Improving Access and Quality of Behavioral Health Services for Healthcare Employees.

Abstract

To describe key features and the initial implementation of an employer-sponsored program designed to increase access to quality mental health treatment for employees of a large healthcare system. Retrospective data were collected on employer's efforts to develop a programmatic solution to address barriers to accessing quality mental health treatment among its employees and on initial program implementation. Data from the initial cohort (N = 1049) of program participants support the use of low threshold digital tools to enhance access to care, the importance of care navigation and a robust curated provider network in matching employees to appropriate care options, and the value of providing online, evidence-based psychotherapy to facilitate high rates of treatment engagement. Findings can help inform employers about approaches to improve access to quality mental health treatment for their employees.