When employees decide to seek help for life’s challenges through their Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”), accessibility and convenience become crucial factors in whether they follow through. Traditional barriers—including scheduling difficulties, travel constraints and privacy concerns—often prevent people from accessing the support they need.

Magellan Healthcare’s EAP provides five different ways to access counseling: in-person, video, phone, text messaging and live chat.

This multi-modal strategy recognizes people with different comfort levels, scheduling constraints, geographic limitations and communication preferences when seeking help. By meeting individuals where they are—whether they prefer the personal connection of face-to-face sessions, the convenience of video calls or the immediate back-and-forth of live chat—organizations help remove critical barriers to entry for EAP services.

This flexibility increases initial engagement and improves ongoing participation, as individuals can seamlessly transition between modalities as their needs evolve or circumstances change. The result is an inclusive, accessible mental health support ecosystem that serves employees and their families more effectively, ultimately leading to better individual outcomes and greater value for the organization.

Offering multiple counseling modalities delivers several key business benefits:

• Increased utilization rates: When employees can access services on their terms, program participation rises by an average of 31% (Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 2023)
• Reduced barriers to entry: 67% of employees who would not pursue traditional therapy report a willingness to use digital mental health services (Harvard Business Review, 2024).
• Enhanced productivity: Access to appropriate mental health support can recover up to 27 productive workdays per employee annually (American Psychological Association, 2024)

For organizations EAP support is not just a benefit—it is a strategic investment with measurable returns. By offering multiple pathways to mental wellness, employers demonstrate commitment to their workforce while protecting their bottom line.

Magellan Healthcare focuses on connecting employees and their families to services that are accessible, responsive and holistic—and helping businesses build the healthy, engaged workforce they need to thrive.

Ready to learn how comprehensive mental health support can benefit your organization? Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/Employers.

In today’s workplace environment, employee mental health has emerged as a critical factor affecting organizational performance and success. Digital mental health platforms are increasingly being adopted as effective tools to support employee wellbeing while simultaneously improving business outcomes. Magellan Healthcare’s Digital Emotional Wellbeing Program, powered by NeuroFlow, is a core component of our Employee Assistance Program and a strategic solution that transforms mental health support from a cost center into a productivity driver.

Understanding the Business Impact of Mental Health Challenges

Recent research has revealed the significant economic implications of mental health issues in the workplace:

• The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion annually in lost productivity (2022)
• Employees working while struggling mentally (presenteeism) experience an average 8% productivity decline (Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2023)
• Healthcare costs for employees with untreated mental health conditions are typically 20% higher (Milliman Research Report, 2020)
• Employee turnover related to burnout and mental health issues costs organizations an estimated $3,000 per employee annually (SHRM/Kronos Study, 2021)

How Digital Mental Health Solutions Are Addressing These Challenges Head-On

Modern digital mental health solutions deliver value across multiple dimensions:

1. Healthcare Cost Reduction – Digital tools that help employees track mood, sleep patterns and pain levels while building coping skills can identify mental health concerns before they escalate. The American Journal of Managed Care has found that early digital interventions can reduce overall healthcare costs by 15-23%.
2. Productivity Improvements – Access to evidence-based relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and stress management tools directly translates to improved performance and reduced absenteeism. A 2023 Deloitte analysis revealed that companies investing in digital mental health resources saw a $4.20 return for every dollar spent through productivity enhancements.
3. Talent Attraction and Retention Benefits – In today’s competitive labor market, organizations that demonstrate commitment to employee wellbeing gain an edge in recruiting and retaining valuable talent. According to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report, 61% of employees consider mental health benefits “very important” when evaluating job opportunities.
4. Privacy and Accessibility Considerations – Effective digital mental health platforms should be HIPAA-compliant and accessible via multiple channels, ensuring all employees can benefit regardless of technology access. Strong confidentiality measures should protect sensitive health information while still providing organizational leaders with anonymized, aggregate insights.

A Strategic Business Decision

Mental health initiatives aren’t simply about compliance or expanding employee benefits—they represent strategic investments that directly impact operational excellence, innovation capacity and organizational resilience.

Investing in digital emotional wellbeing empowers employees to manage stress, build resilience and improve overall mental health—leading to a healthier, more productive workforce. Magellan Healthcare’s Digital Emotional Wellbeing Program, powered by NeuroFlow, offers accessible, evidence-based tools such as digital cognitive behavioral therapy (DCBT), mindfulness techniques and behavior tracking to support employees anytime, anywhere.

