MetLife and Lyra Health expand access to workforce mental health solutions

MetLife announced a new initiative to provide employees with access to mental health services as part of their recovery when they file a disability or absence claim.

With only 41% of today’s employees feeling holistically well, according to MetLife’ 21^st Employee Benefit Trends Study, employees are looking to their employer for support. In fact, 80% of employees say their employer has a responsibility for the well-being of their employees and 86% of employers agree. As employees’ expectations continue to rise, access to benefits that support health, financial security and flexibility during claims and absences can help support employees’ needs both at and outside of work.

This collaboration connects eligible employees to Lyra’s global network of more than 28,000 providers through a referral at the beginning of their claim, offering faster access to mental health care that has been clinically demonstrated to improve anxiety and depression symptoms in nearly nine of 10 people. This integrated approach enables employers to provide their employees with access to more comprehensive well-being services during their leave, while also helping employers with the administrative tasks associated with disability claims and mental health resources.

“Disability and absence management services support our customers’ employees during some of the most critical times, protecting and supporting their health during recovery,” said Juliane Kowalski, senior vice president, Group Benefits at MetLife. “Collaborating with Lyra Health is one way we can further support our claimants’ holistic well-being during their claim or absence with available mental health offerings to assist their individual needs throughout their journey.”

As mental health issues like depression have been reported as the leading cause of disability worldwide, access to mental health services – including Lyra Health’s solutions – is demonstrated to reduce medical costs, may improve employee retention, and avoid productivity loss.

“Lyra’s evidence-based mental health care and MetLife’s disability and absence management work in concert to help ensure that people can easily access high quality care when they need it most,” said Sean McBride, chief revenue officer, Lyra Health. “Lyra is proud to work with MetLife on this new and important pathway to care for people in need.”