The support we offer
Our group health insurance plans offer an array of different mental health supports to plan members and their dependents. These benefits work together, allowing insureds to get the care that's right for them.
Mental health professionals
Plan members who are covered by our extended healthcare benefit can seek care from different types of mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, psychotherapist, etc. Certain mental health workshops and courses are also covered through this benefit, like the self-management workshops offered by Relief.
Treatment programs and centres
For plan members who require an inpatient or outpatient care plan, expenses in a recognized centre are covered for the treatment of:
- Substance abuse
- Behavioral addictions
- Eating disorders
Employee and Manager assistance programs
Being able to talk about your challenges with a professional can make all the difference in the world, so our assistance programs offer support and peace of mind.
- Our optional Employee Assistance Program includes 12 hours of mental health support per family, per policy year, by phone, virtually or in person. It provides everything from mental health support and relationship counselling to legal and financial assistance.
- Our Manager Assistance Program is included with Long-Term Disability Insurance. It includes all of the above services, and it also includes HR assistance for company issues and crisis management. It also gives managers a tool to help their employees by referring them to the Employee Assistance Program so they can get professional support.
Health is Cool 360˚
Health Is Cool 360 is an online portal included with Long-Term Disability Insurance where plan members can find a library of helpful health information in easy-to-understand language. The platform includes an overall health questionnaire plan members can use to assess their wellness. It also includes four mini mental health questionnaires that can help identify risks to mental health and offer solutions. Also included is a navigational directory that helps locate healthcare professionals such as physicians, mental health providers, community organizations and support groups.
Second Medical Opinion – mental health
This program provides access to a valuable second opinion from a world-class network of medical experts to individuals with a critical or life-threatening illness. It has now been extended to provide a second opinion for serious mental health diagnoses. The program can be helpful in cases where the diagnosis and/or treatment requires further clarification.
Virtual healthcare
Virtual healthcare provides access to nurse practitioners specialized in front-line care or mental health, and doctors anytime, anywhere. If plan members or their families are experiencing mental health issues, they can connect immediately with a healthcare professional via encrypted text or video chat, right from their smartphone, desktop or tablet. For milder cases, such as mild anxiety disorder, they may receive a treatment plan and other suitable supports.
Disability management
We take a holistic approach to disability management that always puts people first. Throughout the process, we provide the employee with stability and reassurance by ensuring that they can rely on a dedicated specialist. Claims are handled from start to finish by a single point of connection who develops a relationship with the employee. This specialist is there to provide support until the employee is able to get back to work—and beyond, if necessary for both short- and long-term leaves. They become someone the employee can depend on. For people with a mental health-related disability, this can really make a difference. Our specialists receive mental health training, have an extensive mental health toolbox and can refer plan members to solutions that can help them successfully return to health and to work.
Health PACT
Health PACT is a preventative health coaching program that provides plan members with assistance and counselling by telephone. This program is designed to provide support through various types of chronic disease, mental health, addictions and sexual, reproductive and gender-affirming health goals. It helps employees make lifestyle improvements to areas such as exercise, sleep and diet, so they can take control of and manage mental health symptoms that are affecting their day-to-day lives.
Just a few of the tools used by our disability management team
Internet-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (iCBT) iCBT is an all-digital approach to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It's a type of short-term therapy that offers quick and effective results in the treatment of the common issues such as depression, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorders, phobias, insomnia and eating disorders, without the use of drug therapies. With iCBT, treatment is available 24/7 through a digital platform that allows people to engage with their therapy wherever and whenever they feel comfortable.
Pharmacogenetic testing
Pharmacogenetic tests for people who are prescribed medication helps to minimize the trial-and-error often required to find the right medication and dosage. This tool is particularly helpful when it comes to identifying the right medication for mental health conditions. These tests look at a person's genetic makeup to see how they may respond medications for certain medical conditions
Health spending account and wellness account*
Our customizable health spending account is an excellent complement to a group insurance plan that covers health and dental care. For even greater flexibility, we also offer a wellness account, which employees can use to pay for activities and services related to their well-being. It's a great way to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Mental Health Focus isn’t one specific type of coverage—it’s a combination of complementary treatments, products and services available through different benefits to provide insureds with better coverage. Depending on which treatments, products and services you choose to cover, additional costs may apply.
If you’re interested in enhancing your group insurance plan’s mental health coverage, or to find out which benefits are available with your plan, please contact your benefits advisor.
*Wellness accounts are available exclusively to groups with a minimum of 50 plan members.
Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company.