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. 

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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.

No-cost benefit

A service provided at no direct cost to the individual, typically covered by an employer or insurance plan. In mental health, this may include therapy or coaching sessions provided through a workplace benefit. Number of sessions covered may differ based on the employer or insurance plan.

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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