Digital Solutions for Employee Mental Health: Landscape Overview, Employer Experiences, & Best Practices

Abstract

Employers are the largest purchaser of health care services1, yet there is minimal research on employer use of digital solutions. This report summarizes qualitative research on the use of digital tools for mental health (MH). Interviews were conducted in the Summer of 2019 with 10 large employers who represent over 1M employees, and 22 mental health vendors. This report describes: • The mental health crisis • The impact on the workplace • The rise of digital tools for mental health • Does digital work? • Research findings: employer perspectives • Research findings: vendor perspectives • Is digital the future for mental health? • Best practices for employer purchasers.

Key Findings A rise in mental health conditions and a lack of access to treatment are top concerns for employers. Benefits teams are interested in digital solutions as a means to increase access and provide multimodal support. Amongst the interviewed group, use of benefits that included a digital component through a smartphone or computer was common. Telemedicine was the most widely used offering; the majority of employers offer employees the opportunity to access video visits with a therapist, psychologist, and/or psychiatrist through their health plan, EAP, a standalone point solution, or an employer-owned on-site clinic. Use of apps that connect users with a coach by text, or provide online, self-guided content were uncommon. Efficacy and return-on-investment of digital offerings was difficult to assess due to low utilization, leading several employers to drop all-digital tools. However, when employees did engage with the tools, reported feedback was positive. Both employers and vendors cited the need for a strategic communications strategy to educate employees and increase adoption of the services. Employers also struggled with evaluating the quality and use case for digital solutions; more work is needed to develop criteria and guidance for benefits managers from trusted sources.