Mental Health Cost Benchmarks
| Condition | Prevalence in Workforce | Average Annual Cost | Productivity Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depression | 7–10% | $8,000–$15,000 | 27 days of lost productivity/year |
| Anxiety disorders | 10–15% | $6,000–$12,000 | 18 days of lost productivity/year |
| Substance use disorder | 8–10% | $10,000–$20,000 | 35 days of lost productivity/year |
| PTSD | 3–5% | $8,000–$15,000 | 20 days of lost productivity/year |
| Bipolar disorder | 2–3% | $15,000–$30,000 | 40 days of lost productivity/year |
The Medical Cost Multiplier
Employees with untreated mental health conditions have medical costs 2–3x higher than those without. This is because mental health conditions worsen physical health outcomes — depression worsens diabetes control, anxiety worsens cardiovascular disease, and stress worsens virtually every chronic condition. Treating mental health conditions reduces medical costs across all disease categories.
The Access Crisis
IQ Insight
The mental health access crisis is the primary driver of untreated mental health conditions in the workforce. There are simply not enough mental health providers to meet demand — wait times for mental health appointments average 25 days nationally, and in rural areas can exceed 90 days. Telemental health has dramatically improved access — but only for employers who offer it with low or no cost-sharing.