The number of people receiving mental health care is steadily increasing in the United States. In 1999, only 7% of adults reported receiving treatment, but by 2022 that figure had risen to 23%. This shift has been influenced by greater awareness of mental health issues, reduced stigma, and increased accessibility through digital and virtual therapy options. Regardless of the specific drivers, leading employers are recognizing the importance of supporting mental health and making it a cornerstone of their benefits packages. Your onsite clinic vendor can play an important role in this evolving landscape.
For many years, the predominant belief was that conditions like anxiety and depression were primarily caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. While biology certainly plays a role, this view has been criticized as an oversimplification. Current research suggests that mental illnesses are influenced by a complex interaction of genetics, life experiences, brain chemistry, and social circumstances. The encouraging news is that many of these factors can be improved or managed, which means that mental health symptoms can also improve with the right interventions.
Treatment has expanded beyond traditional in-person therapy sessions. Today, many employees have access to virtual counseling, digital self-guided therapy, and hybrid models that combine online tools with in-person care. This broader range of options increases flexibility and reduces barriers like time, cost, and travel that once made accessing care more difficult.
Mental health is no longer viewed as separate from physical health. In fact, untreated mental illness can contribute to physical health problems and significantly increase overall healthcare costs. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, untreated mental health conditions can result in billions of dollars in lost productivity every year. Employers who provide robust behavioral health support not only improve the lives of their employees but also reduce absenteeism and turnover, while boosting overall morale. Research suggests that for every $1 invested in employees’ mental health, employers can save $2-$4 on other expenses such as health care costs and productivity losses.
As stigma continues to decrease, employees will expect accessible and high-quality behavioral health resources as part of a standard benefits package. Employers are already beginning to move beyond simply offering an Employee Assistance Program and are investing in more integrated, proactive approaches. Onsite clinic providers can help by delivering in-person counseling, facilitating referrals to virtual or specialty care, and even hosting educational sessions on topics like stress management and resilience.
The future of employee health benefits is clear: behavioral health will continue to play a central role. By partnering with your clinic vendor, you can ensure your employees have the support they need today while preparing your organization for tomorrow.
References
MarshMcLennan Agency. (2024). (rep.). 2024 Employee Health & Benefits Trends- The Evolving Workforce. Retrieved from https://mma.marshmma.com/l/644133/2024-02-08/2jqv4p/644133/1707407360NlOU9BRU/EHB_Trends_Report_2024.pdf?_gl=1*147j12r*_gcl_au*NjQ2NDMwNzgwLjE3NTYxMjU3NDQ.*_ga*MTExODM0MjQ0Ni4xNzU2MTI1NzQ0*_ga_RS3PR7KYEQ*czE3NTYxMjU3NDQkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTYxMjU4NTIkajU4JGwwJGgw.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, December 13). Mental illness. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023). Mental health by the numbers. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/mhstats
Panchal, N., & Lo, J. (2024, August 1). Exploring the rise in mental health care use by demographics and insurance status. KFF. https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/exploring-the-rise-in-mental-health-care-use-by-demographics-and-insurance-status/