Bupa has launched Healthy Minds,for corporate customers, which will identify early signs of mental illness, increase early intervention and help employees get back to health faster.
The insurer said the service recognises a lack of integration between Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and clients' health insurance schemes, as well as in response to relatively low take-up rates of existing workplace mental health services and EAPs.
Healthy Minds provides early intervention through an active programme of employee engagement, online self-help programmes and round-the-clock support for those with mild to moderate psychological disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression.
With no need for a GP appointment, employees self-refer to mental health support and an expert assessment at an early stage is designed to ensure they receive the correct treatment quickly.
Dr Sandra Delroy, clinical director, Bupa Mental Health Services, said: "Three quarters of people suffering from common forms of mental illness are not receiving treatment and one in five waits more than a year to access psychological therapies.
"Through Healthy Minds, Bupa is offering its customers a way to tackle this by removing the barriers to treatment and ensure they get the most suitable care as quickly as possible."
Healthy Minds includes:
• Engagement toolkit to promote the service and to encourage uptake
• 24/7 triage service
• Single point of contact for all Bupa Healthy Minds members
• Trained therapists available to make an assessment and to direct members to the most suitable treatment route
• Self-referral - with no need for a GP appointment
• Short-term therapy
• Face-to-face or via the telephone
• Helpline providing:
• Financial, legal, dependent care advice and immediate resolution counselling
• Online self help programmes
• Access to innovative online programmes, including Big White Wall, an online mental wellbeing service providing 24/7 community and peer support
Patrick Watt, corporate director, Bupa Health Funding, said: "Healthy Minds gives line managers the reassurance that their team is receiving the best possible care for recovery. It makes it easy for employees to seek help - and to feel that their mental wellbeing is clearly valued by their company."
