Employer Group Releases Child Mental Health Booklet

April 21, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – A new guide designed to help employers improve the delivery of child and adolescent behavioral services, and provide services for family caregivers is now available from an employer trade group.

A news release from the National Business Group on Health (NBGH), an organization representing more than 280 mostly large, U.S. employers, said the release of the An Employer’s Guide to Child and Adolescent Mental Health is part of its efforts to help employers deal with the issue of young people’s behavioral health disorders.

The publication contains strategies for health plans, employee assistance programs (EAPs), and workplace policies that the group said can help:

  • improve the delivery of behavioral health care services in both the general medical and mental health sectors,
  • improve employee health and productivity,
  • improve the health state of the future workforce,
  • reduce unnecessary healthcare expenditures, and
  • reduce the use of family medical leave.

“Like other chronic health issues, the effects of child and adolescent mental health disorders can be far reaching for those affected, their caregivers and the workplace,” said Helen Darling, NBGH president, in the news release.  “The direct and indirect costs associated with adolescent mental health disorders are staggering.  Parent caregivers, for example, are more likely to report increased work absences, reduced productivity, and job termination.”

The first part of the publication provides an overview of the most prevalent behavioral health disorders experienced by children and adolescents, the impact on the workplace, and the treatment and cost trends of these disorders.The second part contains a review of the current state of treatment and challenges facing providers, and provides specific recommendations for health plans, employer oversight, and the workplace. 

More information is atwww.businessgrouphealth.org

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