Supporting Employee Mental Health Summus January 31, 2024

Supporting Employee Mental Health

Supporting Employee Mental Health

In the modern complexity of life, everyone encounters daunting and stressful situations. These challenges range from balancing work and caregiving responsibilities to grappling with the weight of social expectations and economic pressures. These pressures take a toll on mental health. 

Mental health is the most common specialty accessed through virtual care—mental health or substance abuse conditions account for up to 40% of virtual visits in the US.1 At Summus, we use the best aspects of technology to connect humans to other humans in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of belonging and instilling confidence that allows people to thrive. We know that good mental health is fundamental to the ability to enjoy and lead a fulfilling life, and an essential component of overall health. 

To support mental health, we create a culture of mental wellbeing by prioritizing education ensuring people find the right care for their unique needs—both in the short- and long-term. 

Masterclasses with experts for a modern approach to mental wellbeing 

Mental health encompasses a variety of complex emotions and situations, many of which are not diagnosable conditions, but challenges employees face as they live, work, parent and serve as caregivers in today’s society. Summus’ Masterclass series offers employees a chance to connect with experts on a variety of timely topics, including:

  • The use of screens and social media by adolescents
  • The importance of routine and how to develop a sustainable routine
  • Managing ADHD in adults and adolescents
  • Dealing with stress
  • Imposter syndrome

Employees can follow-up for individualized support and the opportunity to connect with an expert. Our experts come from world-renowned academic medical centers, wellness centers, and national organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Lifestyle Medicine focuses on the self-care habits that make a long-term difference

Summus Wellbeing through Lifestyle Medicine is a structured series of sessions with a Lifestyle Medicine, board-certified physician. Lifestyle Medicine focuses on the prevention of illness through lifestyle modifications and self-care. It prevents the on-set, and reduce the symptoms of, mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.2

Using an evidence-based curriculum, the program addresses six core components of overall health and wellbeing:

  • nutrition
  • physical activity
  • restorative sleep
  • stress management
  • avoidance of risky substances
  • social connectedness 

Employees work with their physician to assess their routines, environment, relationships, and personal motivation for change. Together they create a plan with achievable goals that produces long-term, sustainable results. 

Guidance, education, and advocacy for the entire family

It is not enough to simply support an individual employee—everyone in the family, including child and parent dependents can access Summus. Through Summus, employees and their dependents can ask any health question, such as:

  • What is a typical care path for someone diagnosed with a mental health condition?
  • How can I find a therapist for my teenager that is covered by my insurance? 
  • What questions should I ask my provider given I have just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder?
  • Who can help with medication management for mental health?
  • What changes can I make to my lifestyle that can improve my mental health?

At Summus, we provide clinical navigation across the   broad range of mental health challenges—from postpartum depression and pediatric neurodevelopmental concerns to bipolar disorder and substance abuse, delivering a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. We also address the continuum of health conditions—from allergies to migraines and more complex conditions, like ALS and cancer.

Create a clear path to care with mental health navigation support

Employees facing an acute issue, whether a child with behavioral issues, a spouse with addiction, or feelings of depression or anxiety, often feel lost navigating an unfamiliar and confusing system of benefits, providers, and treatment options. They often don’t know where to start or who to turn to for guidance. Through Summus, employees have access to social workers and psychologists who identify the issue and provide expert guidance on next steps. Our physician-led navigation ensures that employees are connected with the right, high quality specialist from the start, reducing false starts and disjointed healthcare experiences.

Personalized provider referrals take the stress out of finding a therapist

For employees that need to establish a relationship with a therapist for ongoing treatment or those needing inpatient support, Summus offers personalized provider referrals. After understanding the employee’s needs and preferences and insurance situation, a Summus Partner provides a list of appropriate therapists or facilities that have availability to see new patients. 

Fast access to the right care for mental health

Summus improves health outcomes by putting leading physicians at the center of every health decision. Better decisions mean better outcomes. Learn more about how we connect your employees to high quality medical expertise for mental health.

  1. kff.org
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8848112/

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