Mental Health Glossary
From A to Z, we wanted to provide you with some commonly used mental health terms so you can approach care with confidence.
Access to care
The ability to obtain timely and affordable mental health support. Access depends on factors like provider availability, insurance coverage, financial resources, and geographic location.
Addiction
A chronic condition marked by compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences. Addiction can affect physical health, relationships, work, and emotional wellbeing, and often requires structured treatment and long-term support.
Anxiety
A common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear. While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, ongoing or intense symptoms may interfere with daily life.
Anxiety disorder
A group of mental health conditions where anxiety is frequent, excessive, or disproportionate to the situation. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.
Appointment vs. session
An appointment is a scheduled time to meet with a provider, while a session is the therapeutic interaction that takes place during that appointment. Both terms are used to describe how individuals engage with care.
Behavioral health solutions
Services and programs that address mental health, substance use, and related behavioral conditions. These solutions may include therapy, medication management, coaching, or digital tools.
Bipolar disorder
A mental health condition defined by extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania (elevated mood and energy) and depression (low mood and energy). Treatment typically combines therapy, medication, and lifestyle support.
Care Navigator
At Spring Health, Care Navigators are licensed clinicians who help members navigate their care journey. They provide personalized recommendations, support scheduling, and check in regularly to ensure ongoing guidance.
Chronic
A term used to describe mental or physical health conditions that are long-lasting or persistent. Chronic conditions often require continuous or long-term management rather than short-term treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
An evidence-based form of therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
Community care
Support provided within or by local communities, which may include peer support groups, nonprofit organizations, faith-based services, or community health centers. Community care often supplements professional treatment.
Comorbidity
The presence of two or more health conditions occurring at the same time in an individual. In mental health, comorbidity can describe when a mental health disorder co-occurs a physical health condition, such as someone experiencing anxiety while having diabetes.
Couples therapy
A form of therapy focused on improving communication and resolving conflicts between partners. Couples therapy can help strengthen relationships, address recurring issues, and support overall relational well-being.
Covered lives
In the context of employee benefits, “covered lives” refers to employees and their eligible dependents who have access to a mental health or healthcare benefit. For example, it could be an employee’s son or daughter would be considered “covered lives” if the benefit covers an employee’s dependents.
Critical incident response
Critical incident response is a structured intervention following a disruptive or traumatic workplace event, such as accidents, natural disasters, or violence. The goal is to provide immediate support and help employees recover emotionally.
Depression
A mood disorder that causes persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities. Depression can impact daily functioning and may require therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment.
Emotional wellbeing
A state of overall emotional balance and resilience. It includes the ability to manage stress, build positive relationships, and maintain a sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
An EAP is an employer-sponsored benefit that provides employees with access to mental health support, counseling, and other resources. Traditional EAPs typically focus on short-term counseling and referrals.
Employee burnout
A state of exhaustion caused by prolonged workplace stress. Employee burnout can lead to reduced productivity, feelings of detachment, and difficulty staying motivated.
Enhanced EAP
An enhanced EAP includes broader mental health services, faster access to care, more comprehensive support, and measurable ROI.
Grief counseling
A type of therapy that helps individuals process and cope with the loss of a loved one. Grief counseling provides emotional support and coping strategies during the mourning process.
High acuity
A term used to describe mental health needs that are severe or complex, requiring specialized or intensive treatment. Examples include suicidal ideation, psychosis, or substance use disorder.
In-network care
Healthcare or mental health services provided by professionals who are part of an insurance plan’s approved network. Using in-network providers usually reduces out-of-pocket costs.
Leave of absence (LOA) / mental health leave
Time away from work taken to address mental health needs. A leave of absence can be short-term or long-term and may be covered under workplace policies or medical accommodations.
Measurement-based mental health
An approach that uses the integration between data and client treatment, including ongoing assessments and standardized tools, to measure progress in treatment. Measurement-based mental health helps providers adjust care plans to improve outcomes over time.
Medication management
The process of prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychiatric medications. Medication management often involves collaboration between prescribers and therapists.
Mental health ROI
A measure of the financial return on investment for providing mental health benefits. Mental health ROI can include reduced healthcare costs, improved productivity, and lower turnover.
Mental health coaching
A goal-oriented, non-clinical approach to building skills and habits that support mental wellness. Mental health coaches help individuals with personal growth, stress management, and resilience.
Mental health equity
The principle of ensuring fair access to mental health services for all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography. Mental health equity emphasizes removing barriers and addressing systemic disparities.
Mental health platform
A digital system that integrates multiple mental health services, such as assessments, therapy, coaching, and self-guided resources. Mental health platforms provide a centralized way to connect individuals with care.
Mental health solutions
Programs, services, or tools designed to improve mental wellbeing. Mental health solutions can range from individual therapy to organizational programs that support employees.
Mental health stigma
Negative beliefs, stereotypes, or judgments about people living with mental health conditions. Mental health stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help or talking openly about their struggles.
Mental health utilization
The rate at which employees or members use mental health benefits. Utilization is often measured by tracking participation in services such as therapy or coaching.
Mindfulness
The practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness and without judgment. Mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.
Neurodivergent
A term that describes individuals whose brains function differently from what is considered typical. Examples include autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
Neurodiversity
The recognition and celebration of natural variations in brain functioning across individuals. Neurodiversity emphasizes strengths and differences rather than deficits.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened anxiety.
Precision-based mental health
A care approach that uses data and assessments to match individuals with the right treatment, provider, or resource. Precision-based models focus on tailoring care to each person’s unique needs.
Provider
A therapist, psychiatrist, clinician, or coach who delivers mental health care. Providers may include therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, coaches, or other licensed professionals.
Resilience
The ability to recover quickly from stress, challenges, or adversity. Resilience can be strengthened through coping strategies, social support, and healthy routines.
Self-care
The practice of intentionally engaging in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, rest, or hobbies. Self-care helps maintain balance and reduce stress.
Social determinants of health (SDOH)
Non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as income, education, housing, and access to nutritious food. Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly impact mental health and wellbeing.
Specialty care
Advanced or focused treatment for specific or complex conditions. In mental health, specialty care may include treatment for eating disorders, trauma, or substance use disorders.
Substance use disorder (SUD)
A condition where alcohol or drug use leads to significant impairment or distress. SUD can range from mild to severe and often requires structured treatment.
Teletherapy / virtual therapy
Therapy delivered remotely through video or phone. Teletherapy expands access to care by removing geographic and scheduling barriers.
Therapy vs. coaching
Therapy focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, while coaching is non-clinical and centers on personal growth, habits, and skill-building. Both can support wellbeing but serve different purposes.
Traditional EAP
A legacy version of the Employee Assistance Program that typically provides short-term counseling sessions and referrals. Traditional EAPs are often limited in scope and utilization.
Trauma
An emotional response to distressing or life-threatening events. Trauma can affect mental, emotional, and physical health, and may require specialized therapeutic support.
Work-life balance
The ability to manage work responsibilities alongside personal life in a healthy and sustainable way. Good work-life balance supports mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.
Workplace anxiety
Feelings of worry, nervousness, or stress triggered by job-related situations. Workplace anxiety can affect productivity, concentration, and job satisfaction.
Workplace anxiety disorder
An anxiety disorder that specifically impacts an individual’s ability to function at work. It may involve excessive worry about performance, relationships, or work conditions.
Workplace mental health
The overall state of mental health among employees within an organization. Workplace mental health includes the impact of culture, workload, policies, and support systems.
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