With proactive engagement features like gamification, rewards and automated check-ins, employees stay actively involved in their wellbeing journey. Employers also benefit from enterprise-level reporting that highlights workforce wellbeing trends while maintaining confidentiality. Prioritizing emotional wellbeing not only enhances workplace culture but also drives long-term business success.

By implementing comprehensive digital mental health solutions, organizations aren’t just supporting employee wellbeing—they’re making evidence-based investments in their company’s performance and long-term success.

Learn more about Magellan Employer Solutions.

Sources:

• World Health Organization. (2022). Mental Health and Work: Impact, Issues and Good Practices.
• Hemp, P. (2023). “Presenteeism: At Work—But Out of It.” Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 65(3), 252-263.
• Milliman Research Report. (2020). “How do individuals with behavioral health conditions contribute to physical healthcare costs?”
• Society for Human Resource Management & Kronos. (2021). “Employee Burnout: Causes and Cures.”
• Mordecai, D., et al. (2021). “Digital Mental Health Interventions: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.” American Journal of Managed Care, 27(5), 196-203.
• Deloitte UK. (2023). “Mental health and employers: The case for investment – pandemic and beyond.”
• Gallup. (2023). “State of the Global Workplace: 2023 Report.”

Employees spend a significant amount of time at work. When they struggle with personal or professional challenges, their performance, engagement and overall wellbeing can suffer, directly impacting an organization’s success. Organizations that provide counseling services can create a more resilient, productive and healthy workplace.

The business case for employee counseling

When employees have access to mental health support, organizations typically experience:

• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.
• Improved workplace productivity.
• Enhanced employee retention.
• Stronger team dynamics.
• Lower healthcare costs.
• Increased employee engagement.
• Better workplace morale.

Counseling can transform lives

Counseling services, such as those provided by Magellan Healthcare, offer employees practical support, education and guidance on various issues. Common challenges include work-related stress and burnout, anxiety and depression, team conflicts, relationship issues, work-life balance struggles, family and parenting difficulties, grief and loss, substance use concerns and sleep problems impacting productivity.

Flexible solutions for today’s workplace

Counseling helps individuals understand challenging issues, learn more about themselves, learn more about how to develop and maintain healthy relationships, develop better coping skills and work toward meaningful solutions. It is essential to offer a variety of convenient formats. Magellan Healthcare’s counseling services are available in-person (i.e., in the client’s local area) or through virtual therapy (provided by BetterHelp) and can be accessed in the following formats:

• Live video sessions – times are scheduled with therapists, and include voice and video.
• Text messaging – therapists provide feedback, insights and guidance based on client messages submitted.
• Live chat – provides the convenience and privacy of messaging but in a “live” interaction that allows instant response and feedback from counselors.
• Live phone sessions – times are scheduled between members and counselors to talk about issues needing attention.

This flexibility ensures that employees can access support without disrupting their work schedules or compromising their privacy.

The path forward

Investing in employee mental health through counseling services demonstrates a commitment to workforce wellbeing. At Magellan Healthcare, we support employees and their household members by providing access to counseling that helps maintain mental health, manage work-related challenges and perform at their best.

Learn more about Magellan Employer Solutions.

On January 21, 2025, Dr. Annetta Davenport, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor, led an engaging 15-minute webinar designed to help participants restore balance and boost their overall wellbeing. This dynamic session, titled Reset Your Energy, offered practical insights into the importance of mental wellbeing, actionable strategies to improve outlook and simple techniques to rediscover positivity in daily life.

Whether you joined us live or are catching up now, this recap will highlight key takeaways from the session, empowering you to regain focus and approach each day with renewed energy and a positive mindset. Let’s dive into how small changes can lead to big transformations!

What is mental wellbeing and why does it matter?

Mental wellbeing is our sense of being present at any moment and is essential for thriving, not just surviving. Thriving supports growth, allowing us to expand our potential, adapt to change and live a meaningful life. Positive feelings like happiness, contentment and hope help us flourish, even when circumstances are challenging. Experts identify three components of mental wellbeing: emotional (our feelings and ability to manage them), psychological (values, sense of self and cognitive functioning), and social (our connections, relationships and sense of belonging). To nurture wellbeing, we can focus on nutrition, quality sleep and mental stimulation to support brain health while choosing positive approaches to challenges.

What are some ways to improve mental wellbeing and build resilience?

