Beyond the Claims: The Workforce Impact of Complex Mental Health Needs

The impact of complex mental health needs doesn’t end with a claim. See where costs can surface across health care, leave, productivity, and retention—and how to build a more complete picture of the value of care.

Guide

Nearly half of benefits leaders say rising mental health complexity is one of their greatest pressures heading into 2027. But as these needs grow, their impact can be difficult to see in any single data set.

A medical claim may capture treatment costs. It won’t necessarily show time away from work, lost productivity, or the challenges employees and families face navigating care. This guide explores how to look across those numbers and better understand what changes when people get effective care.

You’ll learn:

Where the impact of complex mental health needs can show up beyond behavioral health claims
How fragmented care can extend the impact for employees, families, and organizations
Which clinical, financial, and workforce outcomes can provide a more complete picture of value