Lyra Health Complex Care Addiction Eating Disorders Suicide

Employers have recognized the charge anxiety, depression and burnout have taken over their workforce with benefits and expanded access to mental health support. But what happens when these resources just aren’t enough?

A quarter of Americans struggle with a mental disorder, according to the National Institute of Mental Disorders, and one in 20 have a serious mental illness. including eating disorders, major depression and anxiety disorders or substance abuse disorders and other addiction problems. Often, treatment for these conditions is difficult to access and afford, making the chance of recovery or proper symptom management an uphill battle.

Virtual mental health care platform Lyra Health is expanding its care services to meet acute mental health needs. Their new initiative, Lyra Complex Care, provides in-depth support and an expanded network of 250 providers so patients can find the right care plan faster.

Read more: Mental health trends and predictions for 2024, according to Lyra

“The mental health care system can be very broken, especially for those who have really high needs,” says Dr. Smita Das, Vice President of Psychiatry and Comprehensive Care at Lyra Health. “Many of my patients have turned to the Internet to find ways to deal with their struggles, which can lead them to go off the grid or go to places that are not of high quality. I wanted to see the pieces of the puzzle of a mentally broken health care system come together for the members most in need.”

Lyra now offers a variety of programs that address complex mental health issues, such as substance abuse, as well as DBT therapy to reduce suicidality and self-harm. Lyra Complex Care will bring these resources together as the “glue” for a patient who is unsure of next steps, Das says. Instead of feeling like their only option is rehab or inpatient treatment, Lyra can guide them to a less disruptive option.

“Often these members will need more than one type of care to help them make their recovery,” she says. “Instead of having to go somewhere that is very expensive or disruptive to their life, Lyra’s clinical professionals can use their knowledge of the member’s specific needs and preferences to research and recommend the best treatment options.”

Chronic need

Das says employers need to understand that acute mental health needs are often chronic and won’t be cured after a period of time. Providing support at every stage is a critical component to ensure employees get the help they need and can support the business as well. Untreated mental illness costs employers $105 billion a year in lost wages, lost productivity and other related costs, according to the Centers for Prevention and Health Services.

Read more: 5 ways employers can support women’s mental health

“That’s something I’ve been hearing from welfare leaders for the last five years – what can we do about it [population]?” says Das. “They are very expensive, not only in terms of dollars and cents for our employers, but also in the level of concern and concern that partners have for these members.”

Most importantly, showing a commitment to mental health can continue to reduce the stigma around seeking help when needed, Das says.

“Employers are blazing a trail and making mental health part of the workplace conversation, but when it comes to more acute needs, we still have more work to do to normalize that,” says Das. “I hope the stigma will go down and there won’t be an extra number to call to access services. It’s all there in the Lyra ecosystem.”

Read more: How Prudential, Walmart, Aflac and PwC are supporting mental health in the workplace

Giving employees more opportunities to take care of their mental health and find care that works for them can lead to better outcomes for everyone, Das says. The ultimate goal is for employees to feel safe and supported.

“This is not a broken arm that can be fixed and then move on. Some people will need constant care and assistance,” says Das. “Ultimately, we want our members and their families to be able to lead the most functional and fulfilling lives possible. These diagnoses can be treated and treated well, especially when this type of coordination is part of the picture.”