Why does getting mental health help still take so long?

Two professionals sit facing each other in a modern office, engaged in a focused conversation. The setting features warm wooden walls, a desk with a computer, and framed artwork on the wall. Vertical blinds cover large windows, allowing soft light to fill the room. The overall atmosphere feels calm, professional, and collaborative.
A person with short, gray hair rests their hand near their face in a contemplative pose. The background is dark and softly blurred, drawing attention to the subject. Soft, natural light highlights the texture of their sweater and hair. The overall scene feels quiet and introspective.

Most delays happen for other reasons than you think

A lot of people put off mental health care because they think they should be able to deal with it alone. That hesitation can delay support for years, even when earlier guidance could make getting care feel simpler and more manageable.

The easier way to get personalized help

Expert-led, 1 to 1 approach helps employees move from recognizing a behavioral health need to getting the right support—helping prevent costly escalation for both employees and employers. Because the barrier is not just access, but also hesitation, uncertainty, and trying to manage alone, every employee is paired with dedicated live support, not a bot, from first call through follow-through.

A woman sits in a mustard-yellow armchair holding a digital tablet on her lap. She appears to be in a bright, modern office or lobby with light-colored floors and walls. The background shows large windows or glass panels and minimalistic decor. The overall scene feels calm and professional, suggesting a meeting, consultation, or focused work session.
A man holds a smartphone to his ear while engaged in a phone call. He is wearing a dark turtleneck sweater and glasses, with his face partially obscured. The background shows an indoor setting with soft, neutral colors and a contemporary feel. The close-up composition emphasizes communication and concentration.

“I didn’t realize it would be this easy.”

 

“Honestly, I feel a lot better than I did just an hour ago.”

 

“I really feel like you saved me.”

 

These examples are for illustrative purposes only. They are based on actual customer experiences. Information has been changed to protect privacy. Customer results will vary.

Why personalized care matters

When support feels personal, more people engage. Human guidance leads to higher care utilization, stronger follow-through, and lower downstream costs.

Two people sit closely together on a couch, embracing in a warm hug. The scene takes place in a bright living room with large windows and natural daylight streaming in. Green plants and soft furnishings create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. The image conveys comfort, support, and emotional connection between the individuals.

Many mental health care models fall short. Take a closer look at what sets us apart:

 

What many employees experience today

 

Barriers to timely, coordinated mental health support are common:
  • Long wait times to access care
  • Limited provider options that may not reflect personal preferences
  • A need to repeat their story across providers
  • Difficulty navigating where to start

Mental health care that's better by design

 

An approach designed to support what employees are looking for in care:
  • Timely access to care, including virtual care
  • Support finding providers aligned to individual needs
  • Guidance to help navigate the care experience
  • A more connected approach across services

See what better by design means for businesses and employees

More ways to better support you

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Product availability may vary by location and plan type and is subject to change.  All group insurance policies may contain exclusions, limitations, reduction in benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued.  For costs and details of coverage, contact your Cigna Healthcare representative. 

Cigna Healthcare medical products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT), Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth Behavioral Health, Inc., Evernorth Care Solutions, Inc., Express Scripts, Inc., or their affiliates, and HMO or service company subsidiaries of Cigna Health Corporation, including Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of California, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Colorado, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Florida, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Indiana, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of St. Louis, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of New Jersey, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Tennessee, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. In Utah, medical products and services are provided by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT). Policy forms: OK – HP-APP-1 et al., OR – HP-POL38 02-13, TN – HP-POL43/HC-CER1V1 et al. (CHLIC); GSA-COVER, et al. (CHC-TN).

Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT.) (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Connecticut, Inc., and Cigna Dental Health, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Cigna Dental Health Plan of Arizona, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of California, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Colorado, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Delaware, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Florida, Inc., a Prepaid Limited Health Services Organization licensed under Chapter 636, Florida Statutes, Cigna Dental Health of Kansas, Inc. (KS & NE), Cigna Dental Health of Kentucky, Inc. (KY & IL), Cigna Dental Health of Maryland, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Missouri, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of New Jersey, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Ohio, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Pennsylvania, Inc., Cigna Dental Health of Texas, Inc., and Cigna Dental Health of Virginia, Inc.  In Utah, all products and services are provided by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT).  CHLIC policy forms: OK –HP-POL899 et al., POL115; OR - HP-POL862 et al., HP-POL121 04-10; TN – HP-POL767/HCDFB-CVR28 et al., HP-POL134/HC-CER17V1 et al.

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Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group, including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT). THESE POLICIES PAY LIMITED BENEFITS ONLY. THEY ARE NOT COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE AND DO NOT COVER ALL MEDICAL EXPENSES. THIS COVERAGE DOES NOT SATISFY THE “MINIMUM ESSENTIAL COVERAGE” OR INDIVIDUAL MANDATE REQUIREMENTS OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA). THIS COVERAGE IS NOT MEDICAID OR MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE.