Dr Emelina Ellis
Chief Clinical Officer, Spectrum.Life
Stephen Costello
CEO and Co-founder, Spectrum.Life
Stuart McGoldrick
Co-founder and Executive Chairman, Spectrum.Life
One way for companies to safeguard their people’s health and wellbeing is through offering digital mental health and wellbeing support, reveals Dr Emelina Ellis, Chief Clinical Officer at digital whole-of-health provider, Spectrum.Life.
Why are digital mental health and wellbeing providers increasingly important for organisations surpassing traditional employee assistance programmes (EAPs)?
Dr Emelina Ellis: Enlightened employers and HR professionals know their people are their most valuable assets. They see the benefits of supporting them with a robust digital, clinically led health and wellbeing service, that’s easily accessible and effective. This can have a significant, positive impact on employees and their families — and the culture and productivity of the organisation. It helps them and their people thrive.
Disconnected and complex processes often hinder employees, students or members from accessing the mental health support they need, and the days of waiting on hold with traditional EAP providers are over. No longer do employees and their families need to navigate frustrating call systems only to spend the first 10 to 20 minutes providing basic information before their concerns are addressed.
The strength of modern digital platforms lies in their flexibility and clinical governance, making mental health support not just reactive but preventative. They allow individuals to seek help early, which ultimately boosts both employee wellbeing and organisational productivity.
How should preventative and clinical care be provided to employees?
Dr Emelina Ellis: In our case, we are a second-generation digital whole-of-health provider that offers employees quick access to the right level of personalised care when they need it. Confidential services can be accessed 24/7 by booking directly through the platform or app, via video, phone line, WhatsApp, SMS or live chat on our platform. Employees can choose a fully qualified, registered and accredited counsellor, accessing support at a time and through a method that best fits their needs.
In every instance, individuals will be connected to a counsellor or psychotherapist who adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and tailored to their needs. By offering this support through various channels, employees can receive help in the most accessible way while maintaining confidentiality. This isn’t just about addressing mental health issues after they’ve surfaced but about offering personalised tools and support tailored to their needs to prevent them before they arise.
What should organisations look for in a digital mental health and wellbeing provider?
Dr Emelina Ellis: A full spectrum of care services that address employees’ mental, physical, financial and legal health. Organisations should also look for complete operational transparency to know how their employees will access the service — and how responsive it will be. The most important aspect of any digital mental health and wellbeing provider is full confidentiality and being clinically led. If this is compromised in any way, it will be a significant barrier to engagement.
Could this type of service be seen as a ‘tick box’ exercise?
Dr Emelina Ellis: Not if organisations select a provider that genuinely supports their employees’ wellbeing and delivers measurable outcomes. The service they offer must be impactful. It’s why we provide data to our clients to show how we have a direct impact on their people’s health and wellbeing — increasing productivity, and reducing presenteeism, absenteeism and stress-related leave.
How should organisations assess a provider?
Dr Emelina Ellis: Find out if a provider’s services are led by The Health and Care Professions Council-registered professionals (HCPC). That’s essential because it means it adheres to the highest standards of clinical care. Also, check if the provider is a member of reputable industry organisations and regulated by relevant bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
EAPs do not have to be registered with the CQC, although we are, and we feel strongly that every provider should be. Finally, ask what the provider is doing to stay effective and relevant at the forefront of emerging clinical practice.
