WELLESLEY, Mass., June 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. has expanded its partnership with Goodpath to offer employer clients virtual whole-person care, a new employee benefit that provides care for physical conditions and mental health, including unlimited therapy sessions. Sun Life disability clients can proactively support their employees' mental and physical health, helping to reduce the need for absences or extended leave. As access to care issues persist around the country, Sun Life continues to expand its portfolio of health services, including mental health, to help people get the care and coverage they need.

"It is clear that employers who are focused on health and productivity consider both physical and mental health, and we offer programs to support those strategies," said David Healy, president, Group Benefits, Sun Life U.S. "We are pleased to continue our work with Goodpath, who have already been providing meaningful services to our members on disability for musculoskeletal or long COVID-19 conditions."

Goodpath's whole-person care services cover mental health, musculoskeletal conditions, digestive issues, sleep concerns and cancer survivorship. All members receive mental health support, no matter the primary condition. Sun Life members using Goodpath's services have access to:

• Unlimited talk therapy sessions – Members can access virtual sessions with a licensed mental health therapist.
• Customized care – Members receive a personal health assessment, which is used to create a tailored health care plan designed for their unique needs.
• Health coaching – Members are paired with a dedicated health coach with a master's degree in a clinical specialty.
• Access from anywhere – The Goodpath app provides exercise therapy, mind-body interventions, behavioral health programs, learning modules, and more health and wellness offerings.
• Custom Care Kits – Each month, participating employees receive physical items they need delivered to their homes, such as devices, supplements, or therapy tools.

"The more we learn about holistic, or whole-person care, the more we see the value in this model of employee health benefits," said Dr. Tracy Hamill, M.D. assistant vice president and medical director, Group Claims and Clinical Services, Sun Life U.S. "Prioritizing whole-person care – and recognizing that it includes mental health – means our members receive support for a variety of health conditions, and will be able to proactively address mental health issues to maintain stronger mental wellness at work and at home."

"We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Sun Life and their clients, providing care that helps people improve their health and avoid more serious conditions," said Bill Gianoukos, CEO, Goodpath. "Whole-person care is proven to drive improved physical and mental health outcomes, which will foster a healthier workforce and can help drive down the cost of care."

Sun Life and Goodpath announced their initial partnership last year to offer virtual whole-person care to members receiving disability benefits for musculoskeletal conditions of the back or neck, or long COVID. Early results from the program showed that after three months, participants experienced significant reductions in pain severity, anxiety and depression.

Goodpath's whole-person care offering is now available to Sun Life clients. Visit https://www.sunlife.com/us/en/employers/products-and-services/disability-insurance/goodpath-proactive-care/ to learn more.

About Sun Life
Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.47 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping more than 50 million Americans access the healthcare and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs nearly 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

About Goodpath
Goodpath is a virtual clinic for chronic health conditions. Goodpath provides virtual, whole-person care for back and joint pain, mental health, cancer survivorship, digestive health, and sleep health. Each member's program is completely personalized and brings together medical disciplines. Guided by a dedicated health coach, members improve symptoms (like back pain) and contributing factors (like stress, sleep, and diet). With Goodpath, 90% of members improve overall health - including mental and physical health symptoms - and reduce cost of care through proactive, whole-person care. For more information, visit Goodpath's website.

Media Contact:
Devon Fernald
Sun Life U.S.
Devon.Portney.Fernald@sunlife.com

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SOURCE Sun Life U.S.