Teladoc Health Launches Employee Assistance Program to Enhance Mental Health Offerings
Teladoc Health, a leading virtual care provider, is introducing a new employee assistance program (EAP) called Wellbound to expand its mental healthcare services. The program will offer online therapy through Teladoc’s direct-to-consumer mental healthcare unit BetterHelp, as well as additional psychiatry and medication management services provided by Teladoc.
In addition to mental health services, Wellbound will also connect users to Teladoc’s other offerings such as primary care and chronic condition management programs. This comprehensive approach aims to address the fragmented benefits experience that many employees face when seeking mental healthcare services.
Employee assistance programs are a common benefit offered by employers to provide short-term counseling and support for employees dealing with mental health or personal issues. Despite the availability of EAPs, they are often underutilized. Many employees are not aware of their options or may be hesitant to seek help due to stigma or other barriers.
Wellbound seeks to address these challenges by offering navigation support and access to additional resources such as legal consultation, financial planning services, and referrals for elder or child care. The program is designed to provide a seamless and comprehensive experience for users seeking mental health support.
Teladoc’s focus on expanding its mental healthcare offerings aligns with its broader business strategy of increasing its services in the virtual healthcare space. The company has recently made acquisitions in the virtual mental health and preventive care sectors, signaling its commitment to enhancing its position in the digital healthcare market.
Wellbound is set to be available to health plan sponsors immediately, with access for users expected to begin in January. Teladoc’s proactive approach to addressing mental health needs through innovative programs like Wellbound reinforces its position as a leader in virtual care and mental healthcare solutions.
