We’re witnessing a paradox within the world of mental health care. While awareness is at an all-time high — and steps are being taken to address the national shortage of providers — the path to that care still feels like an impossible maze for many. Nearly one in four U.S. adults with a mental illness reports not being able to get the treatment they need.¹

This raises a familiar question for benefits leaders: How can we provide meaningful support for employees while contending with the complexities of the health care system?  

Innovative health plans are working to create clarity — clear pathways to mental health care that empower those seeking support. They’re going beyond addressing scarcity to ensure care is truly accessible and personalized.

Investment in mental health coverage is a nearly universal standard among U.S. employers, yet many workers still struggle to understand and navigate their behavioral health benefits.

That gap between availability and understanding has significant consequences. When employees are unclear about what services are covered, where to start seeking help, and how much it will cost, they are more likely to delay or forego the care they need, affecting their emotional well-being and productivity at work.

World Mental Health Day is recognized every October to promote mental health education and advocacy worldwide. This year’s theme, “Mental Health in Emergencies and Catastrophes,” could not be timelier. Over the past decade, studies have shown that experiencing a traumatic event is a major risk factor for the onset of mental health challenges and substance-use conditions. Data show just how high this risk factor is today.

Since October 2023, KGA has experienced a 33% increase in requests for organizational support following a crisis. Within this same time, we have seen a 77% increase in requests for support following a workplace crisis (e.g., violence or accidents in the workplace) and a 300% increase in requests for support following a national or international crisis. These data demonstrate both an increase in frequency of these crises, as well as an increased need for support among employees

Take a look around your workplace. Notice anything different?

Maybe someone who used to be energized and dependable now seems checked out. Maybe Mondays come with a wave of absences. Burnout is quietly spreading. And those sudden resignations? They’re starting to feel like a pattern.