JAMA+ AI Conversations Should Employers Offer Digital Mental Health Programs to Support Workforce Well-Being?
May 29, 2025
Adam Chekroud, founder of Spring Health, and Molly Candon, an economist at the University of Pennsylvania, discuss the vital role of employer-sponsored digital mental health programs. They explore the financial return on investment of these initiatives, emphasizing the increased productivity and well-being they can offer. The conversation highlights the evolution of mental health support post-pandemic and the need for integrated platforms that improve user experience and treatment effectiveness. AI's transformative potential in mental health care delivery also takes center stage.
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Why Mental Health Investment Lags
- Investment in mental health is often hindered by inconsistent evidence and messaging that doesn't resonate with employers.
- Employers seek ROI beyond healthcare savings, including productivity, absenteeism, and retention improvements.
Broad Value of Mental Health Care
- Mental health care value extends beyond mental health to improve physical health outcomes.
- Capturing total cost of care is crucial to demonstrating the true value of mental health programs.
Employers Already Investing in Mental Health
- Nearly all employers invest in some form of behavioral health programs, but engagement remains low.
- The conversation is about how much and which programs deliver the best value, not whether to invest.