Mental health has become an essential part of overall well-being, with more people seeking behavioral health services than ever before. Despite this rising demand, a recent report reveals a gap between the behavioral health benefits employers invest in and what consumers actually want and need. Addressing this disconnect is crucial, and one promising approach gaining momentum is whole-person care in behavioral health.
The findings come from a detailed survey conducted by Evernorth, a division of Cigna, in partnership with polling company Ipsos. They surveyed over 3,000 consumers with employer-sponsored insurance, 575 human resources decision-makers (HRDMs), and 58 health plan leaders (HPLs). The survey revealed that while mental health is top of mind, employers and employees aren’t always on the same page about how best to support it.
The Gap Between Consumer Needs and Employer Benefits
More than half of consumers (52%) said that promoting work-life balance should be the primary support benefit from their employers to improve behavioral health. However, only 25% of HRDMs and 12% of health plan leaders indicated that their organizations actually provide this. This disconnect reflects a broader issue where employers’ behavioral health investments may not fully align with employee expectations.
Satisfaction levels with behavioral health benefits also show a split. Though 66% of consumers say they are satisfied with the behavioral health support they receive from their employers, only 21% describe themselves as “very satisfied,” and 17% say they are dissatisfied. This points to a need for more comprehensive, effective approaches that truly meet employee needs.
Why Whole-Person Care in Behavioral Health Is Gaining Traction
Enter whole-person care in behavioral health—an approach that integrates behavioral health services with primary care to treat the individual as a whole rather than fragmented parts. This model recognizes the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical health, aiming to provide coordinated, comprehensive care.
The report highlights that 53% of consumers agree employers should offer benefits focused on whole-person health. Nearly a quarter of HRDMs expect their organizations to shift priorities toward these integrated wellness needs. This growing interest signals a shift toward solutions that go beyond isolated mental health programs.
Research supports the value of whole-person care in behavioral health not only for improving patient outcomes but also for reducing healthcare costs. McKinsey & Company estimates that widespread adoption of whole-person care could save the U.S. healthcare system $185 billion annually by lowering hospital admissions and improving chronic disease management through integrated services.
By adopting whole-person care in behavioral health, employers can better align benefits with employee desires, fostering higher satisfaction and healthier workforces.
The Role of Hybrid Care Models in Supporting Whole-Person Care
In addition to integration across health domains, consumers are calling for hybrid care models that blend virtual and in-person services. The survey found 75% of consumers believe future care will increasingly rely on virtual delivery. Behavioral health, in particular, is well suited to telehealth, with digital mental health services projected to grow to an $800 billion market by 2027.
Telebehavioral health has already shown its effectiveness and popularity, representing the largest category of telehealth claims in recent years. The Evernorth/Ipsos report emphasizes that while behavioral health and primary care are ideal for virtual delivery, other services like physical therapy require in-person visits. This mix underscores the need for hybrid models that combine the convenience of telehealth with necessary face-to-face care.
These hybrid solutions complement whole-person care in behavioral health by offering flexible, patient-centered access across different care settings. Together, they represent the future of behavioral health—accessible, integrated, and tailored to individual needs.
Bridging the Gap Between Consumers and Employers
The disconnect between employee expectations and employer offerings in behavioral health is clear. But by prioritizing whole-person care in behavioral health and adopting hybrid delivery models, organizations can close this gap. Such approaches meet consumers where they are, offering more meaningful support and improving health outcomes.
In today’s competitive work environment, investing in comprehensive behavioral health benefits isn’t just a health imperative—it’s a business strategy. Satisfied, healthy employees are more productive and engaged, making whole-person care in behavioral health a win-win for everyone.
Conclusion
The Evernorth/Ipsos report sheds light on a critical opportunity for employers, health plans, and providers. Aligning benefits with consumer demand through whole-person care in behavioral health and hybrid care models will help build a more resilient, satisfied workforce while controlling costs. As mental health continues to gain recognition as a fundamental pillar of overall health, embracing these approaches will define the future of behavioral health support.
If you want help implementing whole-person care in behavioral health strategies or understanding hybrid care solutions, just let me know!
