Not surprisingly, we can expect virtual and tele-behavioral health to play a larger role in employers' mental health strategies. (Photo: Shutterstock)

For months now, we've heard about "flattening the curve"–slowing the number of COVID-19 cases to prevent health care systems from being overwhelmed. Now, we're beginning to hear more about a new curve that will need flattening: the mental health curve. Social distancing and isolation, job losses, illnesses–the complete disruption in Americans' daily lives has taken a heavy toll. And as we attempt to return to a "normal" that will never look like life pre-COVID, the role of mental health resources is going to be crucial.

According to a recent survey from Teledoc, 47% of Americans say their mental health has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (that number rises to 61% among laid off or furloughed workers), but only 27% say their employers are being proactive about providing mental health resources.

Related: COVID-19 is taking a toll on mental health among Americans

"This pandemic has further highlighted the access gaps and need for widespread mental health care. Our providers are hearing a louder voice for mental health support than ever before, particularly in young people," said Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, Teladoc's medical director and vice president of mental health services, Teladoc.

During Mental Health Awareness month, employers should ensure to set aside some time to take a look at their current mental health offerings and bolster their resources to help employees combat COVID-related stress. Not surprisingly, Teledoc expects virtual mental health visits to become a bigger part of employers' mental health strategy in the coming months.

For employers looking to add digital resources to their mental health strategy, the Northeast Business Group, working with One Mind PsyberGuide, has created a new resource, "Digital Tools and Solutions for Mental Health." The guide includes more than two dozen digital health resources employers can employ to meet the needs of their workforce, wherever they're currently working.

"Digital technologies have the potential to revolutionize treatment for mental health conditions," said Dr. Mark Cunningham-Hill, medical director at Northeast Business Group. "We developed this resource guide to arm employers with the information they need to make the right decision for their organization and employees. With the country now in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic, the value of these tools that provide virtual solutions has increased exponentially."

Recognizing the need to address mental health on a larger scale, the Business Group on Health has put together "Addressing Mental Health from a Global and Local Perspective," to help guide HR leaders in creating a plan for their global workers.

"It is often difficult for the corporate office to understand the nuances that take place at the local level," said Kathleen O'Driscoll, Business Group vice president. "These nuances are particularly important for mental health, where misunderstandings and fears are abundant. That's one of the reasons we developed this guide – to provide global organizations with a country framework to address issues like mental health access, quality, cost and stigma that allows for a 'glocal' approach, one in which there is a global strategy that is highly locally relevant."

The guide offers employers examples of tools currently being used by multinational employers, as well as country-specific data on things such as public funding for mental health, information on insurance coverage and treatment options, and an evaluation of health systems' capacity to meet the needs for mental health.

Another resource for employers building their mental health strategy: The Path Forward for Mental Health and Substance Use, an employer group collaborated founded last year to improve mental health, has released new guidance.

"COVID-19 has put unprecedented pressure on a system that already struggled with access and effectiveness of care before the pandemic," said Michael Thompson, president and CEO of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, a member of The Path Forward collaborative. "The need for mental health services caused by the economic disturbance, fear of the virus and social isolation is growing. All stakeholders must double down to ensure we are prepared for the onslaught of need."

In addition to also recommending investment in virtual behavioral health resources, The Path Forward's recommendations include expanding screening for mental health and substance use disorders; integrating behavioral health into primary care; and reimbursing behavioral health care providers equivalently regardless of treatment approach.

These are just a few of the resources available to employers as they begin to overhaul their mental health strategies for a post-COVID world. Given how foreign and unpredictable this new landscape will be, employers will want to keep mental health and well-being strategies top of mind and re-evaluate them on a regular basis to ensure they're meeting the needs of employees.

Read more: 

• What employers can do to address surging mental health issues in the workplace
• Mental health hotlines and websites: Because COVID-19 just makes things worse
• Amid coronavirus pandemic, don't forget about mental health benefits