Mental health coverage can be lacking at best, with seemingly few therapists and treatments accessible and affordable. But as
According to Gallup, the number of U.S. adults diagnosed with depression jumped by 10% in less than 10 years, with nearly 30% of the population now having the condition at some point in their lifetime. Meanwhile, anxiety is still one of the most common
One treatment Dr. Pagnani highlights as an essential part of the mental health package is reduced environmental stimulation therapy, or REST, where a patient is placed in an environment where external stimuli are minimized. The most famous form of this therapy is sensory deprivation tanks, which involve placing a patient in a dark, soundproof tub filled with a foot or less of salt water.
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"When an individual is in this type of an environment, free of typical distractions, they can truly focus on their breath, heartbeat, their own bodily sensations and even meditation," says Dr. Pagnani. "I have had patients state that this type of therapy has been extremely helpful for their stress levels by providing them regular, uninterrupted sessions of complete inner focus and mindfulness."
Dr. Pagnani emphasizes that REST may not be the best fit for everyone, noting that those with claustrophobia, a fear of dark environments or certain traumas and triggers wouldn't likely benefit from the experience. However, several studies have found that those with anxiety and related symptoms like depression, sleep trouble and fatigue found therapies like sensory deprivation tanks helpful. For example, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that of the 46 people who struggled with generalized anxiety disorder and tried a tank, all of them noticed a reduction in their symptoms.
But in order for employees to have access to something like REST, they need therapists and psychiatrists in their plan's network who can treat them. Dr. Pagnani advises employers to audit their own health plans and see just how far their mental health coverage goes.
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"We have seen an increase in accessibility to REST therapy over the last several years. However, it's unfortunately still the minority of plans," he says. "Employers simply need to make the extra effort to review plans and coverage with their insurance brokers prior to company renewals. Ask about both the in-network and out-of-network reimbursement for mental health benefits, and alternative treatments, such as REST.
For Dr. Pagnani, it's more than worth the time to sit down with brokers and carriers and figure out how much an employee would have to pay to receive different forms of therapy. If an employee isn't expected to function with an untreated broken leg, then why should they be expected to be productive with a mental health condition they cannot afford care for?
"Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and addiction are treatable medical illnesses — if someone is struggling, they deserve proper treatment and symptom relief, in the same manner that someone with the flu, asthma, or any medical condition does," says Dr. Pagnani. "Failing to properly treat mental health difficulties not only results in unnecessary distress for employees but also can greatly affect performance."
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Beyond coverage, Dr. Pagnani asks company leaders to reduce stigma by being open about the resources employees have available to them and encouraging them to take advantage of it. And if managers notice an employee's performance is taking a dive, center the conversation on helping the employee access the right benefits or guidance rather than playing the blame game, stresses Dr. Pagnani.
"I commend any employer who is going out of their way to advocate for their employees' mental health," he says. "Employers may be surprised to find out that supporting their employees and making sure that they access the help they need isn't just the right thing to do, it [could] improve culture, productivity, and frankly, improve the bottom line."
