I work for a Fortune 500 company. COVID hit us pretty bad (I was laid off but came back) but we’ve since more than rebounded. We’re heading into our busy (profitable) season and the stress has been wearing on me. My mental health has been in rough shape for awhile, so I was excited to see that we were being given access to a new mental health app as part of our benefits. This app would connect us with “coaches and counselors” and give us a certain number of sessions with each. This was specifically touted as a Mental Healthcare Tool.
I know those apps can be dodgy, but my insurance only covers 8 therapy appointments per year, so I figured this could be a good way to fill in the gaps while i look for a regular therapist. I filled out the questionnaire (which made me cry as I realized how bad things have gotten) and indicated my areas of concern were depression, anxiety, and relationship/interpersonal conflict.
I get my results for providers in my area and surprise! 100% “coaches,” zero counselors and certainly no mental health professionals. In fact, these coaches were actually LIFE COACHES and all specialized in categories such as “workplace productivity,” “managing deadlines,” and “creating an inclusive workplace.” Absolutely nothing available for any kind of mental health condition, only workplace improvement.
I just wanted a fucking therapy appointment after working 50+ hours a week, why is it so hard to get some actual healthcare that I pay through the nose for?? I KNOW my employer can afford it. I work so hard, why do they want me to suffer?