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Large employers see ‘dire need’ for mental health services

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Summary

The Business Group on Health released survey results on Tuesday showing that 77% of large employers had seen an increase in mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorder in 2023. The survey also found that employers are focused on improving access to mental health resources, expanding provider networks, and addressing cultural awareness of mental health. They are also offering no- or low-cost virtual counseling or telehealth for mental health treatment and covering out-of-network treatment for mental health and substance use disorder services. Additionally, employers are implementing training to help managers recognize mental health issues and direct employees to appropriate services, as well as running anti-stigma campaigns.

Q&As

What findings were revealed in the Business Group on Health's annual survey?
The Business Group on Health's annual survey found that 77% of employers were seeing increased mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders in 2023.

What are employers focusing on to improve mental health access for their employees?
Employers are looking to improve care provider networks for mental health needs, increase access to mental health resources, particularly online resources such as apps and webinars, and offer mental health-specific navigation programs.

How are employers addressing the challenge of antiquated provider directories?
Employers are working with their health plans and other vendors to expand mental health networks in 2024 to address the challenge of antiquated provider directories.

What strategies are employers taking to improve access to diverse mental health providers?
Employers are expanding provider networks to include more diverse healthcare and mental health professionals.

What initiatives are employers implementing to reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace?
Employers are offering no- or low-cost virtual counseling or telehealth for mental health treatment, covering out-of-network treatment for mental health and substance use disorder services, and implementing managerial training to recognize mental health issues and direct employees to appropriate services. They are also working with employee resource groups to promote benefits and target well-being initiatives to specific groups.

AI Comments

👍 This article is a great example of employers making strides in addressing mental health issues. It is very encouraging to see the focus on expanding provider networks to include more diverse healthcare and mental health professionals, and the initiatives to improve cultural awareness of mental health.

👎 It is concerning that the share of employers running "anti-stigma" campaigns for mental health is projected to decline in the next year. It is important to keep mental health stigma at the forefront of conversations so that it does not become an afterthought.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about how large employers are seeing an increased need for mental health services due to the pandemic. The Business Group on Health's annual survey found that 77% of employers are seeing increased mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders.

Friend: Wow. That's a lot. What are the implications of this?

Me: Well, it means that employers are having to focus on increasing access to mental health resources, particularly online resources such as apps and webinars. They're also looking to improve their care provider networks for mental health needs, as well as addressing cultural awareness of mental health. They're also looking into employee resource groups to help promote benefits and target well-being initiatives to specific groups. Additionally, they're looking into training managers to recognize mental health issues and direct employees to appropriate services. So, it looks like employers are taking steps to make sure that employees are getting the mental health help they need.

Action items

Research mental health resources available in your area and create a list of providers that offer services to employees.
Develop a mental health awareness campaign to educate employees on the importance of mental health and the resources available to them.
Implement a mental health navigation program to help employees access the resources they need.

Technical terms

Mental Health: A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life.
Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty in functioning.
Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.
Substance Abuse Disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by the misuse of drugs or alcohol.
Healthcare Labor Shortages: A lack of qualified healthcare professionals to meet the needs of a population.
Chronic Condition Management: The process of managing a long-term health condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.
Virtual Counseling: Counseling services provided online or over the phone.
Telehealth: The use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage health care.
Out-of-Network Treatment: Treatment provided by a healthcare provider who is not part of a patient’s insurance network.
Employee Resource Groups: Groups of employees organized around a shared identity or interest, such as gender, race, or disability.
Anti-Stigma Campaigns: Campaigns designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.