By Graham B. Johnson, MAcc, CPA, Chief Executive Officer, Denova Collaborative Health
Mental health is no longer just a personal issue—it’s a business issue. And for Arizona’s growing economy, the stakes have never been higher.
A new report from McKinsey & Company shows that mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD now account for more long-term disability than heart disease, cancer and diabetes combined. The economic toll is staggering, costing U.S. employers billions in lost productivity, absenteeism and employee turnover.
In Arizona, untreated mental illness is estimated to cost the state a whopping $11 billion annually in lost wages, hospitalizations and incarceration. That’s not just a public health concern… It’s an economic imperative.
Here are five actions Arizona employers and business leaders can take now to support workforce mental health while also protecting long-term business performance.
1. Acknowledge the ROI of Mental Health
Mental healthcare isn’t a perk—it’s a smart investment. According to McKinsey, every dollar spent on effective mental health treatment delivers up to $6 in return.
When workers feel supported, they stay engaged, perform better and are less likely to leave their job. That matters in every industry, from hospitality and healthcare to logistics, finance and construction. Elipse
2. Make Access Easy and Fast
More than half of U.S. adults with mental illness don’t receive treatment. Common barriers include long wait times, difficulty navigating benefits, provider shortages and social stigma.
To be effective, care must be timely, flexible and convenient. Employers can work with health plans or providers that offer same-week appointments, after-hours options and telehealth services, which are especially valuable for caregivers, hourly workers, and employees juggling multiple responsibilities.
3. Integrate Physical and Mental Healthcare
Mental and physical health are inextricably connected. Depression, anxiety and chronic stress are shown to worsen conditions like diabetes, heart disease and chronic pain.
Integrated care—where mental health providers work in tandem with medical teams—helps employees get the right support at the right time. This approach reduces unnecessary ER visits, improves outcomes and lowers long-term costs for employers and insurance plans alike.
4. Create a Culture of Psychological Safety
Benefits only go so far without the right culture. Employees are more likely to seek support when mental health is openly discussed with no stigma attached.
From leadership messaging to manager training, employers can foster a culture where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. Flexible work policies, wellness check-ins and clear boundaries around work hours all help prevent burnout and build trust.
5. Lead with Intention
Supporting mental health is not only about doing the right thing—it’s also about doing the smart thing. Companies that lead on wellness tend to outperform peers in employee engagement, retention and morale.
Arizona’s business community has a unique opportunity to lead by example. By investing in mental health, we’re not just helping individuals. We’re strengthening families, communities and the economy as a whole.
The Bottom Line
Mental health is foundational to business success. Forward-thinking leaders in Arizona are prioritizing access, coordination and culture and seeing real returns.
In today’s workforce, healthy teams are productive teams. Investing in mental health is one of the best ways to ensure long-term growth, resilience and impact.
Author Bio:
Graham B. Johnson, MAcc, CPA, is Chief Executive Officer of Denova Collaborative Health, Arizona’s largest provider of outpatient behavioral health services. Denova delivers integrated, person-centered care through psychiatry, therapy, primary care and case management, with a mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all.