where she also maintains a clinical private practice.

Sara is a Licensed Certified Social Worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland with a sub-specialization in Social Work in the Workplace and Employee Assistance Program Administration. Prior to joining the EAP, she worked with Arlington County Virginia Employee Assistance Program serving a diverse population including first responders, law enforcement, and educators. In addition, Sara has experience working with the aging population, responding to the emotional and physical challenges that accompany the aging process.

Chris is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s degree from Boston College. He is the EAP Liaison to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and Nantucket Cottage Hospital and PCPO. Prior to joining the EAP in 2017, he was a Mental Health Clinician at Riverside Community Care in Dedham, MA. Chris also provides short term counselling to IHP students through the EAP Student Assistance Program.

Kimberly is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New Hampshire, with a master’s degree from Rivier University. She is the EAP Liaison to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Prior to joining the EAP in 2020, she was a University Counselor at Southern New Hampshire University.

Kelly is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master’s degree from Simmons University. Prior to joining the EAP, Kelly worked as the primary care social worker at MGH Revere serving individuals across the life-span. Kelly also has years of experience working with those involved in the adoption triad; birth parents, adoptee and adoptive parents.

Owen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master’s degree from William James College. Prior to joining the EAP in 2021, he was the Director of Mental Health at Northeastern University’s Health and Counseling Services in Boston, MA. He has also worked as a counselor at the Berklee College of Music’s Counseling and Advising Center.

Concern
Marly had let her debt get out of control to the point where her income would not cover her monthly bills. She was worried that she would be evicted from her apartment.

Response
The EAP consultant directed Marly to a local debt management organization that helped her consolidate her debts and work out a payment schedule.  They also helped Marly in learning strategies for saving and spending within her means.

Result
Marly has a budget and spending plan to follow; her debts are being paid off and she even is able to save 1% of her pay in the hospital’s Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plan.

Concern
Vincent was overwhelmed when he received a diagnosis of cancer. Although his prognosis was good, he feared losing his job due to the time off he needed for surgery and subsequent treatment. He was not sure how he would cope with the illness. His supervisor suggested that he contact the EAP.

Response
The EAP consultant listened to Vincent’s concerns and, with his permission, coordinated with Human Resources to help him take the leave time he needed. The consultant connected Vincent and his family to both counseling and cancer support services. In addition, the EAP consultant provided assistance to Vincent about how to address the subject of his leave and illness with his co-workers.

Result
After a medical leave, Vincent was able to return to his job. He and his family received the support they needed to cope more effectively with the impact of his illness. The EAP consultant worked with Vincent to help him adjust to returning to work.

Concern
In one week, Deborah’s child care provider left and her children were home sick. In addition, there was increased job stress due to staffing shortages and budget deadlines. She was panicked as to how she would manage these situations and balance all of her responsibilities. A staff member suggested that she contact the EAP.

Response
The EAP consultant worked with Deborah to identify an emergency child care resource. Together, they looked at the overall picture and strategized ways in which Deborah could begin to decrease the stress in her life.

Result
Deborah obtained emergency child care services and developed a plan to find regular child care. She returned to work and was able to take steps toward reorganizing the way she approached her work and was able to improve her time management.

Concern
Carl’s supervisor noticed a steady decline in his work performance. Additionally, he had a pattern of coming in late and often calling in sick. After repeated attempts to address these issues with Carl, his supervisor called the EAP for consultation. His supervisor then suggested Carl contact the EAP so Carl could address any personal problems which might be the cause of his difficulties at work.

Response
After an assessment of the situation, the EAP consultant helped Carl recognize his substance abuse problem. After three counseling sessions at the EAP, plans were made for outpatient treatment that Carl felt comfortable with – one that was covered by his health plan. His family was included in the recovery process.

Result
Carl has begun to manage his problem effectively and his work performance has improved significantly.

Concern
Ellen felt embarrassed and alone because her husband was abusing her at home. She feared for her safety and worried that she may lose her job if others found out. As her husband’s threats increased, she became more anxious and less able to concentrate. She confided in a coworker who told her that there was confidential help and advocacy available through the EAP.

