M03: Mental Health Support

(3 points)

INTENT

Increase availability of and access to mental health support services and care. 

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires projects to provide occupants with access to essential mental health services as well as offer supportive accommodations for those living with mental health conditions. 

ISSUE

Obtaining appropriate treatment for mental health conditions remains a global barrier. It is estimated that 76-85% of people in low- and middle-income countries and 30-50% in high-income countries receive no treatment, and those who do receive help often face issues around poor quality care. Compared to other illnesses, those with mental health conditions have longer delays in treatment onset. The median delays for seeking help range from 1–14 years for mood disorders, 3–30 years for anxiety disorders and 6–18 years for substance use disorders. Many complex factors contribute to this gap: inadequate public health and human resources available, a lack of mental health promotion and the stigma associated with mental health conditions. This lack of treatment has enormous public health and economic consequences: individuals with depression miss an average of 4.8 workdays and experience 11.5 days of reduced productivity in a three-month period, and people living with mental health conditions are overall less likely to receive preventive health services (e.g., immunizations, cancer screening, tobacco cessation support) and receive overall lower quality of medical care.

SOLUTIONS

Although it has been shown that treatment for common mental health conditions can be effective up to 80% of the time, only 33% of those who need help seek it. Equitable access to screening, care facilities and mental health services can help mitigate poor mental health outcomes by promoting care utilization, supporting early diagnosis and improving receipt of adequate mental health care. Additionally, enhanced social support and adjustments to the work environment can help enable a  successful return for employees coming back from leave due to a mental health condition.

IMPACT

Evidence suggests that mental health screening can produce cost-effectiveness ratios similar to those of other commonly performed preventive services, such as screening mammography in women older than 50 years of age or treatment of mild to moderate hypertension. Findings from 21 studies assessing the efficacy of corporate health and productivity programs found that Employee Assistance Plans have returns on investment ranging from USD $1.49–$13.00 per dollar spent, with programs supporting mental health showing one of the highest ROIs. By supporting employees in accessing mental health services, workplaces can both reduce costs and enhance employee health and well-being.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Provide Mental Health Screening (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document

For All Spaces

At least one of the following mental health screening options is provided to all eligible employees at no cost:

1. Online or paper self-assessment or screening tool for common mental health conditions addressing, at minimum, stress, depression, anxiety and substance use. Assessment or tool used must be evaluated and approved by a mental health professional, include guidance on interpretation of results and outline next steps for occupants who screen positive or at-risk.

2. Clinical screening for common mental health conditions, addressing, at minimum, depression, anxiety, stress and substance use), followed by directed feedback and clinical referral when appropriate. Screening may be provided either directly through projects or indirectly through health insurance offerings.

Part 2

Provide Mental Health Coverage (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document

For All Spaces

The following requirements are met: 

1. Mental health services are available to all eligible employees at no cost or subsidized by at least 50%, including coverage for the services below, at minimum:
   

   1. Referrals to qualified mental health professionals and support resources. 
   2. Inpatient coverage (e.g., hospitalization).
   3. Outpatient treatment (e.g., therapy, medical management).
   4. Prescription medication coverage that allows for proper use of prescribed medications.
2. Clear information on benefits coverage and how to access care services or community resources is easily and confidentially available (e.g., via a health portal or employee website).
3. Confidential benefits consultation is available for all occupants with a benefits counselor, human resources representative or other benefits support staff.

4. Commitment to mental health parity.
   

Part 3

Provide Workplace Support (1 point)

Verified by Policy Document

For All Spaces

The following are in place for eligible employees: 

1. Use of sick or paid time and adjustment of work schedule for treatment, appointments or other mental health needs.
2. Individualized adjustment of the physical environment to support mental health needs (e.g., moving a workstation to a busier or a quieter area, providing a quiet space for breaks, providing earplugs or headphones, increasing personal space, providing the ability to work from home).
3. Use of short- or long-term leave or disability for mental health needs, with option of:
   1. Phased return to work after returning from leave.
   2. Increased interpersonal support (e.g., manager support with prioritizing and managing workloads, increased frequency of one-on-one check-ins).

1.  

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