GUELPH, ON, Dec. 13, 2018 /CNW/ - In January, eligible group plan members of The Co-operators can access therapist-guided, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) through their extended health care coverage. The new service, offered through The Co-operators partner, Morneau Shepell, will be included with coverage for psychologists or social workers.

"We're proud to be one of the first group benefits providers to offer iCBT in our extended health care coverage," said Conor Quinn, vice president of Group Benefits with The Co‑operators. "This is just another way for us to help make the workplace a pathway to positive mental health."

Recent research conducted by the University of Regina, in partnership with The Co-operators, found that iCBT significantly improved symptoms of anxiety and depression for study participants. Specifically, those who completed follow-up questionnaires saw about a 35 per cent reduction in depression, anxiety and psychological distress, and a more than 40 per cent improvement in panic symptoms.

The Co-operators is also incorporating iCBT as part of its claim management protocols for some plan members on disability leave for mental health conditions. Since each situation is unique, the level of support is customized to meet the needs for each individual and circumstance.

"We know that iCBT helps remove barriers for people who need support, whether those barriers are related to geography, cost or specific challenges with anxiety or depression," said Adam Kelly, senior vice president, health and productivity solutions, Morneau Shepell. "Winter and the holidays can be particularly hard on an individual's mental well-being, so we are pleased to be able to offer The Co-operators plan members a practical and empowering approach to therapy."

Through iCBT people understand how their thoughts, beliefs and attitude may impact their mood or behaviour. Eligible plan members will be guided by a dedicated therapist through a series of online modules. Through these modules, plan members will be able to find alternative ways to look at problems and deal with issues.

About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is the only human resources consulting and technology company that takes an integrated approach to employee well-being, health, benefits and retirement needs. The company is the largest administrator of retirement and benefits plans and the largest provider of integrated absence management solutions in Canada. LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell is a total well-being solution that combines employee assistance, wellness, recognition and incentive programs. As a leader in strategic HR consulting and innovative pension design, the company also helps clients solve complex workforce problems and provides integrated productivity, health and retirement solutions. Established in 1966, Morneau Shepell serves approximately 24,000 clients, ranging from small businesses to some of the largest corporations and associations. With more than 4,500 employees in offices worldwide, Morneau Shepell provides services to organizations around the globe. Morneau Shepell is a publicly-traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.

About University of Regina
The University of Regina's Online Therapy Unit was established in 2010 with the goal of improving access to mental health care in Saskatchewan through the provision of ICBT. The unit has seen over 4,500 clients online, with 3,400 clients offered treatment. Its eight-week program combines online lessons on strategies for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression with weekly support from a therapist.

About The Co-operators
The Co-operators Group Limited is a Canadian co-operative with more than $42.5 billion in assets under administration. Through its group of companies, it offers home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. The Co-operators is listed among the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt and Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. For more information, visit www.cooperators.ca 

SOURCE The Co-operators