From Stigma to Solutions: MBGH Panel Explores Mental Health Paradigm Shift in the Workplace

The critical issue of mental health in the workplace was discussed by experts in the field at the recent Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH) Mental Health Forum, shedding light on the growing concern surrounding alcohol use disorder and the pressing need for innovative therapies. The conversation underscored the urgency of addressing mental health challenges in corporate settings and exploring alternative treatment modalities.

Moderated by Tom Sondergeld, senior expert, McKinsey & Co., MBGH Board Ex-Officio, the “Strategies for the Workplace: Mental Health Expert Panel” discussion featured a diverse range of speakers, each bringing unique expertise and insights to the conversation on mental health in the workplace. Amanda Wilson, MD, founder and CEO of NorthStar Care, is an addiction physician who provided valuable perspectives on substance abuse treatment while advocating for a medical model approach. Caitlin Stomatitis, PhD, director of medical and scientific affairs at Akili Interactive, is a clinical psychologist and digital therapeutics leader. She shared her expertise on the potential of digital therapies in transforming mental health care.

Marcus Capone, founder and CEO of TARA Mind, a former Navy SEAL turned nonprofit founder, shared personal experiences and initiatives aimed at expanding access to affordable mental health treatment. Meg Delp, director of workplace mental health at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), offered insights into workplace mental health initiatives and strategies for reducing stigma. Tarolyn Carlton, PharmD, senior director of Global Medical Strategy and Digital Medicine Therapeutics at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies, is a pharmacist and medical liaison, who discussed innovations in psychiatric pharmacy and digital health care.

Wilson addressed alternative treatment options like medication management, genetic testing, longitudinal care from a medical team, and novel therapies as preferable to traditional rehab models with low success rates that don't treat addiction as a chronic medical condition.

"We have a treatment industry that, unfortunately, is built today on the lack of success of patients,” Wilson said. “And unfortunately that treatment’s lack of success is blamed on the patient, on their motivation on their diligence, and not actually on the treatment itself, which, unfortunately, is not effective."

Stamatis talked about rising adult ADHD diagnoses, especially in women due to changing diagnostic criteria and symptom presentation. She also discussed challenges with current treatments and potential for digital therapeutics to provide personalized, standardized care.

"Ninety-five percent of the employees with ADHD that we surveyed said that they felt limited by the treatment options available to them," she explained.

Capone shared his experience with treatment-resistant depression finding relief through unconventional therapies like psychedelics and ketamine after years on multiple antidepressants. He also discussed his nonprofit expanding access to care and potential solutions like ketamine therapy.

"I was considered treatment-resistant,” Capone explained. “Dr. Axler spoke about it earlier, treatment-resistant meaning that I and millions of others are not responding to what I call 'old technology' that's been around for 50 years."

Delp reviewed NAMI polling showing most employees want to discuss mental health but few feel comfortable, and the impact on burnout and turnover. She advocated for leadership-sharing experiences, employee resource groups, and mental health training.

"When people share about their mental health, I mean, just thinking about your coworkers,” Delp said, “If someone came into work with a broken leg, you would ask them about it. You'd say, ‘Hey, you broke your leg, how are you doing?’"

Carlton discussed her passion for psychiatric pharmacy and role in digital innovation at Otsuka to develop new treatment mechanisms leveraging technology for scalable, accessible mental healthcare.

"Digital innovation is our third pillar, we really see digital tools, digital treatments, as the future of health care, and are looking for ways in which we can bring novel mechanisms to patients who are still suffering from the other illnesses that are out there in terms of medications, other treatments," she said.

The speakers also addressed the potential benefits and barriers of adopting digital therapeutics for mental health treatment in corporate environments. While recognizing the promise of these innovative solutions, they stressed the need for more research on their effectiveness and safety.

Additionally, the conversation touched upon the potential of ketamine-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Speakers highlighted the need for alternative treatments to address this challenging issue, citing significant absenteeism and turnover rates among affected individuals.

Throughout the discussion, there was a consensus on the importance of mental health training for managers, workplace initiatives to reduce stigma, and implementing supportive resources for employees. Leaders emphasized the role of leadership in fostering a culture that prioritizes mental health and work-life balance.

Overall, the panel discussion underscored the imperative of addressing mental health challenges in the workplace and exploring innovative therapies to support employees' well-being. By adopting a holistic approach and embracing novel treatment modalities, companies can create healthier and more productive work environments for their employees.