Nava + Headway: redefining access to mental healthcare

The world of employee benefits is overdue for change—especially when it comes to mental healthcare. Employers want to offer meaningful mental health benefits, but too often employees struggle to know what their options are and use them. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Headway, a company redefining how mental healthcare is delivered. As the newest member of our Preferred Partnerships Program, Headway will make it easier for Nava’s employers to provide accessible, cost-effective mental health support—without the usual hurdles.

This partnership is a major step toward making mental health a core part of employee well-being and ensuring employees get access when they need it most.

The mental health crisis in the workplace

Mental health challenges are at an all-time high, with employees experiencing stress, anxiety, burnout, and more. These issues impact not just individuals but also organizational performance.

Consider this:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental health issue annually.
• Untreated mental health conditions cost employers up to $300 billion a year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover.

While employers recognize the need for mental health support, traditional solutions fall short for fully insured groups. High costs, limited session caps, and disruptions in care leave employees unsupported and employers frustrated. It’s clear: we need better tools to meet these challenges.

Why fully insured employers face unique challenges

Traditional B2B mental health solutions, designed for self-insured employers, often miss the mark for fully insured groups. Here’s why:

1. Limited access: Employees struggle to find in-network therapists, leaving them with out-of-pocket costs or no care at all.
2. Insufficient session caps: Six sessions per year rarely address ongoing mental health needs, forcing employees to pay out-of-pocket or abandon care.
3. High costs: Fully insured employers pay for high-priced per-employee-per-month (PEPM) packages that deliver limited value.

These limitations create gaps in care and continuity, undermining the effectiveness of mental health benefits. Fully insured employers need a solution that focuses on what truly matters: affordable, accessible, and continuous care.

Why Headway is the right solution for fully insured employers

Headway is building the modern mental healthcare system where everyone can get the right care from the right therapist, covered by insurance. With the largest network of in-network mental health providers in the U.S., Headway connects patients with 48,000 diverse providers across race, gender, ethnicity, and specialty. Patients can schedule care within 48 hours through Headway’s one-click booking system, or through a referral. 

By partnering with Headway, Nava’s fully insured employers gain access to a nationwide solution that eliminates cost as a barrier to care while ensuring employees receive high-quality, continuous mental health support.

This is not the typical B2B mental health solution. It’s different by design. We chose to partner with Headway because we believe it’s the right solution, even if it breaks the traditional mold. 

Here’s how our partnership is creating new possibilities:

Simplified in-network access

Traditional mental health benefits often leave employees with limited options or high out-of-pocket expenses. Headway changes that by partnering with thousands of in-network therapists, ensuring employees have access to affordable, high-quality care. This approach eliminates a major barrier to entry and provides continuity of care—allowing employees to stay with their therapist over time for more effective treatment.

Technology that connects people to care

Now in the Nava Benefits App, Headway makes it easy for employees to find and book in-network therapists—often within 48 hours. No more searching, calling, or waiting—just fast, seamless access to care, covered by insurance.

Support for providers means better care for employees

Headway doesn’t just serve employees—it empowers therapists, too. By managing administrative tasks like credentialing, billing, and scheduling, Headway allows providers to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional care. This support attracts top-tier therapists to Headway’s network, ensuring employees have access to the best possible providers.

Education and 24/7 support that drives utilization

Benefits are only effective if employees know how to use them. That’s why our partnership with Headway includes regular info sessions to guide HR teams and employees in navigating mental healthcare options. Additionally, Nava’s AI and human benefit advocates are equipped with all the information about Headway’s services, providing 24/7 support to answer questions and ensure employees can access the care they need, whenever they need it. Together, we’re fostering a culture where seeking mental health support is encouraged, accessible, and effortless.

The ROI of accessible mental healthcare

Investing in accessible mental healthcare pays off for both employees and employers. Fully insured groups partnering with Headway gain access to a transformative solution that:

• Reduces absenteeism and turnover by addressing mental health challenges early.
• Improves productivity as employees feel supported and engaged.
• Lowers costs by leveraging existing insurance coverage to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses.

When mental health is prioritized, employees thrive—and so do businesses.

Nava + Headway: transforming benefits for fully insured employers

At Nava, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our Preferred Partnerships Program is designed to bring the best vendors to the right employers, with a focus on simplicity, affordability, and outcomes.

Headway is a perfect example of this mission in action. Together, we’re helping fully insured employers offer meaningful mental health benefits that make a real difference—for employees and HR teams alike.

Ready to rethink how mental health fits into your benefits strategy? Get in touch to learn more about how Nava + Headway can transform the way you support your employees.