VitalityHealth has seen the number of people using talking therapy sessions for help with mental health issues rise significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The insurer did not give the number of people using the services but said claims for talking therapy treatment had risen 44% in 2021 compared to 2019.
Women remained more likely than men to seek help, but encouragingly the number of men using these services is increasing, the insurer said.
Women were 69% more likely to use talking therapies services than men on a claims per 1,000 lives basis, with half (49%) of all claims from women under the age of 40, with men under 40 accounting 31% of all claims.
However, more men than ever before are using this service, with the data finding an increase of 41% in men under 40 claiming between 2019 and 2021, Vitality said.
The data compares members claiming for either online or face-to-face talking therapy sessions which can include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling.
And the insurer noted that just 1.2% of patients required further mental health services or support within three months of accessing the services.
VitalityHealth managing director Dr Keith Klintworth said: “The past few years have been incredibly difficult for many of us, with this data showing the impact the pandemic has had on our mental health and the increase in people looking for mental health support.
“We continually strive to adapt and update our services to ensure we are offering our members the right support when they need it.
“And, I am pleased to see this happening here, with more people than ever before accessing talking therapies earlier, which is delivering positive outcomes for many.”
