Top Tier Employee Assistance Programs Connect All the Dots

Several years after the pandemic, we are witnessing a troubling surge in behavioral health needs, particularly depression and anxiety, according to the American Psychological Association. Suicide rates remain alarmingly high, with over 48,000 deaths in 2021 and a 2% increase in 2022, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although there was a slight decrease of 3% between 2022 and 2023, the CDC still reports an overdose death rate exceeding 107,000 in 2023, despite significant efforts to reduce opioid prescriptions. The impact on Americans' well-being has been staggering. For employers, the rise in mental health challenges highlights an urgent need for effective workplace solutions like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

At the same time, the stigma surrounding mental health has decreased, a long-awaited victory for the mental health community. This shift in attitude presents both opportunities and challenges. As a network manager of behavioral health services, one of the most pressing issues is providing access to behavioral health clinicians.

During the pandemic, clinicians adapted by offering virtual therapy through platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, just to name a couple. These models proved effective at the time. Psychology Today in July of 2023 reported that studies found comparable outcomes between teletherapy and in-person therapy. Many clients preferred the convenience of virtual therapy, which led to significant growth in the utilization of our digital or virtual services. However, post-pandemic, we have noticed an appreciable shift in requests for services, no longer are most clients seeking virtual therapy. Clients are increasingly requesting in-person therapy, as they report their preference for the personal connection that in-person interactions provide. While virtual services were the preferred choice during the pandemic, most clients now seek in-person counseling. Although our satisfaction surveys show 90% of respondents are “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with both virtual and in-person therapy, many clients believe that therapy is a deeply personal experience best suited to in-person counseling.

Unfortunately, many clinicians have opted to continue offering virtual services due to the reduced overhead costs and the ability to reach a broader client base online. This has created a significant gap, leaving many clients who prefer in-person interactions struggling to find available therapists. EAPs can excel in this area by providing a range of modality options and client navigation services designed to connect individuals with the specific type of care they desire.

It is no surprise that the cost of clinical services has surged in recent years due to supply and demand dynamics. This increase has created significant barriers to treatment for individuals with or without insurance, as out-of-pocket expenses can be prohibitively high. Even those with favorable health insurance plans often face steep specialty copayments. In this context, EAPs provide a crucial, cost-effective alternative — offering short-term counseling at no out-of-pocket cost and helping employees navigate both virtual and in-person therapy options.

EAPs typically offer short-term counseling, usually ranging from 3 to 6 sessions. However, some of our contracts now extend to 24 sessions to address the difficulties clients face in accessing behavioral health treatment. EAPs come with no copay, and many high-quality programs assist clients in navigating options for both virtual and in-person services. They also facilitate direct appointments with qualified, licensed therapists, ensuring excellent client experiences and outcomes.

While short-term counseling can effectively address many behavioral health issues, clients connected through their EAP and needing longer-term support have already established a relationship with a qualified clinician. EAPs are often provided at a lower cost than services received through insurance, and typically cover the entire household. Most often purchased through employers, EAPs help employees navigate complex clinical services and offer, at times, lifesaving support. As behavioral health needs continue to increase, EAPs are one of the most valuable benefits employers can offer. EAPs enhance mental health support by providing convenient access to services, removing obstacles to care, and fostering overall well-being. This not only helps employees manage their personal and professional challenges but also contributes to building a resilient, engaged, and productive workforce. What benefit has a better return on investment?!

To your wellbeing,

Myron Unruh, Chief Operating Officer - MINES and Associates