Originally published in Life | Health Professional on December 1, 2017 by David Keelaghan
Manulife plan members suffering from a mental illness will now be able to access digital therapy from their own home. The insurance giant has launched five pilot programs tasked with delivering faster treatment in mental health and musculoskeletal disorders. Those two areas make up more than half of total disability claims for Manulife in Canada (30% mental health – 28% musculoskeletal) and are a major drain on workplace productivity.
...
Commenting on the launch, Cori Lawson-Roberts, assistant vice-president, National Disability Services at Manulife explained how important it was to act proactively on these illnesses.
“When people are either struggling at work or off work, our goal has always been to get them the right care,” she says. “What’s different about these pilots is that we are allowing employees to receive treatment that is flexible and works for them, like virtual therapy. If they have a smart phone they can receive therapy from the comfort of their own home.”
According to data from the insurer, 70% of disability absence costs are mental health-related, while around one in four Canadians experience depression serious enough to need treatment at some time in their life. It’s a societal issue, and one that needs serious attention, explains Lawson-Roberts.
“Stigma has receded, but where it is still a concern is with the people that are suffering,” she says. “If you are someone with a mental health condition, you are going to be concerned about how your co-workers perceive you and how your mental health will impact your career progression.”
Another issue is Canada’s notoriously long waiting times for certain illnesses, depression being one. Manulife says typical wait times for mental health counselling and therapy is six months to one year, making the digital option look pretty appealing in comparison.
“Digital therapy is new to Canada and this platform is one of a kind,” Lawson-Roberts. “It is very much return-to-work based; that may sound basic, but it is powerful when you are receiving therapy to have a goal. That goal is getting your life back on track and returning to work.”