Mental Health Treatment: Options, Access & Workplace Support

Individuals suffering from mental health challenges can often see seeking treatment and support as an overwhelming obstacle course filled with anxiety, frustration and stigma. Companies can have a strong and valuable impact by supporting their employees — offering guidance and resources to help them find the best possible line of treatment early on.

1. Types of Mental Health Treatment

Mental health treatment is multifaceted and can range from meditation apps and coaching to therapy and medication. Below are the most common options.

Therapy

The term therapy encompasses a wide range of approaches, including:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): a talking therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns. It focuses on current issues and is effective for depression, anxiety disorders, addictions and more.
• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): psychotherapy for traumatic memories using guided bilateral stimulation (e.g., side-to-side eye movements). Often used for PTSD, anxiety disorders and grief.
• Motivational enhancement therapy / DBT: approaches for overcoming ambivalence about change, especially for substance misuse and risky behaviours. DBT also supports emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Psychodynamic therapy: explores unconscious processes and early-life influences to gain insight into current patterns; useful for depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and trauma.
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT): a short-term therapy (typically 12–16 sessions) focused on improving relationships and social functioning to reduce mood and some anxiety symptoms.

Therapy can be offered one-to-one or in groups (peer groups, family groups, or therapist-led groups) to discuss challenges and develop coping strategies.

Medication

Medications — from antidepressants to antipsychotics — are prescribed by psychiatrists or GPs based on diagnosis. They require careful monitoring for side effects. Note: therapists/psychologists typically do not prescribe medication.

Coaching

Coaching focuses on practical life and work goals rather than clinical treatment — goal-setting, resilience, stress management. It can complement therapy or stand alone, and is delivered individually or in groups.

Other Well-being Practices

Self-help strategies can be effective when practised consistently. Examples include:

• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Journaling
• Regular exercise & yoga
• Breathing exercises

There is no one-size-fits-all for mental health — the right path depends on symptoms, severity, accessibility and personal preference. Early intervention and workplace support play a critical role.

2. Different Ways to Access Treatment

The Importance of Early Intervention in the Workplace

Mental health conditions often develop gradually. Identifying early signs — changes in mood, performance, attendance or engagement — and offering timely support can prevent escalation.

Research by Group Risk Development (GRID) indicates that pre-emptive strategies and timely interventions are highly efficient. According to their January 2025 release, in 2023 nearly 47% of those helped back to work by early interventions were people suffering from mental ill-health.

Yet, only about one-third of employees use their company's mental health support services — highlighting the gap between provision and uptake.

A 2023 PAM Group report found that referring employees to occupational health early can reduce absence by 64%. Companies that implement accessible, private, and easy-to-use support see better morale, lower absenteeism and higher productivity.

Every employee should be aware from day one of the options available to them to seek support.

The Resources — From Informal to Clinical

Below is a progression of workplace resources, ordered from informal peer-based support to clinically backed interventions.

1. Manager: Trained managers can offer initial support or signposting (not professional treatment).
2. Buddy Program: Peer-to-peer support for onboarding and social integration; informal listeners who can flag early signs.
3. Mental Health First Aider: Trained to identify, support and guide people experiencing mental health issues; they provide initial help and signposting.
4. Health Insurance: Employer-provided group health plans that offer private healthcare access and financial protection for medical costs.
5. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Confidential access to professional counsellors and short-term support via external providers (often limited sessions).
6. Digital Mental Health Platforms (DMHP): Scalable, personalised platforms providing self-assessments, online resources, live chat/video therapy with licensed professionals and progress tracking.

3. Cost and Engagement

DMHPs and EAPs are usually free for employees; the employer covers costs. This model is especially helpful for startups and small businesses that cannot offer broad benefits but still want professional support access.

In engagement terms, Digital Mental Health Platforms show 10–20x higher engagement rates than traditional EAPs and standard health insurance — partly due to accessibility, personalisation and user experience.

Insurance is a financial safety net but lacks personalisation, engagement and clear accountability. A comprehensive mental health support ecosystem that spans informal peer support to clinical care provides the best outcomes for employees and employers.

Summary: Mental health needs vary and evolve. Early intervention, clear signposting, accessible services and sustained engagement are critical. Companies that build layered, confidential and easy-to-use support systems foster resilience, reduce absenteeism and protect productivity.