How employers can help America's mental health crisis

America is in a mental health crisis — and it's costing employers big. 

During my 30+ year career in the healthcare industry, specifically working with employers looking to do right by their people, I've never heard of more organizations claiming to care about employee wellness than they do today. Yet, our country's approach to offering mental health services, a critical part of overall health, is still lacking. The need for high-quality, affordable and accessible solutions is greater than ever. 

One in five Americans currently experiences mental illness. In addition to affecting their personal lives, it also can wreak havoc on their professional lives and our businesses, too.

Employers lose $300 billion annually due to their employees experiencing mental-health-related issues. Losses can be from decreased productivity, absenteeism, medical and disability expenses and employees quitting. A recent survey shows that one in four people have quit their jobs for the sake of their mental health; it can cost a company nearly two times an employee's salary when they quit. Poor mental health can lead to an increase in physical issues, including chronic disease. Sixty-eight percent of adults with mental illness also have at least one chronic physical illness.

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Fortunately, the most common mental health ailments, like mild to moderate anxiety and depression, are very treatable with medication and therapy. Still, only half of those experiencing mental health issues are receiving treatment. Non-traditional solutions offered by employers have the potential to change this.  

Why people don't seek mental health treatment
There's a shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists in the U.S. By 2025, it's estimated that that number will be over 15,000. Those lucky enough to find help may have a hard time paying for it. The Affordable Care Act mandates that employer-sponsored health insurance plans cover mental health care, but there's often a lack of in-network clinicians and long wait times for appointments. Many mental health clinicians don't even accept insurance and may charge $150 or more per session.

For people who do have healthcare insurance, there is another option: primary care providers can diagnose and treat the most common mental health issues. In fact, two-thirds of patients with depression already receive treatment from their primary care providers.

Read more: Excellence in HR: Ocean Spray's Susan French is tackling the stigma around mental health

However, even though primary care providers are able to treat mental health conditions, they don't always effectively do so in the in-person setting. People looking for mental health support from a brick-and-mortar primary care doctor tend to have incomplete clinical assessments or are not properly monitored after treatment. Only a small minority of brick-and-mortar practices use empirically-supported measures for follow-up. 

Solutions can start with employers
By understanding the mental health of their population, employers could create ways to better support employees and track everyone's progress, benefiting their companies in the long run.

With employment in the U.S. at an all-time high, more personalized, inclusive alternative solutions are the key to proactively engaging, retaining, and of course, supporting employees.

Looking into virtual solutions outside of what traditional insurance plans offer can help meet employees where they are, and remove the stress or hassle of finding a provider that's affordable, available, and accessible. Virtual care options have been shown to be as effective as in-person care for many and can cost less for both the patients and the employers funding them. The benefit of privacy makes it even more appealing.

Health plans like Surest (formerly Bind) and employers have already incorporated virtual solutions into their offerings for a fraction of the price of traditional in-person providers. This means their members and employees don't need to think twice if they need a mental health provider. Hydrogen Health is one solution that makes it easy for employers to offer remote healthcare solutions to their people.   

Better benefits help retain your people
Half of the people who quit their jobs cite inadequate benefits as one of the reasons. For the health of employees as well as the health of the business, employers need to start thinking "out of the box" about addressing the mental health crisis in America. 

Opening the conversation about mental health is a significant first step. Asking your employees about their mental health might give you insight into what they really need, and also make them more comfortable using the benefits offered to them. 

Read more: How EAPs are turning to technology to support employee mental health

With the rise and acceptance of virtual health care, and many companies offering solutions to easily integrate into wellness benefit offerings, it's easier today than ever to make a difference for your employees, and your bottom line. All you have to do is get on board — or get your boss on board.