Simplyhealth is to offer its customers access to Spectrum.Life’s digital mental health service as part of their health plan.
Spectrum.Life’s offering includes full digital mental health support enabling members to assess their mental health need, select the counsellor they want to see, and access brief intervention counselling or short-term counselling as appropriate.
Users receive personalised, clinician-matched support, allowing them to choose a counsellor based on personal preferences such as availability, gender, age and expertise.
They can also book appointments directly through the platform and manage schedules.
Members who want immediate support can access 24/7 brief intervention counselling.
By focusing on continuous mental health support, the service aims to encourage early engagement to prevent issues from escalating, reducing absenteeism and boosting workplace performance.
The platform aims to ensure confidentiality and clinical governance, safeguarding privacy and maintain strict clinical oversight in every interaction.
The solution uses a network of more than 2350 accredited and qualified counsellors and psychotherapists.
It will be accessible to Simplyhealth’s 2.5 million customers, including thousands of businesses which can use the solution to help them support their staff’s mental health – one of the leading causes of sickness absence.
Users can use platforms like WhatsApp for low-level queries. Digital options like video also aim to enhance accessibility for those uncomfortable with in-person visits, constrained by geographical barriers or who prefer the convenience afforded by video consultations.
Tina Kennedy, director of product at Simplyhealth, said: “When someone needs support with their mental health, it simply isn’t good for their health for them to wait months to be seen.
“We are passionate about reducing barriers for our members looking to make that critical first step in accessing care, and we believe that digital-first healthcare solutions – that allow quick access and fit in with their lives – will provide this for our millions of customers.
“We are impressed by Spectrum.Life’s Digital Mental Health solution; whose high quality of clinical care, combined with its innovative technology, allows greater access via multiple platforms.
“By joining forces, we are working towards our purpose of improving access to healthcare for all, and also supporting businesses to keep their staff healthy and in work, reducing the current workforce sickness epidemic facing the nation.”
Stephen Costello, CEO and co-founder at Spectrum.Life, (pictured) said: “We are a second generation digital health provider, and we firmly believe that Spectrum.Life’s blend of clinical acumen and successful track record in scaling digital technologies presents a genuine opportunity to revolutionise healthcare.
“Our goal is to elevate patient satisfaction and outcomes, within a commercially sustainable model that actively contributes to healthcare transformation and, critically, accessibility.
“Partnering with Simplyhealth represents a significant milestone for us.
“Together we are committed to revolutionising employee mental health and wellbeing, offering comprehensive and innovative solutions that allow individuals to take care of their own health and wellbeing when they need it.”