Solving tough problems with strong mental health

Mental health has always been a strategic business priority, and it’s never felt more critical to retain and attract the best possible talent. I do think that employees who are drawn to Peraton, and who stay here, understand the investment we’re willing to make in them.

Amy Rall

President, Citizen Security & Public Services

Peraton

Secure care for a high-stakes workforce. “Our government trusts us to solve hard problems,” shared Amy. “But because we support very critical national security missions, there is a stress that comes with the complexity of the type of work we do—long days, sometimes work we can’t talk about at home—and our goal is to try to help employees with that,” added Rebecca McHale, CHRO.

To support employees in these roles, Peraton needed a mental health partner that prioritized quick access to quality care, with security and confidentiality being paramount. As Tom Terjesen, Peraton’s Chief Information Officer, notes, “We chose Lyra as our mental health partner because of the high level of confidentiality that they have to offer to our employees.” Lyra provides Peraton’s employees and their families with the peace of mind that their personal health information is protected, allowing them to focus on their critical work without worry.

A benefit that drives real results: 10x more utilization than their previous EAP. Since launching with Lyra in 2024, Peraton has used a multi-pronged approach, including home mailers, emails, and training sessions, to actively promote the benefit. This effort has paid off, with a 10x increase in utilization in the first year alone compared to their previous EAP. Today, 95% of Lyra members at Peraton report they’re satisfied with their experience, and 98% stay with their first provider. Moreover, 86% of people have improved or recovered by the time they graduate care, whether someone is seeking support for everyday struggles or is in crisis. “We are finding that people are having better outcomes and results,” shared Bernadette Long, Senior Director of Benefits. “We hear nothing but positive things about Lyra. Everyone has been absolutely blown away with the experience, from the mobile app to the website to their individual counselor, therapist, or coach.”

The right care for every need. Peraton believes in providing support that meets the needs of every employee, from self-help resources to complex care. “It’s there for all walks of life, all circumstances,” Bernadette explains, noting that half of Peraton members access Lyra for mild care needs.

High engagement with early, preventive care is exactly what Bernadette’s team views as essential to building a resilient workforce. Lyra’s comprehensive resources—ranging from self-help tools and on-demand resources to therapy and coaching—help people find the right level of care for their needs, big or small. “We talk about preventive health in terms of people needing to go for screenings, for their annual checkups, and we should be doing the same thing with mental health,” shared Bernadette. “The everyday person dealing with the ups and downs of life can truly benefit and optimize their well-being or their family’s well-being by utilizing Lyra.”

Partnering with Lyra is a smart investment in people. Offering a comprehensive mental health benefit is a core business strategy at Peraton. “If you take care of your people, they’ll take care of you,” Bernadette says. “If you are providing resources for your population, it will result in more collaborative teams, more positive business outcomes, and growth in the organization. Benefits are not just about one person; they’re about the impact on the individual, the family, the team, and the overall company culture. The reasons to offer a mental health benefit are endless, and the return on investment is tenfold.” By partnering with Lyra, Peraton is not only providing essential support to its employees but also building a stronger, more resilient organization.