Understanding Mental Health Benefits: Survey Data Uncovers What Workers Really Need

Results Reveal Surprising Barriers to Care

Reports and Surveys | June 25, 2026 · By Megan Yost & Sarah Gunderson

There's a considerable gap between the number of people who need mental healthcare and those who receive treatment.

To gain insight into what's preventing people from seeking care, Segal conducted a survey of workers across the U.S. representing a range of industries, occupations and members of all generations in the workforce.

Key Findings on Awareness and Use

Are aware of their mental health benefits and trust the information about them their employer or benefit plan provides

0%+

Are familiar with 7 types of mental and behavioral health benefits, such as virtual therapy/counseling, crisis support and apps

Said either they or a family member have used their mental health benefits, with more women than men indicating use

Among those who haven't used their mental health benefits, most said they don't feel they need them.

A high degree of stress in the last year

Yet most participants said they had a high degree of stress in the last year related to:

Work 0%

Money 0%

The factor that harms mental health in the workplace most is too much work, cited by just over one-third of respondents.

The barriers

What's stopping people from using their mental health benefits?

One factor is the perceived purpose of mental health benefits. Only 23 percent of participants whose source of stress is mostly financial said they are very likely to think of mental health benefits as something they could use.

The survey found dramatic differences by gender in the perceived purpose of mental health benefits.

Women Men

…say mental health benefits are appropriate for everyday support

…say mental health benefits are for serious issues or a crisis

More than half of participants worry to a moderate or large extent about the cost of receiving mental healthcare if they need it.

0% cited time constraints

The biggest barrier to seeking mental healthcare may not be what you think. It's time constraints — cited by 44% of all respondents and nearly half of women.

Find out how that compares to other barriers, like confidentiality/privacy concerns and worry about the career impact:

Download the Report

The opportunity

The survey shines a light on what workers need

There's good news given the old stigma associated with mental healthcare: Workers don't think it's uncomfortable or risky to use mental health benefits.

While negativity about mental health benefits isn't an issue, silence, insufficient information and privacy are issues.

Key Findings on Issues

Said workplace culture does not always encourage open discussion about mental health resources

0%+

Need clear information about "how it works," costs (e.g., copayments, deductibles) and what's covered

Said making it easier to use mental health benefits privately (e.g., virtual visits and discreet scheduling) would make them feel most safe about using the benefits

Webinar

Hear our subject matter experts discuss the survey and implications for plan sponsors

During a webinar, five subject matter experts in mental health benefits, communications, organizational effectiveness and compliance discussed the survey findings, including what they found surprising.

They shared:

Insights into workplace culture
Practical recommendations for employers and other plan sponsors
Compliance considerations

Watch the Webinar Replay

Segal subject matter expert panel — June mental health webinar

“

The real opportunity isn't increasing awareness — it's making the real-life user experience easier.

— Sarah Gunderson

Vice President, Clinical Consulting

The report

Get the survey report for the full results and more

Download the report to learn:

Perceptions of mental health benefits and how they differ across industries
People's experiences accessing and using mental health benefits
Why cost transparency emerged as a major trust factor
What survey participants told us clear information about mental health benefits should include
Notable differences in responses by gender
Major stressors
Workplace factors that harm mental health
Six key takeaways from the survey