The state of mental health in the United States presents a concerning picture, with 20% of adults experiencing a mental illness annually, as reported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Anxiety disorders emerge as particularly prevalent, yet the gap between those needing care and those receiving it remains wide. In 2021, just 42% of adults with mental illness accessed treatment, and 10.6% had no insurance coverage at all. The average delay in seeking help spans a shocking 11 years from the onset of symptoms.

This delay and reluctance to seek help are particularly detrimental in the workplace, potentially affecting productivity and overall employee well-being. When employees are suffering from mental illness, they often are less able to concentrate, multi-task, meet deadlines, or maintain good relationships with colleagues or clients. Employees struggling with their mental health may begin to lack confidence in themselves and question their performance.

The reasons for avoiding treatment, identified by Sapien Labs in the Mental Health Million Project, resonate deeply within the professional context: skepticism toward the mental health system, unawareness of where to seek help, a preference for self-help, financial barriers, and stigma. This often creates an unfortunate cycle where employees’ fear of judgment or inability to access help worsens their performance, which in turn worsens their condition.

Misinformation about mental health significantly contributes to silence around these issues in the workplace. Many employees believe that admitting to mental health struggles signifies weakness, fearing judgment from peers or repercussions in their career trajectories. Only one in five employees say they are completely comfortable discussing their mental health with their colleagues.

This is compounded by financial concerns. Approximately 45% of mental health practitioners do not accept health insurance, but 40% of Americans say they cannot afford to pay unexpected healthcare costs above $1,000 annually. Considering that, on average, the cost of individual out-of-pocket therapy is $100-200 per session, many Americans are looking at an impossible choice between financial woes and mental health support.

Moreover, over half of the U.S. population resides in areas that have been deemed Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas, making access to care even more challenging. This scarcity is acutely felt in workplace settings, where the demand for mental health services often outstrips the availability of on-site or insurance-covered support options.

In this context, the digital domain offers a source of hope, presenting innovative solutions to these pervasive barriers. Digital mental health platforms, exemplified by applications like Ania Wysocka’s Rootd, show how technology can democratize access to mental health support. These platforms have significant implications for workplace health, providing employees with immediate, accessible, and private support.

“Today’s workplace is characterized by the unique challenges of remote work isolation and constant connectivity, making access to mental health resources more crucial than ever before,” Wysocka explain. “Digital platforms ensure that employees have immediate access to essential tools for self-care and managing stress.”

Digital tools in mental health are not just about offering a band-aid solution. They represent an essential shift toward continuous engagement with mental wellness in the workplace. Applications designed for mental health support can be used discreetly by employees, offering strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. These tools can complement existing workplace wellness programs or traditional mental health services like therapy and medication or be used on their own.

The features of digital mental health applications—ranging from relaxation exercises to guided lessons on managing anxiety—are particularly suited to the needs of the modern workforce. They embody a proactive approach to mental health, encouraging employees to build resilience and develop coping strategies that benefit their long-term well-being.

The integration of digital mental health tools into workplace wellness programs marks a critical step toward addressing the mental health care gap. “Embracing digital mental health tools is a simple and affordable yet impactful action employers can take to support their workforce while simultaneously enhancing productivity, employee engagement, and personal and professional growth,” Wysocka says.

Going forward, the collaboration between mental health professionals, digital innovators, and business leaders will be key in harnessing the full potential of digital tools for workplace wellness. This partnership can pave the way for a work environment where mental well-being is accessible, supported, and prioritized, ensuring that all employees have the resources they need to thrive both in and out of the workplace.

Ania Wysocka, Founder of Rootd

Ania experienced her first panic attack in her 4th year of University, and has not stopped fighting to help others avoid or overcome similar situations since. Ania is responsible for founding Rootd, designing and creating all of the app’s content, and leading the business. Her unique combination of graphic design skills and subject matter exertise provide Rootd with its unmistakable personality, and unreplicable differentiation from competitors.