by Suzanne Casel, RN
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a dedicated time to highlight the importance of emotional, psychological, and social well-being and the vital role that care management plays in helping individuals thrive. At Hines & Associates, we understand that mental health care is health care. That’s why we specialize in comprehensive wellness and preventive solutions that support self-funded health plans, with a strong emphasis on mental and behavioral health. Our tailored approach helps third-party administrators (TPAs), insurance brokers, and fund managers provide meaningful support to the people they serve.
The Mental Health Landscape in America
Mental health challenges are affecting millions of Americans across every age group, income level, and geographic region. The need for awareness, access, and support has never been greater:
Mental Health Challenges Among U.S. Workers
- Prevalence: Approximately 84% of U.S. employees experienced at least one mental health challenge in the past year. (Spill)
- Stress at Work: 80% of employees report feeling stress on the job. (Forbes)
- Burnout: Burnout rates have risen significantly, with 77% of employees experiencing burnout at their current job. (Worldmetrics)
Impact on Job Performance
- Productivity: 56% of American workers report that stress and anxiety impact job performance.(Worldmetrics)
- Absenteeism: Mental health issues contribute to increased absenteeism, with absenteeism due to mental health issues costing American businesses $43 billion per year. (WSJ)
Financial Stress and Mental Health
- Financial Anxiety: 92% of employees are stressed about their finances, which has worsened their mental (72%) and physical (60%) health. (Forbes)
- Healthcare Costs: Nearly half (45%) of American workers reported spending between $500 and $6,000 annually on mental health services. (NFP)
Generational and Demographic Insights
- Younger Workers: Generation Z and Millennials report poorer overall work health scores than other generations, with 71% of Generation Z employees and 59% of Millennials having unhealthy work health scores. (Mental Health America)
- Gender Disparities: In 2023, women took nearly 69% of all mental health-related leaves of absence, with Millennial women accounting for one-third of these leaves. (Forbes)
Workplace Culture and Support
- Comfort Discussing Mental Health: While 74% of full-time employees in the U.S. say it is appropriate to discuss mental health concerns at work, only 58% feel comfortable sharing about their mental health at work. (NAMI)
- Managerial Training: 70% of senior-level employees have not received workplace training about how to talk to their team about mental health. (NAMI)
Economic Impact on Employers
- Cost to Employers: Mental health conditions cost employers more than $100 billion each year.(Worldmetrics)
- Return on Investment: Employers can save $1 to $3 for every dollar invested in mental health programs in the workplace.
The numbers are staggering, but behind each statistic is a person who needs support, guidance, and access to compassionate care.
The Role of Care Management in Self-Funded Health Plans
Self-funded health plans offer organizations the flexibility to design benefits that truly meet the needs of their workforce. However, mental health and substance use require specialized attention. That’s where care management steps in as a powerful solution:
- Cost Control Through Early Intervention: Unaddressed mental health issues often lead to higher medical claims, disability costs, and lost productivity. Evidence shows that proactive care management helps identify issues early, connect individuals with care, and reduce high-cost events like emergency room visits and hospitalizations. (roundstoneinsurance.com)
- Individualized Member Support: Care managers, including registered nurses and trained health coaches, offer personalized, one-on-one support to plan members. They guide individuals through mental health treatment options, provide motivational coaching, and ensure consistent follow-up. This human connection is often the key to improving outcomes.
- Holistic, Coordinated Solutions: Mental health care doesn’t happen in isolation. A quality care management program integrates with other wellness services—like chronic condition management and preventive screenings—to treat the whole person.
- Improved Workplace Productivity: Healthier employees are more productive, engaged, and loyal. Supporting mental well-being leads to better morale and stronger team dynamics, ultimately benefiting the entire organization.
Organizations that integrate a strong behavioral health component into their self-funded plans can not only control healthcare spending, but also cultivate a more resilient, healthier workforce.
Hines & Associates: Your Partner in Mental Health Care Management
At Hines, our mission is to make care more compassionate, coordinated, and effective. We bring decades of experience and a deep commitment to improving mental health outcomes for self-funded populations. Here’s how we make a difference:
- Expert Teams, Personalized Care: Our care management team is composed of registered nurses and certified health coaches who have specialized training in mental and behavioral health. With extensive experience in coordinating effective, patient-centric care, they work directly with members to assess their unique needs, help them set personalized goals, and address any barriers to treatment.
- Prevention-Focused Wellness Programs: We believe prevention is powerful. Our wellness programs educate members, promote early screening for depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, and provide tools to manage stress, sleep, and emotional health.
- Data-Driven, People-Centered: Using robust analytics, we identify at-risk individuals and tailor interventions that align with each organization’s goals. Our solutions are scalable, measurable, and always centered on member experience.
- Specialized Substance Use Support: For members dealing with substance abuse disorders, we offer targeted support that includes care coordination, provider referrals, and ongoing accountability. We help break down the stigma and build a path to recovery.
Whether you’re a TPA looking for added value, a broker seeking quality-driven vendors, or a fund manager aiming to enhance member care, Hines delivers impactful mental health management.
Take Action Today
Mental health is not a luxury—it is a necessity. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, now is the perfect time to re-evaluate how your health plan supports mental and behavioral health.
If you are a third-party administrator, insurance broker, or fund manager, we invite you to discover how Hines & Associates can transform your care strategy. Our comprehensive mental health and substance abuse support services can make a lasting difference in the lives of your members and improve the financial health of your plan.
Reach out to Hines to learn more about our flexible, evidence-based programs. Message sales@hinesassoc.com to connect with our team and start building a healthier future.
Note: The statistics provided are based on the most recent data available from reputable sources, including the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