To enhance mental wellbeing, it is important to create a plan tailored to you. Start by monitoring your emotions, identifying patterns over time and expanding your emotional vocabulary to better understand your feelings. Next, prioritize regular social engagement—whether one-on-one or in groups—and focus on meaningful interactions by asking open-ended questions to deepen connections. Finally, support brain health through physical activities, mental exercises like puzzles or memory games and other practices that strengthen cognitive functioning. A deliberate approach to emotional awareness, social connection and mental stimulation can foster a balanced and thriving sense of well-being.

As we start a new year, many of us may feel the post-holiday slump or the “winter blues.” What are some simple strategies and techniques to help boost productivity and recharge during this time?

To combat the post-holiday slump or winter blues, one effective technique is using “I statements” to express emotions constructively. For example, saying, “I feel sad about missing the recital, but could you videotape it for me?” shares feelings, identifies their cause and invites social connection for support. Another approach is to focus on what’s working rather than dwelling on challenges. Redirect your energy to solutions and maintain a positive outlook by appreciating the resources and opportunities you already have. By shifting your mindset and engaging others, you can stay motivated and resilient.

What do you do when your natural disposition is that the glass is half empty?

If you tend to see the glass as half empty, forcing positivity isn’t the answer. Instead, start by acknowledging that your feelings are valid – it’s perfectly okay not to be naturally optimistic. Consider working with a counselor who can help you explore these feelings and develop strategies that feel authentic to you. A counselor can help you build skills to manage negative thoughts without pretending they do not exist. Small steps, like simply noticing one neutral thing each day (not even positive, just neutral), can be more helpful than trying to flip a switch to positivity. The goal is not to become a different person or to suddenly become optimistic – it is to develop tools that work for you while honoring who you are.

If you missed the Magellan Minute, listen to the recording here.

At a time when workplace distraction and stress have never been a greater impediment to productivity, it would be ideal to have a resource that could help employees deal with specific issues that may be holding them back in work or personal areas.

Magellan’s Wellbeing Coaching targets problem areas for employees and helps them achieve resolutions that clear the way for improved performance.

Workplace inattention

60% of employees can’t go 30 minutes without getting distracted (Fortune 2024) and employees lose over 5 work hours per week thinking about stressors (American Psychological Association).

What is Wellbeing Coaching?

This service, part of Magellan’s Employee Assistance Solution, helps employees and their family members focus on and manage challenging issues, build their resilience and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Each Magellan Wellbeing Coach is a board certified coach (BCC) through Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), and receive continual training and supervision to improve their skills and areas of expertise.

How does it work?

In confidential sessions conducted by phone or video, Wellbeing Coaches engage employees by listening and using motivational interviewing to help them clarify their goals and objectives, identify their relevant strengths and recognize potential roadblocks to goal attainment. Coaching sessions are typically 50 minutes long and scheduled based on the employee’s needs, with 30-minute follow up sessions usually once every two weeks.

Wellbeing Coaches assist employees in developing customized plans to achieve their goals via a strengths-based approach, building on the positive inner resources of an individual to make changes. Employees are encouraged to take an active role in managing their wellbeing through making behavioral changes and being accountable for their progress.

Providing a different perspective

We’re often consumed by our own opinions, life experiences and way of thinking. A coach can provide a new and often helpful perspective on things (INLP Center).

How does Wellbeing Coaching benefit employers?

Wellbeing Coaching motivates and empowers employees to take action to feel fulfilled in all aspects of their lives. When they focus on wellbeing in one area, other areas naturally improve, and employees experience increased confidence, engagement and loyalty. This supports a healthier, more present workforce.

Proven results

Magellan Healthcare members report a 96% overall satisfaction rating. The 4.8-out-of-5 rating includes Overall Service Quality, Achieving Goals, Coach Helpfulness, Coach Responsiveness and Resources Provided. These results demonstrate a tangible positive impact for employees and their families.

Learn more about Magellan’s Employer Solutions

Wellness is such a broad and general concept. Most of us, when we think of our own wellness, typically think of our physical health. However, wellness does not mean just being physically fit and healthy or free of disease; it also includes having a purpose in life, being emotionally healthy, having joyful relationships, taking active involvement in your work and relaxation time. Wellness involves the whole human being—the mind, body, and soul. A healthy and happy life is the result of health and balance across all aspects of life.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified eight Dimensions of Wellness that make up our overall health and wellbeing:

1. Emotional—involves the ability to express feelings, adjust to emotional challenges, cope with life’s stressors, and enjoy life. It includes knowing our strengths as well as what we want to get better at.

