If media headlines for the past three months are any indicator, "unprecedented" may go on to the become Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year. "Uncertain and times" will probably be in the running for second.

With so much focus on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic with no specific cure or end in sight, it can be easy to overlook the growing mental health challenges lurking in the background of this crisis. According to a new poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 45 percent of adults say the pandemic has affected their mental health, with 19 percent indicating it has had a "major impact." Fear is rampant, anxiety levels are rising, and feelings of loneliness and depression are concerning for those with and without a history of mental health issues. Substance abuse and addiction are always an issue in times of crisis. The inability to gather in mourning makes coping with grief and loss especially challenging. And major economic instability is causing emotional and financial distress.

As organizations worldwide grapple with dramatic changes in working conditions, challenges in planning for the future, and navigating the uncharted waters of 'return-to-work' policies—no plan is complete without taking careful consideration of the short-term and long-term mental health ramifications from this pandemic.

Taking a closer look at evolved EAP services

The traditional employee assistance program (EAP) is the single, most reputable employee resource for confidential access to mental health care services. Prepaid by the employer, and at no cost to the employee, the EAP offers a select number of sessions with a licensed mental health care clinician to deal with any issue affecting mental health, emotional health, behavioral health and well-being.

Beyond employee mental health sessions, EAPs have evolved to provide a wide range of support services to tackle major stressors head on. Financial consultation for those struggling with new challenges in the economic fallout and uncertainty from COVID-19; life management referrals for those families and caregivers in need of new solutions for child care, elder care, pet care and home services; as well as coaching services by licensed providers to support individuals in prioritizing self-care, achieving fulfillment and dealing with change.

With the recent boom in the digital health industry, it may be surprising that EAPs have been offering video chat sessions with clinicians for over a decade. Video chat sessions, text therapy, and mobile access to request EAP services are all commonplace in today's EAP market. Big Tech may be aiming to disrupt the EAP industry with claims of instant access to mental health support, but many face challenges in assuring employee mental health data will never be shared or sold, and utilize networks of coaches who are not licensed mental health care providers.

Building organizational resilience in the aftermath of COVID-19

For the workplace, the EAP offers much-needed support for the collective well-being of the organization with management consultation for return-to-work transitions, new trainings like "Coping with Anxiety in the Aftermath of COVID-19" and crisis response, which includes virtual critical incident stress debriefing sessions (CISDs) led by licensed clinicians certified in trauma response and resilience.

In building the return-to-work transition team and plan, look to incorporating EAP experts, aligning appropriate services, and prioritizing high-quality communications and outreach efforts to ensure the entire workforce is aware of mental health resources available and how to access support.

The days, months, and even years ahead remain uncertain. This is not the first challenge anyone has faced, nor will this be the last. Offering strong mental health care support to all throughout this process will help empower the workforce the keep perspective, address personal challenges, build strength in the face of adversity, and ultimately grow through this, together.

Dr. Ann Clark is CEO and founder of ACI Specialty Benefits.

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Behind the front lines: Employers stepping up mental health support

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