Calling the initiative an industry first, Sun Life says the partnership allows it to offer personalized service focused on prevention, using data analytics. To provide the service, the firm is expanding its partnership with CloudMD, creators of the Mental Health Coach. Without getting into specifics, the company also says data analytics are used to identify clients who are at risk of developing a mental health issue, before proactively reaching out to guide clients to the right resources and support.

Clients engaged in the program meet with a coach team member virtually or on the phone to complete a mental health assessment and get a personalized plan based on the benefits available to them. The service also monitors the plan member’s progress and provides regular check-ins.

During the pilot program, the firm found that 89 per cent of those experiencing depression and 91 per cent of those with anxiety noticed major improvements, 73 per cent said they have a better understanding of their benefits and 81 per cent said they would recommend the service based on their own experience. The company also saw a 46 per cent increase in the number of plan members in the pilot program utilizing their mental health benefits for the first time.

The company says the service will be rolled out and offered to all plan members throughout 2022.