May marks Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to reflect on how we support mental well-being in our communities and workplaces. While conversations around mental health are more common than ever, many traditional support systems aren’t meeting the needs of today’s workforce.
One area getting renewed attention is peer support, which offers a more relatable and accessible way for employees to get help. As Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) struggle with low engagement, organizations are exploring innovative options to bridge the gap—and peer support is emerging as a proven, human-centered solution.
The EAP Utilization Problem
For decades, EAPs have been positioned as the front line of workplace mental health support. But despite their availability, utilization rates remain between 3% and 5%, with some companies seeing rates as low as 1.8%.
The reasons are clear:
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Stigma around seeking mental health support in the workplace.
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Lack of awareness about how to access services.
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Limited availability or complicated processes that discourage follow-through.
Meanwhile, U.S. employers are spending nearly $900 billion a year on health insurance premiums. Yet many employees never use their mental health benefits, raising questions about return on investment and actual impact on employee well-being.
What the BetterHelp “State of Stigma” Report Reveals
The 2025 State of Stigma report from BetterHelp offers valuable insight into why so many people avoid seeking mental health support:
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76% agree mental health care is helpful, but
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60% feel societal attitudes still discourage seeking help.
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Key barriers include cost, access, and fear of judgment.
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Even younger generations, like Gen Z, who advocate for mental health openly, report difficulty finding support that feels accessible and genuine.
This gap between belief and action is exactly why peer support is gaining momentum.
The Rise of Peer Support in Workplace Well-Being
Peer support involves trained, certified individuals with lived experience providing support to others facing similar challenges. Unlike traditional clinical services, peer support is based on empathy, relatability, and shared understanding.
Benefits of certified peer support include:
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Approachability and reduced stigma.
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Flexible, real-time access through digital platforms.
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Human connection in a non-clinical setting.
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Practical guidance and accountability for managing stress, anxiety, and life challenges.
In the workplace, peer support is proving to be a powerful complement to existing programs—especially when traditional EAPs fall short.
How Peer Support Directly Addresses Stigma, Access, and Engagement
The BetterHelp report makes it clear: people want mental health support but face real barriers to getting it. Here’s how certified peer support helps:
Reducing Stigma Through Shared Experience
Peer supporters bring lived experience to the table. They’ve been through struggles themselves and are trained to listen, guide, and support without judgment. This makes it easier for employees to seek help earlier, breaking down the stigma that keeps many silent.
Increasing Access Where Traditional Models Fall Short
Peer support is designed to be approachable. Telehealth platforms like The Peer Network make it possible to connect with a certified peer supporter from anywhere, without insurance or complicated processes. This directly addresses the “lack of access” barrier.
Building Trust and Engagement Over Time
Unlike transactional programs, peer support fosters consistent, trusted relationships. Regular check-ins build momentum, creating ongoing engagement and stronger mental health outcomes.
A Cost-Effective, High-Impact Addition
Employers are investing heavily in benefits that employees don’t use. Peer support offers a low-cost, high-value solution that people are more likely to engage with—improving well-being and workforce retention at a fraction of traditional insurance costs.
The Peer Network: A Trusted Solution for Today’s Workforce
The Peer Network provides certified peer support in a confidential, affordable, and accessible format that complements existing benefits.
Our model offers:
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One-on-one peer support with certified supporters.
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Flexible telehealth access—no insurance needed.
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Boundaries, professionalism, and privacy protections.
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Support tailored to the individual’s pace and needs.
We’re not here to replace EAPs—we’re here to bridge the gap between awareness and real support.
A Call to Action for Mental Health Awareness Month
This Mental Health Awareness Month, employers have an opportunity to rethink how they support their teams. High investments in unused benefits are no longer enough. By integrating peer support and employee-choice platforms, organizations can create a culture of openness, connection, and proactive mental health care.
If your organization is ready to expand its mental health offerings, The Peer Network is here to help.
Visit ThePeerNetwork.com to learn more and see how peer support can make a difference.
BetterHelp. (2025). State of Stigma Report 2025. BetterHelp. Retrieved from https://www.betterhelp.com/state-of-stigma-report-2025
Uprise Health. (2024). 5 communication tips boosting EAP utilization. Retrieved from https://uprisehealth.com/resources/communication-tips-boosting-eap-utilization/
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). (2023). National health expenditures 2023 highlights. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/research-statistics-data-and-systems/statistics-trends-and-reports/nationalhealthexpenddata/nationalhealthaccountshistorical
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Suicide rates by industry and occupation. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/suicide/data.html