JMIR Human Factors has published new research on the impact of Supportiv’s digital peer support as an accessible, cost-reducing and outcomes-improving addition to a comprehensive behavioral health program. The results demonstrate an effective method to address mental health provider shortages and care access issues.

Meeting mental health needs through behavioral healthcare is a multi-faceted problem in the United States. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and behavioral health plans must make care available within a timely manner, while minimizing costs, despite clinician shortages.

At present, the behavioral health clinician shortage in the US is projected to worsen rather than improve, with projections stretching into the year 2037 (Health Resources & Services Administration). In this context, ever-increasing need and potential penalties for access wait times may mean increasing costs for organizations. Novel solutions may be in order.

A paper released today in JMIR Human Factors reveals compelling evidence for a solution with the potential to impact behavioral healthcare costs, availability, and access issues. The paper documents a retrospective cohort study of individuals who used Supportiv digital peer support, offered by the MINES Employee Assistance Plan.

Key paper findings based on embedding this digital peer support model within the EAP’s offerings include:

  • An average of 2.07 fewer therapy sessions per participant (p < .001) on a five therapy session EAP model, within a matched cohort sample. This result boasts a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.77).
  • Strong reductions in negative emotional sentiment for participants: sadness reduced by 57.50%, loneliness reduced by 55.04%, and stress reduced by 56.47%.

Additionally, over 73% of peer support users engaged in the 24/7 service outside of the regular business hours of 8am-5pm, when clinical care is frequently unavailable.

With a less than one minute wait time for live-moderated small group chat-based mental, emotional, and social support, users are greeted with a sense of immediate attention and caring. The extent of many users’ needs are satisfied through the provision of connection, comfort, encouragement, and guidance through collaborative problem solving, as well as referrals to hyper-personalized coping and healing resources.

This illuminates a central tenet of the digital peer support premise: that mental health struggles vary in acuity, and that low-acuity needs can be met with lower-acuity, sub-clinical solutions such as Supportiv. Study co-author Harpreet Nagra, PhD elaborates: “While some may need therapy or medication, others benefit from exchanging lived experiences, helpful resources, and a compassionate space to be heard, validated, and supported in real-time. By fostering a community where people can connect and support one another, we can ensure that limited mental health services are directed to those with higher needs while still providing meaningful care for everyone.”

Study co-author Zara Dana, PhD speaks to the implications of the study’s findings: “Digital peer support meaningfully reduces stress, loneliness, and sadness while easing demand on the mental health workforce. Its integration into EAPs enhances emotional well-being and delivers a strong cost-savings return.”

As the study authors conclude, ”the social, environmental, and broader economic impact” of digital peer support’s integration into care ecosystems merits further exploration and attention. In light of the United States’ dire unmet mental health need, such a low-cost, accessible, and well-received solution holds promise for a varied set of decision-makers and stakeholders.

Find the full study text at https://doi.org/10.2196/68221.