In a recent article for Employee Benefits News, Dr. Cole Barfield, Chief Medical Officer at First Stop Health, explores a challenge many employers continue to face: offering mental health benefits doesn't guarantee employees will use them.
As awareness of mental health needs has grown, employers have expanded access to therapy, EAPs, and digital wellbeing tools. Yet utilization often remains lower than expected. The issue is rarely a lack of need. More often, employees face barriers such as confusion about available resources, uncertainty about when to seek support, concerns about privacy, or difficulty navigating multiple benefit programs.
About First Stop Health
On a mission to deliver affordable, delightful healthcare for all, First Stop Health provides connected, whole-person virtual care to employers 24/7 through app, website, or phone in all 50 states. First Stop Health prioritizes an engaging and easy-to-use experience, setting people on healthier journeys through care at multiple stages. Patients can access a licensed telemedicine doctor in minutes for urgent and on-demand needs and can schedule appointments with experienced providers for mental healthcare, chronic care, and preventive care. First Stop Health’s flexible and turnkey solutions give mid-sized employers an affordable and meaningful benefit for their workforce. First Stop Health has been named one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces from 2022-2025 and has ranked among the fastest-growing private companies for eight consecutive years. We are proud to be recognized as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies.