Virtual cognitive behavioural therapy to
help remove barriers such as location, time constraints and
mobility
TORONTO, June 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Sun Life Assurance Company
of Canada ("Sun Life") is piloting
a new approach to expand access to mental health care for plan
members with the launch of a virtual cognitive behavioural therapy
(CBT) program. Offered in partnership with the University of Regina, this new online therapy
option will lead to faster and easier access to CBT. With one in
five Canadians living with a mental illness1, Sun Life
is committed to providing access to meaningful mental health care
in innovative and easily accessible ways.
"In an era where mental health claims represent almost 30 per
cent2 of disability claims, it's more important than
ever to explore new ways of delivering effective therapy faster to
those who need it," said Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, Assistant
Vice-President, Workplace Health, Group Benefits, Sun Life
Financial Canada. "We live in an increasingly digital world.
Offering virtual CBT provides a new and innovative way to reach our
plan members and provide flexible solutions, especially to those
living in remote areas where access to qualified care may be
limited."
Clients on an approved disability claim, with mild to moderate
anxiety or depression, will be given the choice to receive therapy
virtually. The CBT program is completed online through five
self-paced modules. A therapist is assigned to each Client to check
in weekly via email, tracking progress and assessing if the Client
is benefitting from the online format.
"Past research has shown virtual CBT to be just as effective as
in-person therapy, with the added benefit of removing obstacles to
care such as limited access to qualified therapists and mobility
and time restrictions," said Dr. Heather
Hadjistavropoulos, University of
Regina Professor, Director of the Online Therapy
Program.
"At least 500,000 Canadians miss work each week due to a mental
health problem3, creating a significant impact on
employers through loss of productivity, absenteeism and disability
costs," Dr. Pelletier continued. "Virtual CBT is part of our
ongoing commitment to deliver innovative products and services to
our Clients to help improve their health and well-being."
Group Benefits are offered by Sun Life Assurance Company of
Canada, a member of the Sun Life
Financial group of companies.
About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services
organization providing a diverse range of insurance, wealth and
asset management solutions to individuals and corporate Clients.
Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide,
including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong
Kong, the Philippines,
Japan, Indonesia, India, China,
Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March
31, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under
management of $927 billion. For more
information please visit www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New
York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the
ticker symbol SLF.
Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars except as
otherwise noted.
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1 Mental
Health Commission of Canada. (2013). Making the Case for Investing
in Mental Health.
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2
Sairanen, S., Matzanke, D., & Smeall, D. (2011). The business
case: Collaborating to help employees maintain their mental
well-being. Healthcare Papers, 11, 78–84.
|
3 Centre
for Addiction and Mental Health, "Mental Health and Addiction:
Facts and Statistics." 2015
|
Media relations contact:
Yasna Criscione
Sun Life Financial
T. 416-204-8110
yasna.criscione@sunlife.com
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada