How to advocate for better mental health coverage: A step-by-step guide

Ritu Mehrotra, Founder & CEO, United We Care stresses that advocating for better mental health coverage, especially when aiming to provide comprehensive solutions, involves various channels, and leveraging the right resources to create positive change is way more crucial than imagined

Mental healthcare is trending, or, we can say, evolving, and its advocacy at workplaces has gained momentum. The need for comprehensive solutions for mental health is more apparent than ever, given the profound impact it has on overall health.

Advocating for better mental health coverage, especially when aiming to provide comprehensive solutions, involves various channels, and leveraging the right resources to create positive change is way more crucial than imagined.

When we think of it, 970 million + people around the world are living with mental disorders, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common ones. Mental health services like Employee Assistance Programs and benefits at workplaces are only a few measures trying to solve this crisis.

• It is essential and primary to start by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the current mental health coverage landscape: research existing policies, insurance plans, and local regulations to identify gaps and limitations. There are going to be hundreds and thousands of benefits; you need to make a choice on which one suits your needs. After all, effective services provide quality > quantity

• Aligning technology integration for mass accessibility and affordability for mental health and well-being. In the coming times aligning this critical feature will be critical for adoption and more accessibility for mental health and wellness

• Familiarize yourself with mental health parity laws and regulations in your region. Mental health parity ensures that mental health coverage is equal to coverage for physical health conditions. Knowing your rights is crucial for effective advocacy.

• Collaborate with mental health advocacy groups and organizations. Joining forces with like-minded individuals amplifies your voice and creates a collective impact. Share your journey and goals with those who are going to help you achieve them most effectively.

• Back your advocacy with data and statistics that highlight the prevalence and consequences of mental health issues. Demonstrating the economic and societal benefits of improved mental health coverage strengthens your case.

• Collaboration is the key. Engage with employers to advocate for better mental health coverage in workplace insurance plans. Highlight the positive impact on employee productivity, satisfaction, and overall organisational well-being. Drive your decisions with data.

• Utilise online platforms and technology to extend the reach of your advocacy. Technology has advanced to the point where chatbots are binding entire conversations for the user, from providing clinical assessments to helping them on the wellness journey.

• Advocacy is a long-term commitment. Be persistent in your efforts, even if the change takes time. Continue to engage with policymakers, share information, and rally support until tangible improvements in mental health coverage are achieved. Positive reinforcement helps maintain momentum and encourages ongoing advocacy.

By following these steps, individuals can actively contribute to creating a society where mental health is prioritized and comprehensive coverage is accessible to all. As the landscape evolves, persistent advocacy becomes a driving force for transformative change, ensuring that mental health receives the attention and support it deserves.