Improving access to mental health services key to new benefit

Supporting the mental health and wellness of the veterinary community is the goal of a recently launched benefit program by BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital.

The Mars-owned company added a mental health care benefit for its more than 7,000 associates across the country. The offer will give veterinarians, technicians and support staff access to 12 free sessions per year with a therapist or trainer through Lyra Health.

“Mental health is not only a vital part of humanity, but an integral component of practicing high-quality veterinary medicine,” says BluePearl President Nicholas Nelson. “We hope that these new resources will make a significant difference in the lives of our associates and enable them to be their best at work and at home.”

Through Lyra Health, associates can confidentially seek evidence-based mental health treatment for stress, anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD), relationship problems, sleep disturbances and other behavioral needs, reports BluePearl. . Appointments can be booked on the spot with options to meet at the provider’s office or via live video.

“We’ve listened to feedback from our associates and understand there is a need for more comprehensive and individualized mental health support,” says BluePearl vice president of people and organization Angela Calderone. “With this new resource, we hope that those struggling with mental health issues will get the care and support they need to feel better.”