As concerns around employee mental health increase, innovative digital approaches that employers are adopting to strengthen employees' mental outlook include the following:

Virtual peer support is a digital service that allows individuals who share similar experiences, such as challenges related to mental health or illness, to connect and support each other online. Facilitated through video conferencing, text messaging or other online communication platforms, this may take the form of one-on-one interactions, group sessions or forums. Several companies have sprung up in recent years specifically to address mental health in the workplace, and larger health care payers such as Cigna, Anthem and UnitedHealthcare have started to incorporate virtual mental health support services into their coverage. Recent studies demonstrate virtual peer support strengthens employee mental health.

Virtual second opinions are on the upswing. In medicine, second opinions provide a valuable function: They enable patients and physicians to confirm complex medical diagnoses; they help provide essential peace of mind; and they often result in treatment changes and real savings. Misdiagnosis is more common than you might think. A recent study showed that 1 in 18 people visiting the emergency department are misdiagnosed. Virtual solutions help employees who live in geographically remote areas and might otherwise have limited access to certain sorts of specialists. The best programs also include concierge services do the legwork of collecting records and organizing meetings for employees, reducing the stress that 65% of people report feeling around coordinating their own care.

Virtual coaching to improve mental health and wellness is also expanding access to mental health care on virtual platforms. Many people are troubled with anxiety, depression and stress but may not necessarily require clinical intervention. Mental health coaching tends to occur for shorter time periods than therapy, is less focused on a patient's past, and is more future-oriented.

Instant Insights /

Virtual care for mind and body

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