Mental Health Leader Spotlight: Stephanie Hosig, Benefits Consultant, Northwestern Mutual

March 30, 2026

At Lyra, we’re proud to partner with benefits leaders who think boldly and prioritize the mental health of their employees. Northwestern Mutual is the winner of Lyra’s 2025 Workforce Mental Health Rising Star Award. Since launching with Lyra in 2024, the company has shown exceptional promise and commitment to bringing mental health care to its employee base. 

We had the privilege of speaking with Stephanie Hosig, Northwestern Mutual’s Benefits Consultant, about the company’s partnership with Lyra and how mental health support is an essential component of business success. 

What is your philosophy around caring for a workforce?
Northwestern Mutual's focus is to free Americans from financial anxiety. Our People and Total Rewards teams aim to bring that same care to our employees and their families. We ask: how do we provide the care and resources people need to show up as their best selves? What will help them feel more secure? Partners like Lyra are a key part of that. 

What are you especially proud of?
That’s a simple one. I'm most proud of the way we’ve opened up the dialogue about mental health and helped others feel less alone. Lyra's platform has been really instrumental in facilitating these important conversations.

What do you or your members love most about the Lyra benefit?
Lyra has been a fantastic partner for Northwestern Mutual. We needed a partner who would help drive our mission forward, and Lyra has been with us every step of the way. 

Personally, one of the things that I love most about Lyra's benefit is the flexibility to find the care you need across different platforms. If you're having a tough day at work and just need a moment to recenter yourself, you can open the Lyra app and do that. Or, if you like to work with a therapist in person, you have the flexibility to do that too. The flexibility for employees to find the type of care that works for them has been invaluable.

If another benefits leader asks you how or why they should make the case for a mental health benefit, what would you tell them?
Offering mental health care is essential for a comprehensive benefits package, especially if you aim to attract and retain top talent. In today's competitive job market, employees expect their employers to support their overall well-being, and mental health is a crucial part of that. By providing quality mental health benefits, you demonstrate a genuine commitment to your employees’ health and to fostering a supportive and productive work environment.