MADISON, Wis. (April 28, 2026) — Healthier minds lead to healthier bottom lines.
During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, The Alliance and QUEST Counseling are teaming up to highlight steps employers can take to reduce mental health issues caused by workplace stress.
In 2025, the more than 500 employer-members of The Alliance, a not-for-profit cooperative that helps employers save on healthcare, spent nearly $60 million on mental health claims, accounting for 5.8 percent of their overall healthcare spending and 11.3 percent of all claims.
“Seeking care for a mental health challenge is a great thing to do, but some mental health issues can be prevented by making improvements in the workplace,” said Rich Derks, co-owner and business director of QUEST, a provider of mental health counseling services. “There are some simple best practices employers can implement that can go a long way in supporting the overall mental health of their workforce.”
In addition to reducing claims and healthcare costs, Derks said employers who focus on mental health can increase employee retention, reduce absenteeism and strengthen workplace performance. Recent surveys also show that high performers seek employers who place a high value on mental health.
He recommends that employers:
- Help eliminate the stigma associated with talking about mental health issues
- Establish internal wellness spaces for employees
- Select leaders who will create mentally-healthy work conditions
- Leverage behavioral health software
- Train managers to recognize employees who may be struggling
“We’ve learned over the years that preventative care has significant advantages in curtailing the need for more costly and invasive medical treatments,” said Bobbie Jo Aue, director of engagement at The Alliance. “It should come as no surprise that focusing on preventing mental health challenges and removing barriers to mental healthcare can have a similar impact.”
The Alliance will host a free webinar, “Bend the Trend: Lower Healthcare Costs by Supporting Mental Health,” featuring Derks and moderated by Aue, on May 12 at 10 a.m. Employers and benefit leaders can learn more and register to attend at the-alliance.org/events.
About QUEST
QUEST Counseling, based in Madison, Wis., provides mental health counseling services in Madison, Wis., and through telehealth. The center works with individuals, couples, and families to address trauma, anxiety, grief and addictive behaviors, helping clients develop healthier patterns and improve overall well-being. The practice specializes in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, people experiencing the effects of trauma and PTSD, and those struggling with addiction and related behavioral challenges. QUEST uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and art therapy.
About The Alliance
The Alliance serves as the voice for self-funded employers who want more control over their healthcare costs. Using Smarter Networks and sophisticated data mining and analysis, they provide transparent, creative approaches to network and benefit plan design to unlock savings where others can’t – or won’t. The Alliance remains a trusted, objective partner for its 500+ employers and their brokers, who seek improved access to high-quality healthcare by contracting with a network of healthcare providers across the Midwest.
Contact:
Craig Sauer
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Phone: 608.210.6638
E-mail: csauer@the-alliance.org
