The Mental Health Access Problem Benefits Leaders Need to Solve — And How to Start
Mental health has earned its place at the top of the benefits conversation. Most employers recognize the need. But recognition and access are two different things, and for many employees, the gap between them is wide. For some employers, mental health support means an Employee Assistance Program. EAPs are a valuable part of the benefits ecosystem — they provide short-term counseling, crisis support, and referrals that help employees navigate difficult moments. But most are designed for short-term intervention, not ongoing support. For employees dealing with moderate anxiety or depression who need consistent support over time, an EAP is where the journey begins, not where it ends. The question for benefits leaders is what happens next and whether there's something in place to bridge that gap.