Insights from Teladoc Health Canada's mental health study
This article was produced in partnership with Teladoc Health Canada.
Post-pandemic, there has been a significant increase in demand for mental health services, and more and more Canadians are looking towards their employers to provide support.
Teladoc Health Canada, a leader in virtual healthcare, recently commissioned a nationwide mental health survey of over 1,600 Canadians, conducted by Modus Research. The survey sought to explore the mental health needs of Canadians, and the persistent challenges faced in accessing help.
Released during Mental Health Awareness Month, the study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health resources and offers a roadmap for employers seeking to effectively support their workforce.
Key finding: 71% of Canadians would remain with employers who fully meet mental health needs
The study revealed that Canadians face difficulties in finding care, have mixed confidence in the quality of mental health care received, and have varied experiences based on age, gender, and income levels. These issues are the main reasons for the gaps Canadians encounter when seeking mental health support.
Unsurprisingly, Canadians may be looking for employers to bridge the gap, with 71% of respondents saying they would be more likely to remain with an employer if they felt fully supported in their mental health needs.
"Our study clearly indicates that while many organizations have made progress in recognizing the importance of mental health, there remains a substantial gap in the actual support provided. Creating an environment where employees feel safe and supported means offering appropriate access to the mental health care they need,” said Joby McKenzie PhD, Managing Director of Teladoc Health Canada.
“We must remember that everyone’s mental health needs are unique, so there won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution. This is why we're working with employers to provide their teams with access to a stepped care approach that meets unique preferences for care. These include virtual mental healthcare with psychologists and therapists, our digital self-help app, an Employee and Family Assistance Program and our Mental Health Navigator which takes a personalized approach to care and helps guide employees through the complex mental health system in Canada," McKenzie added.
Key finding: 78% of Canadians who accessed mental health care found process difficult, and confidence in care is lower than expected
Among those surveyed, a staggering 78% who attempted to access mental health support reported that navigating the healthcare system was “somewhat or very difficult.” Taking a deep dive into confidence in the mental health support available to them, 53% of those surveyed reported that finding a professional who can help them feel better is challenging, and only 28% expressed high confidence in their diagnosis.
Additionally, almost half of the people surveyed (43%) expressed interest in obtaining a second opinion in their treatment plan or diagnosis.
“One of the most concerning findings in this study is that gaps in accessing mental health care still exist despite the lessening stigma around mental health and increased comfort among employees in seeking mental health care from their employers,” noted Dr. Karolina Filipowska, Deputy Medical Director at Teladoc Health Canada. “Mental health significantly impacts productivity and quality of life, making it imperative for employers to simplify access to reliable resources and create a supportive environment.”
Role of virtual care solutions
The study also highlights the growing role of virtual care solutions in bridging the mental health support gap. Virtual care offers a promising solution by providing accessible, flexible, and private support options for employees who might otherwise hesitate to seek help.
“Virtual care is a turning point in the realm of mental healthcare,” adds Dr. Filipowska. “It removes many of the traditional barriers associated with seeking help, such as stigma and accessibility, by offering a convenient, trusted, and confidential way for employees to access the care they need.”
Teladoc Health Canada's study sheds light on the critical need for mental health support in the workplace. Leveraging the insights from this study, employers can guide effective strategies to support employee well-being.
For more information about Teladoc Health Canada and their mental health solutions, visit https://www.teladochealth.ca/expert-care/mental-health/.
