Legal & General has made changes to the support its Group Income Protection provides to insured employees with mental health problems.

Following a review of psychological therapy providers CBT Clinics was selected as the company’s new provider of psychological wellbeing services from May 2016.

Legal & General claims its new rehabilitation model will utilise some of the latest digital health technology to offer people a more flexible and bespoke service, coupled with evidence-based psychological therapy.

An important part of the new model will be to give insured employees a choice of therapy options, from face to face or telephone consultations, to secure video conferencing.

The new Relapse Prevention Programme is designed to support employees on their return to work and provides access for 12 months to an online suite of information, modules and resources; all available 24 hours a day.

Martin Noone, managing director of Legal & General Workplace Health & Protection, said: “Mental health is the main reason for absence notifications and claims on our Group Income Protection policy and our funded rehabilitation is proving very successful. Our latest figures show that four out of five people are able to return to work within the deferred period. We believe the enhancements we’re announcing today will take our service to an even higher level of effectiveness.

“This innovative style of treatment will provide the employee with an adaptable rehabilitation programme which will help them back to work as quickly and as safely as possible, and provides the employer with information to maximise the chances of a successful return to work.

“We’re very pleased to be the first insurer to work with CBT Clinics on this and believe it to be a progressive and modern approach to rehabilitation, one which will be of immense benefit to both employee and employer.”

Vanessa Sallows, benefits & governance director of Legal & General Workplace Health & Protection, said: “Mental health issues in the workplace are becoming increasingly common and it is something that employers need to approach carefully yet seriously. We chose CBT Clinics after a thorough review of all providers and see our new partnership with them as the best possible way to support those who suffer from mental health issues. We are sure the employers we work with will appreciate the many benefits of this new rehabilitation programme, not least through the exciting digital elements it utilises.”

Antony Brown, clinical director at CBT Clinics, added: “Working with Legal & General and being associated with such a strong brand is something we are immensely proud of and we are looking forward to supporting those people who require psychological therapy through our innovative digital approach. Mental health issues need to be managed and solved in a considerate way and we believe that our treatment pathway and partnership with Legal & General will certainly provide that.”