Top Trends in Mental Health Benefits: What Employers Need to Know

May 22, 2025

Mental health benefits are an important resource that many employers provide to help employees manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. However, studies indicate that 1 in 4 employees aren't sure whether their company provides these benefits. This suggests you may not be fully informed about the mental health support available in your benefits plan or how to take full advantage of it.

In this article, we will explore common mental health benefits and provide tips on how to get the most out of them.

Common Mental Health Benefits Available to Employees

Organizations offer a variety of mental health resources to support their employees' well-being. These benefits can vary depending on the employer, plan design, and individual enrollment options. Here’s an overview of some common mental health benefits you might find:

Flexible Work Options

Employers often provide flexible working arrangements, such as remote work, adjustable schedules, or compressed workweeks. These options help employees balance their personal and professional lives, reduce stress, and avoid burnout, ultimately supporting better mental health.

Talk Therapy (Counseling/Psychotherapy)

Talk therapy involves meeting with a trained professional to address emotional or mental health concerns. This can be an effective treatment for anxiety, trauma, and other issues. It also teaches healthy coping mechanisms to deal with difficult emotions. Therapy coverage depends on your health insurance plan, but it’s usually included if a doctor says it’s medically needed.

Psychiatric Care

Psychiatric care focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Many insurance plans cover psychiatric services, such as consultations, therapy sessions, and emergency services. The extent of coverage may depend on the plan type and provider, so it’s critical to review your insurance details for specifics.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

EAPs provide support for employees dealing with personal challenges. These programs often include confidential counseling, as well as resources for handling stress, marital issues, substance abuse, and financial problems. The specifics of EAPs can vary by employer.

Sick Leave or Mental Health Days

Sick leave typically refers to paid time off (PTO) you can use if you are not feeling well or need to care for an ill family member. Many employers acknowledge the importance of mental health and include mental health days within the same policy. Reviewing your company's PTO and sick leave policies can help you determine if mental health days are included as part of the benefits.

Wellness Programs

Workplace wellness programs help promote healthy practices. They often include health screenings, smoking cessation support, or nutrition workshops focused on improving overall well-being.

Gym Memberships and Fitness Support

Many employers offer free or discounted gym memberships or access to fitness facilities to promote physical health. Some companies even provide on-site gyms to make staying active more convenient and affordable for employees.

Mental Health First-Aid Training

Some companies offer mental health first-aid training to help employees identify and respond to mental health crises. This training ensures employees have the skills and knowledge to support colleagues in emotional distress, improving overall workplace wellness.

Making the Most of Your Mental Health Benefits

Understanding and using your workplace mental health benefits can greatly impact your well-being. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of the resources available to you:

Set Aside Time to Explore Your Benefits

Ensure your plan includes the resource services required by the ACA and other regulatory standards. It’s crucial that these services are communicated in your plan documents, SBC (Summary of Benefits and Coverage), and plan summaries. Employers should also make sure they are familiar with the available resources and actively communicate this information to employees.

Proactive Support Builds Trust

When employers provide meaningful resources, they show they care about their team. This proactive approach helps build trust and creates a workplace where employees feel valued and supported.

Accessible Resources Create a Sense of Security

Employees feel more secure when they know support is readily available. Whether it's access to mental health tools, financial planning assistance, or career development resources, having these options in place gives people the confidence that their employer has their back.

Thoughtful Benefits Encourage Long-Term Loyalty

When a company invests in resources that meet employee needs, it signals a long-term commitment to their well-being. This strengthens the employee-employer relationship and encourages people to stay and grow with the organization.

Conclusion: Empower Your Mental Health Journey with The CBC Health Insurance Marketplace for Costco Members

Mental health benefits are crucial for your well-being and help you manage life’s challenges. However, having access to those benefits is only one part of the equation. Understanding what’s available to you, how it works, and how to use it when you need it most can make all the difference.

That’s where we come in. At The CBC Health Insurance Marketplace for Costco Members, we help you find a health plan and provide the guidance you need to understand it. If you are ready to feel more confident about your coverage and take full advantage of the mental health resources available to you, reach out to us today. We will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you choose a plan that fits your life and requirements.

Brought to you by the insurance professionals at Custom Benefit Consultants, Inc.

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Employees, Organizational Mission, hybrid work models, remote work models, Connecting with Employees