Mental health isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s foundational to how people live, work, and perform. That was the clear takeaway from TAP Network’s recent webinar, Demystifying Mental Health: Using Neuroscience-Based Strategies for Well-Being, presented by Dr. Mike Mousseau of GreenShield Health.
Drawing on neuroscience, workforce data, and real-world outcomes, the session helped TAP Network members gain clarity and better understand what is important and what works when it comes to supporting mental health and well-being at work.
Mental health is health. Period.
As Dr. Mike Mousseau reminded us, “There is no health without mental health.” While this statement was made back in 1948 by Dr. Brock Chisholm, the first director of the World Health Organization, it has become more prevalent in modern times. Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) data reinforces what many of us see daily: stress, anxiety, and depression are the top mental health challenges affecting people today. These challenges don’t exist in isolation — they directly impact workforce productivity, engagement, and retention.
Employees are choosing digital care — and it’s working.
GreenShield’s 2025 data shows a strong shift toward virtual mental health support:
- 97% of EAP sessions were delivered virtually
- 93% user satisfaction
- 79% of services used for individual counselling
Virtual care isn’t just more convenient — it improves access, shortens wait times, and increases follow-through, especially when paired with strong therapist matching and integrated services.
The Power of the Right Therapeutic Match
One of the most compelling insights from the webinar focused on the therapeutic alliance — the relationship between client and counsellor.
Research shows this relationship is the single most important factor in successful mental health outcomes. This approach not only improves outcomes but also saves time, energy, and frustration for employees seeking care.
The science of well-being goes beyond therapy.
The webinar highlighted how everyday habits — sleep, movement, and nutrition — are deeply connected to brain health. From the gut–brain connection to the role of sunlight and exercise, small, science-backed changes can meaningfully improve mental resilience over time.
Integration is the future of workplace benefits.
One of the biggest challenges facing employees today is navigating fragmented care. Canadians now spend 2.5x more time navigating health care and benefits than actually seeing a doctor. Integrated platforms — combining mental health, physical care, navigation tools, and benefits — reduce barriers and lead to better outcomes for both employees and employers.
What this means for employers.
The message from this session was clear: supporting mental health doesn’t require guesswork — it requires access, integration, and evidence-based design.
Integrated mental health solutions drive higher utilization, stronger employee satisfaction, and improved productivity, while providing better insight into workforce needs. Most importantly, they signal a meaningful commitment to employee well-being and recognize mental health as a core component of overall health.
Thank you to GreenShield Health and Dr. Mike Mousseau for helping TAP Network members better understand how neuroscience-informed strategies can promote health while supporting stronger organizations.
To explore TAP Network’s integrated EFAP powered by GreenShield, visit our website.
