Employee mental health support that goes further

Mental ill-health is the leading cause of long-term workplace absence and one in four workers will experience a health problem annually. Most employers have an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), but few have a pathway. Verve Healthcare provides CQC-registered, clinically led employee mental health support from triage through treatment to return-to-work.

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Why a helpline is not enough

Mental ill-health costs UK employers an estimated £56 billion every year, and work-related stress, anxiety and depression account for more than half of all working days lost to ill health in Great Britain.

Standard EAPs usually provide a helpline and counselling sessions. For some employees that may be enough. But for those experiencing more complex difficulties, such as persistent anxiety, depression or burnout, it’s only the beginning and not the solution.

Employers need workplace mental health services that provide clinical support, onward pathways and practical guidance. That means faster access to expertise, and support that protects employee wellbeing and productivity.

What effective mental health support looks like

Effective employee mental health support goes beyond signposting. It combines clinical assessment, treatment and workplace strategy to deliver real outcomes that work.

Mental health support

Our mental health at work service gives employees fast access to clinicians who can assess, diagnose and begin treatment. Every employee has a structured plan and a clear next step, not just a conversation.

Occupational health

Occupational health strategy

Integrated occupational health assessments ensure the employer understands impact, risk and adjustments. We provide clear, actionable reports that support absence management and duty of care, without compromising employee confidentiality.

Manager and line manager training

Most managers want to support their people, but it can be difficult to know how. Our training teaches line managers to prioritise employee mental wellbeing by having early conversations, spotting signs of deteriorating wellbeing and knowing when to refer. Prevention is always cheaper than absence.

Corporate GP services

Fast access to a clinician matters. Our private GP mental health review service gives employees rapid access to medical advice, referrals and onward treatment pathways when additional support is needed.

Occupational health versus a standard EAP

An EAP is a starting point.

Clinical occupational health for mental health is what your employees need when the starting point is not enough.

A standard EAP typically offers a 24-hour helpline, limited counselling sessions and signposting to self-help resources. It definitely plays a role, particularly for early stage or mild concerns.

However, a clinical model goes further. Verve Healthcare provides triage, CBT, counselling, occupational health input, employer reporting and onward referrals where needed. As a CQC-registered provider, our mental wellbeing services are independently regulated and built around outcomes. Employers can trust that services are delivered within a clinically governed framework.

How Verve Healthcare provides employee mental health support to businesses

We are your clinical partner, managing the full pathway from the moment an employee reaches out to the point they are back at work and thriving. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Triage and initial assessment

Every referral begins with a qualified clinician, not a form. We assess the employee’s current mental health, work situation and support needs. Within days we have a clear clinical picture and a recommended pathway. No waiting, no uncertainty.

Step 2: Matched treatment and therapy

We do not offer one-size-fits-all therapy. Employees are matched to the right intervention, whether that’s CBT, counselling, psychiatric assessment, work-related stress support or a GP review. Treatment is delivered by accredited practitioners, quickly.

Step 3: Employer reporting and HR guidance

Throughout the process, HR and line managers receive the clinical information they need to make good decisions, without compromising employee confidentiality. Our reporting helps you manage absence, plan adjustments and demonstrate your duty of care with confidence.

Step 4: Return-to-work support

Recovery does not end at the clinic door. We support a structured return to work with phased plans, manager guidance and ongoing clinical oversight where needed. The goal is not just short-term fixes. It’s a workforce that stays well.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What mental health support should employers provide?

Employers have a legal duty of care to protect the mental health of their workforce, as set out by the Health and Safety Executive (UK Regulator). At minimum, this means assessing the risk of stress at work and taking steps to address it. Best practice goes further: fast access to clinical assessment, structured absence management, trained line managers and a clear referral pathway to treatment.

An EAP can be a useful starting point, but it’s not always enough for employees experiencing more significant mental health difficulties. Many employers now combine EAP provision with clinically led occupational health mental health services to provide deeper support and clearer treatment pathways.
We aim to complete initial clinical triage within days of referral, not weeks. We know that a delay can be difficult to deal with if you are experiencing mental ill health. Our model is built around fast access.

Yes. Some mental health conditions may meet the definition of a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if they meet certain criteria. Employers should seek appropriate occupational health and legal guidance for specific cases.

Employee confidentiality is central to everything we do. Clinical information is held securely and shared with employers only in accordance with our agreed reporting framework and the employee’s consent. Employer reports focus on recommended adjustments, not personal clinical detail. Employees engage more honestly with support when they trust it is genuinely for them.

Ready to give your employees better support?

Speak with us about how a clinically led employee mental health support programme can reduce absence, support your duty of care and help your people recover and return to work.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact Samaritans on 116 123, available 24 hours a day.
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