The Co-operators will be offering eligible group plan members “therapist-guided, internet-based” cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) through the insurer’s extended healthcare coverage.

The new service will be offered starting next year; it will be made available through The Co-operators partner Morneau Shepell. A release also added that the service will be included with coverage for psychologists and/or social workers.

“We’re proud to be one of the first group benefits providers to offer iCBT in our extended healthcare coverage,” said The Co-operators vice-president of group benefits Conor Quinn. “This is just another way for us to help make the workplace a pathway to positive mental health.”

According to research conducted by the University of Regina (in partnership with The Co-operators), iCBT considerably improved symptoms of anxiety and depression for study participants. Participants of the study who completed follow-up questionnaires reported about a 35% reduction in depression, anxiety and psychological distress. Those participants also reported a 40% improvement in panic symptoms.

The Co-operators will incorporate iCBT as part of its claim management protocols for plan members on disability leave for mental health conditions.

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