Mental Health Glossary

Absenteeism refers to frequent or prolonged absence from work, often beyond what is considered normal or acceptable. While occasional absences due to illness or emergencies are expected, consistent absenteeism can signal underlying challenges such as stress, burnout, or unmet mental health needs. High levels of absenteeism can affect workplace productivity, team morale, and overall organizational performance.

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The ability to obtain timely and affordable mental health support. Access depends on factors like provider availability, insurance coverage, financial resources, and geographic location.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Barriers to mental healthcare are the obstacles—structural, social, financial, and cultural—that prevent people from getting needed mental health support. These can include things like mental health stigma, provider bias, mis- or under-diagnosis, lack of insurance or financial resources, geographic limitations, and social determinants of health such as education, income, and community context. For marginalized groups, these barriers are often compounded by intersecting identities (e.g. race, gender, orientation) and historical inequalities, making access to care harder and outcomes worse.

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Services and programs that address mental health, substance use, and related behavioral conditions. These solutions may include therapy, medication management, coaching, or digital tools.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

A state of exhaustion caused by prolonged workplace stress. Employee burnout can lead to reduced productivity, feelings of detachment, and difficulty staying motivated.

Employee engagement describes the emotional commitment and level of involvement employees have toward their work and organization. Highly engaged employees are motivated, connected to their company’s goals, and more likely to go above and beyond in their roles. Engagement can be influenced by factors such as workplace culture, leadership, recognition, and opportunities for growth.

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An enhanced EAP is an upgraded model of workplace mental health benefit that delivers faster access to care, measurable outcomes, and stronger return on investment. Unlike traditional EAPs, which often have low utilization (typically 2-5%) and long wait times, enhanced EAPs emphasize speed (appointments in under 24-48 hours), high quality provider networks, and ongoing tracking of outcomes. They include personalized care plans, measurement-based care, and proactive navigation—helping employees connect early with the resources they need.

Enhanced EAPs also show business value through reduced absenteeism, improved engagement and productivity, lower healthcare costs, and reduced turnover. Because these programs are outcomes-focused and data-driven, they enable organizations to shift their EAP from a cost center or compliance tool into a strategic asset.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The process of prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychiatric medications. Medication management often involves collaboration between prescribers and therapists.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Programs, services, or tools designed to improve mental wellbeing. Mental health solutions can range from individual therapy to organizational programs that support employees.

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.

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.

The practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness and without judgment. Mindfulness techniques can reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.

A term that describes individuals whose brains function differently from what is considered typical. Examples include autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. 

The recognition and celebration of natural variations in brain functioning across individuals. Neurodiversity emphasizes strengths and differences rather than deficits.

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.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened anxiety.

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.

Presenteeism occurs when employees are physically present at work but unable to perform at their full capacity due to illness, stress, or other health concerns. Unlike absenteeism, where employees miss work entirely, presenteeism often goes unnoticed yet can have a larger impact on productivity and workplace performance. It is closely linked to mental health, as untreated stress, burnout, or anxiety can significantly reduce focus and effectiveness on the job.

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A therapist, psychiatrist, clinician, or coach who delivers mental health care. Providers may include therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, coaches, or other licensed professionals.

The ability to recover quickly from stress, challenges, or adversity. Resilience can be strengthened through coping strategies, social support, and healthy routines.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Therapy delivered remotely through video or phone. Teletherapy expands access to care by removing geographic and scheduling barriers.

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.

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.

An emotional response to distressing or life-threatening events. Trauma can affect mental, emotional, and physical health, and may require specialized therapeutic support.

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.

Feelings of worry, nervousness, or stress triggered by job-related situations. Workplace anxiety can affect productivity, concentration, and job satisfaction.

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.

The overall state of mental health among employees within an organization. Workplace mental health includes the impact of culture, workload, policies, and support systems.