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JHEAP Manager Resources

Are you interested in learning more about the Johns Hopkins EAP Managers’ Toolkit?

The toolkit was created for managers to help them identify mental health disorders and recognize the impact they have on the workplace, identify resources managers can use to support mental health wellbeing on their teams, locate and list the full range of JHEAP services, for employees and managers, and identify best practices managers can implement to assist team members in distress.

Click here to access the JHEAP Managers’ Orientation

Are you concerned about an employee’s emotional well-being or workplace behavior? The JHEAP can help you respond effectively.

The best place to start is to talk to a JHEAP clinician about your concerns so that you can receive professional guidance on how to proceed.

To consult with a JHEAP clinician, call 888-978-1262. When you call, please clarify that you are a supervisor calling to consult about an employee concern. A member of the JHEAP Clinical Team will hear your concerns and provide recommendations.

You also can refer employees you’re concerned about directly to JHEAP by calling 888-978-1262.

Professional ethics and state and federal laws dictate that sessions conducted by the JHEAP are confidential. Information about sessions or their content will be released only upon an employee’s written request, and/or in circumstances where a clear danger to the individual, others, or the institution exists, or as may be required by law. The JHEAP Clinical Team adheres strictly to this policy.

Making a Referral

The JHEAP OnSite Clinical Team is dedicated to supporting employees whose health or personal lives have begun to impact their lives at work. The best way to connect your entire team with support is to regularly remind all your employees that JHEAP is available to them and their family members. (If you need a refresher on the services offered, review our Support Programs.

If you have particular concerns about a specific employee, you might consider making an individual referral using one of these approaches:

Supportive Suggestion (Informal Referral)

  • A supportive suggestion is best when managers are aware that problems at home or work are causing an employee distress. A supportive suggestion is most appropriate when the distress is not significantly impacting work performance and relationships.
  • A manager may suggest the employee call JHEAP or visit the JHEAP website.
  • It’s often helpful to explain to employees that JHEAP clinicians help employees with a wide range of concerns—that you’re not “sending them to therapy.”
  • If the employee chooses to make an appointment with a JHEAP Onsite clinician, it’s helpful to offer the employee time away from work to attend the initial appointment, if possible.
  • Under some circumstances, especially when the employee is acutely distressed, it’s helpful for the manager to facilitate the employee’s call in a private space, either joining the employee on the call or simply providing the space. Keep in mind that when employees are acutely distressed, they can speak with a JHEAP clinician on the phone immediately.

formal referral (Voluntary, Documented Referral)

  • A Formal Referral is useful when a manager wishes to address work performance problems, behavioral concerns, or both, and when the manager would like confirmation that the employee has attended an appointment. Under an FR, managers are welcome to provide updates to the JHEAP clinician about the employee’s progress.
  • When employees are referred to JHEAP under an FR, they remain on duty.
  • An FR is a voluntary referral; employees are not required to engage in the FR process. Whether or not the employee chooses to participate, supervisors are encouraged to continue monitoring performance and behavioral concerns. An FR is not part of a disciplinary process, will not be included in the employee’s human resources file, and is meant to convey that the employee is responsible for his or her own behavior and performance and for doing what is necessary to improve.
  • To initiate an FR, the manager should call JHEAP at 888-978-1262 and request a formal referral. JHEAP will assess the situation, consider the context, and make recommendations about best next steps.

Additional Resources for Managers 

Crisis Response Services

Crisis Response Services available through JHEAP can help you and your department provide an appropriate response when a difficult workplace event occurs.

Emotional Support for Individuals and Groups

JHEAP provides the following services in response to difficult work events:

  • Consultations with managers and supervisors to plan a response to staff who are coping with a difficult workplace event
  • Staff briefings and tips for coping with the event
  • Small group interventions following a traumatic event
  • On-site outreach to provide initial support and psychological first aid
  • Same-day appointments for crisis victims
  • Individual assessment and referral for emotional problems related to a crisis
  • Departmental briefings for supervisors and tips for supporting employees
  • Resource materials for individuals impacted by the crisis

Most people who’ve faced a crisis recover and return to work without additional support. Others, however, may need supportive attention. Feeling better is unique to each individual and does not follow any set pattern or timeline.

If you or your department experiences a crisis that exceeds your resources and ability to cope, please call JHEAP at 888-978-1262. JHEAP can lend guidance and consultation about the best ways to respond to difficult workplace events. JHEAP also can assist you in understanding the normal response to grief and traumatic stress, and help your team adopt positive coping strategies and foster resiliency.