2. Spiritual—represents an individual’s personal beliefs, values, and what gives them meaning and a sense of purpose, balance, and peace.

3. Intellectual—includes things that keep our brains active; and expand our knowledge, skills, and creativity.

4. Physical—deals with having a healthy body and good health habits: including nutrition, sleep, and exercise.

5. Occupational—involves participating in activities (including employment) that provides meaning, career satisfaction and purpose that reflect our personal values, interests, and beliefs.

6. Financial—cover things like savings, debt, and income, as well as one’s individual understanding of their financial situation and goals and knowledge of strategies to achieve such goals successfully.

7. Environmental—refers to the sense of safety, comfort, and connection with our physical surroundings. It includes access to clean air, food, and water and maintaining the areas where we live, learn, and work.

8. Social—is characterized by our relationships with family, friends, coworkers, and the community. It also includes having an interest in and concern for the needs of others and humankind.

These dimensions are interconnected and mutually codependent. If any one of these dimensions is neglected, over time, it will negatively affect our physical health, emotional and psychological well-being, and lower our overall quality of life. Wellness requires us to engage the body and mind as well as nurture the spirit. Focusing on all eight aspects will help you improve the quality of your life, your health, and potentially even extend your lifespan.

Achieving balance across these various dimensions can sometimes feel like an impossible task. The good news is that we are usually not too far away from support and help. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an essential component of any employee wellness program that is offered by many employers to their employees at no cost. In fact, federal agencies have been required to provide EAPs to their employees since 1986. Your EAP is a great place to start when looking to restore control in your life.

At its core, an EAP is designed to support and uplift the 8 Dimensions of Wellness. Your EAP can offer a variety of resources, services, support, and training for individuals and managers. These often include non-medical counseling, financial and legal services, dependent and senior care services, wellbeing coaching, workplace conflict resolution, substance use treatment services, employee training, and critical incident responses. Part of EAP services is also an online presence that includes self-help programs, blogs, podcasts, articles, interactive tools and recorded webinars. Because of EAP’s range of services, employees’ unique needs can be assessed and effectively prioritized to help them restore balance within the 8 dimensions and take care of their wellness in the way that makes the most sense for the employee.

In closing, the 8 Dimensions of Wellness are interconnected as one dimension builds on another. It is important to nourish all dimensions of our health. When one dimension is neglected, others suffer too. When you thrive in one area, other areas will prosper as well. Imbalances or stressors in any of these dimensions have a direct impact on our mental and physical health and can affect many aspects of our life. To be healthy, happy, and fulfilled, it is important to identify your wellness needs and work towards making sure that they are fulfilled.

References

• The 8 Dimensions of Wellness and Their Impact on Your Health. Modern Psychiatry and Wellness, LLC. https://mpwhealth.com/dimensions-of-wellness-health/
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wellness. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma16-4958.pdf
• Flowers, J. The 8 Dimensions of Wellness. J. Flowers Health Institute. https://jflowershealth.com/8-dimensions-of-wellness/
• 8 Dimensions of Well-Being. Colorado State University Pueblo. 8 Dimensions of Well-Being | Health Education & Prevention | CSU PuebloStanislava Kier

Supporting Mental Health Through Federal EAP

Mental health challenges affect millions of people and veterans are particularly vulnerable due to the unique stresses they endure during their service. From combat exposure to the strains of reintegrating into civilian life, veterans often face complex emotional and psychological hurdles. Many return from active duty with experiences that can manifest as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.

EAP Support for Veterans

It is essential to provide veterans with the support they need to maintain mental well-being, especially within the workplace. Since Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are a mandated benefit for federal employees, promoting EAP access is an ideal starting point. This can be especially beneficial for those transitioning back to civilian life. It is often a complex and emotional process where balancing work responsibilities, family obligations, and personal health can feel overwhelming.

EAP offerings are tailored to meet the diverse needs of veterans, who comprise nearly 30% of the federal workforce. Not only do veterans receive services, but so do their household members, ensuring that the support extends beyond the individual to their family—a vital aspect for those balancing family life with work.

