Mental health support in the workplace.
The mind is a powerful thing, with multiple topics competing for head space: The “what-ifs” of current events. Financial worries. Work stress. Family obligations. Relationship issues. Health concerns.
How we think, feel, and act can take a toll on our mental health, described by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as “our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.”1
Having access to mental health coverage is essential in today’s stress-filled world. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five American adults experience some form of mental illness in any given year.2 As reported in the 2023 Mental Health in America survey, approximately 21% of adults are living with at least one mental illness—around 50 million people—with only 28% citing they’re able to find the care they need.3
The consequences of untreated mental health.
When mental health is neglected, negative thoughts, feelings, and actions can spill into the workplace, leading to less productivity, absenteeism, and burnout. According to the Society for Human Resource Management’s “Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series,” employees who are burned out are more likely to look for another job.4
Untreated mental illness can also lead to serious health conditions. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, those conditions include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance use disorder
Employers can demonstrate a culture of caring by offering a health plan that prioritizes mental health.
Setting the tone through benefits.
About one in five employees says it’s “hard to find mental health care through their employer that is affordable, in network or available in a timely manner,” according to the 2024 NAMI Workplace Mental Health Poll.6
One way employers can show employees they care about their mental health is by offering a strong benefits package. The Surest plan:
- Has no deductible, which helps reduce a financial barrier to care
- Provides in-person care options alongside virtual care
- Gives members the tools to see actual prices—not just estimates—so they can choose what works for their needs and their budget
- Offers self-serve resources in the app
- Allows employees to engage in a way they’re often comfortable and familiar—through their phones
The power of choice.
Here’s how the Surest plan works: When members search in the app for “mental health,” they have options. They can choose an in-person office visit, including talk therapy or counseling, or they can opt for “virtual visit for mental health.” Sometimes people are more comfortable talking to a therapist from home.
They can also take advantage of self-care programs with a focus on mental health. They might learn how mindfulness can help with stress, anxiety, and mood disorders, or learn about the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy. They might utilize any number of self-care resources available.
When people have the power of choice, they are often more willing to become active—rather than passive—participants in their health. That includes prioritizing mental health care.
“I feel like Surest helped me gain control over my stress levels,” says Surest member Ambi. “I find myself more balanced.”
Online care can present challenges with certain mental health situations, including suspected abuse, suicidality, and family crisis. If you or someone you love is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are actively suicidal or experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your closest emergency room.
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
2 https://www.nami.org/your-journey/individuals-with-mental-illness/
3 The State of Mental Health in America | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
4 Mental Health, HR and the Workplace (shrm.org)
5 About Mental Illness - NAMI California
6 The 2024 NAMI Workplace Mental Health Poll | NAMI