When nearly 30% of employees report a mental health condition, yet many still can’t access the help they need, it’s clear that something’s broken in the system.
A recent survey from the Employee Benefit Research Insititute reveals a critical reality: even insured employees are hitting barriers when trying to access mental healthcare. Whether it’s long wait times, providers who do not accept insurance, or challenges like taking time off work or finding childcare, the result is the same — people aren't getting care when they need it most.
As employers, brokers, and healthcare benefits leaders plan for 2026 and beyond, one thing is clear: It’s time to rethink how we deliver mental health support — and demand more from telehealth and virtual care solutions.
The Problem Isn’t Coverage, It’s Access
Insurance doesn’t guarantee care. In fact, Employee Benefit Research Institute’s report found that employees with diagnosed mental health conditions were twice as likely to struggle with access. That’s a red flag for any employer trying to build an employee benefits strategy that improves wellness, satisfaction, and retention.
When someone reaches out for support and can’t get it? That’s when burnout worsens, absenteeism spikes, and overall productivity takes a hit. Left unaddressed, mental health becomes a major driver of rising healthcare costs — both in claims and human impact.
What Employers Should Expect from Virtual Mental Health Solutions
It’s not enough to offer a mental health benefit. You need to offer one that works — one that your employees actually use and love.
That means choosing a virtual care provider that delivers:
- Fast access to licensed therapists (no 3-week waits)
- No session limits
- Integrated services that connect primary care, therapy, and coaching
- Proactive engagement — not just a portal login
- Outcomes and reporting you can actually track
These are requirements for ROI and cost containment in modern benefit strategies.
Why First Stop Health Is Different
At First Stop Health, we take pride in being a virtual care provider that does more than check a box. We’re built to break access barriers and deliver employee-loved care that drives real results.
Employers trust our Whole Mental Health Solution because:
- We launch in weeks, not months
- We offer performance guarantees based on utilization
- We integrate mental health, primary care, and urgent care into one seamless experience
- We deliver measurable value — for example, one mid-sized employer saved $200K in year one through visit diversion alone.
This isn’t traditional telehealth. It’s virtual care designed for modern workforce needs.
Why It Matters for Your Healthcare Benefits Strategy
Rising healthcare costs. Tough labor markets. New compliance requirements. Leaders are under more pressure than ever to make benefits perform.
And that’s the real opportunity: Virtual mental health solutions can be a strategic lever instead of a check box.
When done right, they support:
- Cost containment
- Improved employee wellness
- Higher satisfaction and retention
- Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism
But only if your virtual care provider delivers on access, outcomes, and ease.
FAQ: Choosing a Virtual Mental Health Solution
Q: How do I know if my current mental health benefit is underperforming?
A: Look at your utilization and feedback data. Low usage, long wait times, or unclear outcomes are signs it may not be delivering value.
Q: What should I ask a virtual care provider before signing?
A: Ask about performance guarantees, session caps, time-to-access, and how they drive engagement (not just availability).
Q: Can I implement virtual mental health mid-year or outside of renewal?
A: Yes. First Stop Health is carrier-agnostic and can launch anytime and within weeks. Read more about the cost of waiting
Ready to Make Mental Health Work for Your Workforce?
Choosing the right virtual care provider is a strategic decision. Let’s partner close the access gap, support employee wellness, and meet your goals for cost containment.
Let’s get started
Let’s talk about how First Stop Health can support your strategy this renewal season.
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