Welcome

The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) is a resource where BU faculty and staff can find help for a range of personal, work-related, and family concerns.  Our licensed professionals offer:

  • Free and confidential short-term counseling
  • Referrals for mental health and substance use treatment
  • Referrals to community resources
  • Crisis support (critical incident response)
  • Management consultation
  • Training and education
  • Resources to promote well-being

FSAO services are available to all BU benefits-eligible employees and their household family members.  Services are offered in person on the Charles River and Medical campuses as well as by phone and virtually.  Interpreter services are available.

If you have questions about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us via our Contact Form or by phone at 617-353-5381. Our office is open Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.  If you need assistance outside of those hours, please call 911 or one of these Crisis Resources.

 

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Our Diversity Statement

At the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO), we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for our faculty and staff.   We strive to promote respect, empathy and understanding among all employees to create a supportive and equitable workplace where everyone can thrive. 

We recognize that diversity encompasses a range of characteristics, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, national origin, language capacity, immigration status, class, and educational attainment. We value and celebrate these differences as they contribute to the rich tapestry of our community.  

At the FSAO, we aim to provide a safe and welcoming space for every employee, honoring and respecting their unique experiences, challenges, and perspectives. Our approach is trauma-informed and culturally responsive, acknowledging the stresses and traumas experienced by those with historically marginalized identities.    

We are dedicated to promoting positive mental health and well-being for our diverse and vibrant faculty and staff community, ensuring that they can effectively contribute to the University’s mission of nurturing reflective, adaptable, and visionary individuals who can lead and flourish in our increasingly interconnected and diverse world. 

University Diversity Statement | Diversity & Inclusion (bu.edu)

Confidentiality Policy

The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office maintains complete confidentiality with the following exceptions:  Suspected child or elder abuse or neglect will be reported to the appropriate agency; confidentiality is suspended when there is a clear threat against an identified victim, including self; confidentiality can also be suspended when someone signs a “Release of Information.”

Our office maintains the highest of ethical standards in compliance with the National Association of Social Work, the National Board of Certified Counselors and HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of privacy regulations.