Breaking Barriers: Increasing Employee Utlization of Mental Health Benefits
Posted: October 14, 2025
Over the past several years, mental health in the United States has steadily declined. Growing concerns about this issue have increased the pressure on employers to provide stronger mental health benefits. Although many organizations have expanded their mental health offerings, utilization among employees remains low. When these resources go unused, employees who could benefit miss out on vital support, and employers face potential downsides such as reduced well-being, lower morale, declining productivity, more frequent absences, and higher turnover.
To improve utilization, employers must first understand the barriers preventing employees from accessing mental health benefits. Common challenges include:
- Lack of communication – Many employees are simply unaware of the resources their workplace provides.
- Limited education – Workers may not have adequate information about how to access available benefits.
- Time constraints – Some employees don’t set aside time to learn about their options.
- Mental health stigma – Ongoing stigma may discourage individuals from seeking help.
- Cost concerns – Employees may be uncertain about expenses, unaware of discounted or free resources, or discouraged by deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. Some also lack clarity on what their plans cover.
Simply offering benefits is not enough to address these barriers. Employers can encourage greater use of mental health resources through strategies such as:
- Training managers – Managers often serve as the first point of contact for employees. By equipping them with knowledge of available benefits, they can promote resources, answer questions, and normalize their use.
- Educating employees regularly – Mental health benefits should be communicated throughout the year, not just during open enrollment. Multi-channel communication, including emails, newsletters, and meetings, can raise awareness.
- Fostering a supportive culture – Promoting open conversations around mental health and encouraging use of available resources can reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment.
- Clarifying access – Clear guidance on how to use benefits can make employees more comfortable seeking care.
- Gathering employee feedback – Anonymous surveys allow employers to learn which benefits employees value most and make adjustments accordingly. Communicating any resulting changes helps employees feel heard.
Although the availability of mental health benefits has grown in recent years, significant barriers still limit employee engagement with these resources. By addressing obstacles directly and implementing supportive strategies, employers can boost utilization, improve employee well-being, strengthen engagement, and enhance organizational outcomes.