For veterans, EAP services can include:

1. Non-Medical Counseling: Veterans struggling with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or stress can access short-term counseling with licensed professionals. These confidential sessions provide a safe space for veterans to discuss their concerns without fear of judgment or repercussions. For long-term mental health needs, EAP is available to facilitate referrals and connections to behavioral health resources through their medical carrier, community resources, and services designed for veterans.
2. Work-Life Balance Resources: Veterans who manage the pressures of work and family can turn to EAP services for support in finding childcare, elder care, or even home repair services. These resources help reduce the stress of juggling multiple responsibilities, allowing veterans to focus on their work while ensuring their personal lives are in order.
3. Crisis Support: In times of acute stress or crisis, veterans can call on their EAP to access immediate support. Whether it’s managing a family emergency or dealing with a mental health crisis, help is just a phone call away.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is key to managing mental health challenges. For veterans, reaching out to an EAP resource at the first sign of emotional distress can make all the difference in preventing long-term issues. EAPs are designed to be accessible and flexible, offering support before problems escalate. Employers should promote their EAP services, especially with veterans, to help them access a wide range of resources, empowering them to take control of their mental health in a way that fits into their work and life schedules, mitigating issues before they impact work performance.

Conclusion

Veterans bring valuable skills and experience to the federal workforce and need attention and care for their unique mental health challenges. By encouraging veterans to utilize federal EAP services, veterans have access to a range of supportive services and resources that can help them maintain their well-being. Federal EAPs are not just a lifeline—they are a pathway to lasting wellness for veterans and their families that may also improve overall business outcomes.

If you have ever reached out to a therapist or the community for mental health support, you may relate to the frustration that many individuals feel. The healthcare system is experiencing more demands for access to care, and the mental health industry is no different.

Here are some of the common obstacles to getting mental healthcare:

1. Stigma: Fear of judgment can result in individuals choosing not to seek out help.
2. Cost: Even with insurance coverage, deductibles have risen, and paying out of pocket is challenging for many people.
3. Provider shortage: A shortage of mental health providers in many areas leads to longer wait times for appointments. As a result, individuals may give up on looking for a provider after one or more failed attempts.
4. Time and transportation: Getting to and from appointments is often time-consuming, and many cannot afford to take time away from other personal or work responsibilities. In addition to scheduling conflicts, transportation challenges are also often a barrier to seeking help.
5. Mistrust: Having or knowing someone who has had negative experiences with mental health providers (or healthcare in general) can lead to avoidant behavior.

The EAP as a Mental Health Resource

If you are a federal government employee or are employed by one of the millions of private employers who offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you are in luck. Your EAP is here to help you overcome these common obstacles by offering free, convenient, and confidential mental health support.

Magellan Federal partners with 296 federal agencies to offer a comprehensive EAP that includes short- term soluition-focused counseling services. We continuously work with our clients and providers to eliminate the barriers associated with accessing mental healthcare. We collaborate across various teams and contract agreements to provide resources and quick, reliable care. Here’s how we break down the barriers to mental healthcare.

• Referrals are always voluntary and confidential, easing the stigma and fear of coming forward for help.
• EAP provides free counseling sessions with no co-pay or deductible.
• Many EAPs offer a variety of virtual counseling options, which reduce delays in appointment scheduling.
• Employees can often schedule directly with an EAP provider at their convenience, either via the website’s online scheduling links or through a find-help function .
• The Magellan Federal EAP call center answers calls in less than 30 seconds, eliminating the frustration of being transferred or put on hold.
• The call center is staffed with clinical experts who remove any guesswork and connect the caller with appropriate referrals and resources.
• The employer EAP website provides current information and provides reliable resources.
• When requested by a manager, health and wellness presentations are readily available to promote self-awareness and self-care and introduce individuals to available services.
• Virtual counseling sessions reduce transportation and scheduling conflicts. This modality can also decrease the stigma some people may feel if seen walking into a counselor’s office.
• EAP services often promote coping skills, resiliency, and resource use. These skills may lessen or prevent a mental health crisis in the future.

The Magellan Federal EAP eliminates common challenges associated with accessing mental health support and continues to implement new operations that improve care. Consider using your EAP as an alternative to paying out of pocket for quality mental health services. Your well-being—and wallet—will thank you!

Resources

• Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Care in the U.S. | Research and Action Institute (aamcresearchinstitute.org), y Hemangi Modi, former Analyst, AAMC Research and Action Institute; Kendal Orgera, MPH, MPP, Senior Research Analyst, AAMC Research and Action Institute; and Atul Grover, MD, PhD, Executive Director, AAMC Research and Action Institute.
• Study Reveals Lack of Access as Root Cause for Mental Health Crisis in America – National Council for Mental Wellbeing (thenationalcouncil.org), National Council for Wellbeing