Vhi, Ireland’s leading health insurance provider, has released new data highlighting the rising levels of demand for mental health services in Ireland.
The data shows that there has been a 15 per cent increase in the number of members accessing private psychiatric care in 2022, compared to the pre-pandemic period of 2019. Vhi paid out over €73.6 million in claims for private psychiatric claims in 2022, a significant increase on the pre-pandemic figure of €66.5 million in 2019.
World Mental Health Day
The data was released by Vhi at a recent event to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The Making Mental Health & Wellbeing a Global Priority for All event brought together senior leaders, business decision makers and mental health experts to explore the significance of the research and strategies for leaders to promote mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
The event was opened by Anne O’Connor, managing director, Vhi Health & Wellbeing, with a panel discussion moderated by sports broadcaster Jacqui Hurley and speakers including Ronan O’ Gara, head coach La Rochelle, Dr Lydia MacKeogh, national clinical psychology lead at Vhi, and Dr Colman Noctor, bestselling author and psychotherapist.
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Rising digital supports
Anne O’Connor, managing director, Vhi Health & Wellbeing, said, “Our research reveals a significant increase in the number of Vhi members accessing mental health services since the onset of the pandemic.
“In addition, an increasing number of members are benefitting from digital mental health support services, such as Vhi Positive Mind, an offering from Vhi designed to provide seamless access to services when patients need them most.”
Of those making claims for private mental health care from Vhi in 2022, over 1 in 5 (22 per cent) have availed of their treatment programmes from private hospitals through virtual offerings on digital platforms such as Teams, Zooms, WhatsApp and WebEx.
Key demographics
When broken down by age, the data shows that the growing demand for mental health services is more pronounced among members under the age of 30. Since 2019 there has been a 28 per cent increase in the number of claims made by members under 30 for private psychiatric care. The majority of whom (27 per cent) accessed care remotely through psychiatric hospitals.
In the under 30 age cohort, the data shows that more women than men are accessing help to manage their mental health. Nearly 2 in 3 mental health claims (63 per cent) for care in 2022 were made by women; an increase of 7 per cent from 2019.
Areas of concern
Vhi also provided new insights into the concerns being raised through Vhi’s Employees Assistance Programme.
So far this year the top three areas people are seeking support for include general stress and anxiety, marriage relationships and bereavement. Work-related stress is another area where people are seeking support with the stress resulting from peoples’ roles, their relationships at work and the demands of their job.
Vhi 360
“With the demand for services growing, timely access to care will be crucial in creating better wellbeing and health outcomes among the population,” O’Connor added.
“That is why we’ve been pioneering a new model of healthcare in Ireland, which takes a holistic, 360 view of our member’s health. This includes the development of a range of personalised clinical programmes and support services, designed to improve your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.”
Vhi Healthcare members have access to a wide range of benefits and supports for emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Vhi’s pioneering model of patient focused care includes a range of primary care services such as GP visits, talk therapy, counselling and other alternative and complementary therapies. In addition, a full suite of digital and hybrid health services, including Vhi Positive Mind, a hybrid programme delivered by Vhi clinical psychologists, provides effective and timely mental health support when people need it.
“While more adults are prioritising mental health and wellbeing in their daily lives, leaders and employers can continue to do more to make mental health a priority in the workplace. By bringing together clinical experts and senior leaders to mark World Mental Health Day, we can all champion mental health in the workplace and better support wellbeing for a healthy, resilient workforce in a rapidly evolving world of work,” concluded O’Connor.
For more information on Vhi’s mental health services click here.