Response
At the EAP, the consultant listened to and supported Ellen. She talked with her about her options and assisted her in developing a safety plan.  The consultant helped to link her with resources in the hospital and the community for herself and her children.

Result
Ellen joined an employee support group for women with controlling or abusive partners and learned that she was not alone. Over time, Ellen decided to take out a restraining order against her husband, and accessed escort and advocacy services through the hospital. She began to feel like she was getting her life back.

Concern
Jack’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She seemed to be showing more signs of confusion, and called Jack at work several times a day. Even so, his siblings refused to accept the severity of their mother’s problem. He was rightfully concerned over his mother’s safety. Jack experienced a lot of stress about his family situation, and it was becoming more difficult for him to concentrate at work.

Response
His EAP consultant was able to provide him with some helpful tips on how to approach the problem. Jack was referred to an outside support service that helped him and his siblings handle their mother’s illness.

Result
Jack and his siblings were better equipped to help their mother, and shared responsibility for her care. Jack felt less burdened by the situation and was able to focus on his work more.

Concern
Loretta experienced a lot of anxiety when she was assigned to make a presentation to management. In desperation she called the EAP.

Response
The EAP consultant helped her identify her underlying fears about the presentation.   The EAP consultant taught her some stress management techniques and helped her focus on getting through the presentation.

Result                                                                                                                       
Loretta faced the presentation with confidence and a sense of calm.

PDF – EAP Brochure (English)

PDF – EAP Brochure (Haitian Creole) 

PDF – EAP Brochure (Darija)

PDF – EAP Brochure (Spanish)

PDF – EAP Brochure (Cape Verdean Creole) 

•  Mass General Brigham EAP Brochure for Physicians (download – English)

• Mass General Brigham SAP Brochure for MGH IHP Students (download – English)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

866-724-4327 | eap.partners.org

EAP WORK&LIFE RESOURCES

The EAP is a free and confidential Work&Life Resource. The EAP offers short-term counseling, educational programs, and resources and referrals. Whatever is troubling you, you don’t have to face it alone. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Work and Life Issues
Life changes and challenges / Elder or disabled caregiving / Job stress / Financial stress / Legal concerns/
Childcare

Family and Relationships
Relationships / Sexual orientation and gender identity / Parenting / Grief and loss / Domestic violence / Addictions

Well-being
Stress and resilience / Healthy living / Burnout / Addictions / Depression, anxiety and emotional health

TESTIMONIALS

“Juggling home, kids and money was getting really tough.
The EAP helped me sort it out and see my options.”

“I cannot express the amount of gratitude I have for this program.
I haven’t missed work in months and am a much better employee because of the help I received.”

Who can use the EAP?
Employees, professional staff, and family household members. Access is easy and there is no cost to you.

When can I talk to an EAP Counselor?
A compassionate counselor is available 24/7, 365 days of the year to help you with life’s stressors so that you can live a happy and productive life. Simply call us or visit the EAP website for online resources.

Will anyone know I have used the EAP?
Contact between you and the EAP is confidential. No information can be reported about you or your use of the EAP to anyone without your written consent, except when required by law. Nothing is included in your medical record or personnel file.

Workgroup Crisis Response
Our EAP counselors are skilled at supporting leadership, staff and employees in the aftermath of traumatic incidents or adverse medical events that can disrupt patient care, operations and staff well-being.

Online Resources
Visit our website for helpful information, resources, self-assessment tools and upcoming dates for our well-being and work-life webinars. The site is available in multiple languages.

Work-Life Resources for Families
The EAP assists parents returning to work after maternity or paternity leave and offers other supports to families. See the EAP website for information about lactation room locations, childcare and eldercare resources.

Employee Lactation Rooms
The EAP provides employee lactation resources and rooms. See our EAP website for information about what is available at your organization.

Schedule a confidential in-person, video or phone appointment: Call 866-724-4327 or complete the appointment request form.