Headspace expands mental health service within UK

Headspace Health has announced it’s expanding its coaching and counselling services to organisations outside of the US, with the UK its first market.

The digital mental health platform provider will be adding on-demand coaching, counselling and employee assistance programme (EAP) services.

With these new additions, Headspace will provide a single mental health solution for organisations in the UK. This will reduce the administrative burden and cost for employers when it comes to safeguarding employees’ wellbeing.

The platform will allow businesses to offer employees access to a full suite of mental health services whenever they need it. The offer includes a guaranteed contact with a dedicated mental health professional in under two minutes, with a current average response rate of just 51 seconds.

Russell Glass, CEO of Headspace Health, said: “People know and love Headspace, so it creates an approachable, engaging front door for individuals who can then access higher levels of care as needs arise. Expanding this complete capability globally today constitutes a major milestone in our journey toward transforming mental healthcare to improve the health and happiness of the world.”

Headspace Health’s approach is designed with prevention at its heart. It allows employees to increase or decrease the level of support they need, for a personalised service.

It includes self-guided care via the app to build proactive skills and enhance everyday wellbeing with mindfulness content. There is also unlimited 24/7 access to a team of highly trained behavioural coaches, with support delivered via text.

Counselling is delivered by video, phone or in-person by licensed counsellers who are trained in a range of clinical specialties. Finally, a dedicated EAP account specialist ensures employees have access to support for issues ranging from childcare to financial and legal support.

Dr. Dana Udall, PhD, chief clinical officer, Headspace Health, said: “Having pioneered this integrated offering in the US, we are thrilled to deliver a full suite solution to organisations internationally.

“Of the existing Headspace Health members using our stepped care model, 80% have their needs fully met via coaching and content alone, with an average 4.85/5 satisfaction with our coaches and counsellors. Our studies show that using more cost-effective forms of care in accessible environments delivers similar levels of improvement while reserving capacity at a clinical level for those who truly need it”.

Over the course of 2023, the company intends to further expand its services into additional markets.

During the pandemic, Headspace Health was one of three mental health app providers who worked with NHS England and NHS Improvement to provide NHS staff with free access to the tools.