Companies Move to Increase EAPs for Workers’ Mental Health
December 22nd, 2009
Increasing pushes and regulations for companies to include mental health coverage in their medical plans may prove promising for employees across a wide range of industries, but the costs associated with the change are troubling some employers, who hope to reduce rather than expand medical spending. As a result, a growing number of employers are increasing Employee Assistance Programs, or EAPs, which typically link workers with a licensed counselor for a small number of sessions. While many praise the initiatives, others note that EAPs may be inadequate for several kinds of mental health concerns, and may discourage some employees from finding the long-term therapy they need.
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Comments
Well I think employers are doing well by getting professionals to handle the situation and make sure of their employees maintaining good mental health. Also, fun activities and other group dynamics at the work-place would help, according to me.
I don’t think this is sufficient because its like they are outsourcing the mental health upkeep of employess to an external agency with minimal revenue put into the same. There needs to be holistic development of an individual’s mental health and the employer is responsible for this.
What about the fact that company sponsored pushes like this will often give an employee just a few choices of counselors to work with? We all know how important the relationship between client and therapist is, so what happens if they do not get along or click? What is the person who is in need of the mental health care supposed to do then? I think this is definitely a case of a double edged sword. While I know we are all glad to see mental health issues being taken seriously, it is also a case where what the company thinks is best for their employees may not actually be the reality of the situation.
although this sounds pretty good,if not great,i just hope they have a comprehensive care scenario in the program because in a situation wherein there is problem for an individual,he should be able to go back to his designated counselor and get help without his employer’s approval,because bad times come without a notice.
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