Starbucks Transforms Mental Health Benefit for U.S. Employees

Starbucks builds on its history of providing innovative, industry-leading benefits for employees with new mental health care benefit in partnership with Lyra Health.

U.S. partners (employees) and eligible family members will receive 20 mental health sessions with a therapist or coach each year.

Offering a new mental health care resource is part of Starbucks larger mental health initiative announced in September, created based on partner feedback.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced a reimagined mental health care benefit for its U.S. partners (employees) that is more accessible, robust and tailored to partners specific needs than ever before.

Beginning April 6, Starbucks will provide all U.S. partners and eligible family members access to 20 sessions a year with a mental health therapist or coach through Lyra Health, all at no cost to the user.

The innovative mental health benefits provider, Lyra Health, will connect more Starbucks partners to high quality care. Starbucks partners will be able to securely and confidentially seek evidence-based mental health treatment, identify available health providers that meet their individual needs, and book appointments on the spot with options to meet with their therapist or coach by video or in-person. Starbucks partners may also access self-guided online programs recommended by Lyra Health based on their specific needs. Lyra Health also offers support for legal services, identity theft and financial coaching.

“Caring for Starbucks partners is at the core of our company. We are constantly listening to our partners and exploring new ways to enhance the innovative benefits we offer to support them and their families,” said Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and ceo. “Mental health is a fundamental part of our humanity and these resources will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and help break the stigma around this complex issue.”

The reimagined mental health care benefit was created based on partner feedback and is the latest update in the company’s comprehensive mental health initiative announced last September, with an aim to promote mental wellness and offer innovative new mental health care benefits that support Starbucks goal to break the stigma.

“We listened to our partners in order to understand what they really need and would really use,” said Ron Crawford, vice president of global benefits at Starbucks. “What we’ve created in partnership with Lyra Health directly addresses the feedback we’ve heard.”

This announcement follows Starbucks introduction of several new and improved benefits this year including Headspace, the daily meditation and mindfulness app, to U.S. and Canada partners, as well as mental health training sessions for U.S. and Canada store managers that will be available this summer in partnership with the National Council for Behavioral Health, inspired by Mental Health First Aid.

"With Lyra Health, Starbucks has set the stage for a new era of innovative, comprehensive mental health benefits – an era where more employers are prioritizing their people’s well-being, and breaking down the barriers of mental health stigma that still exist today," said David Ebersman, Founder and CEO of Lyra Health.

Starbucks commitment to supporting partners mental health furthers the company’s legacy in providing industry-leading benefits especially in the healthcare space, from being one of the first companies to offer healthcare to part-time employees in 1988 to recent benefits including paid sick leave, paid parental leave, transgender care and family expansion reimbursement.

“Starbucks decision to provide its partners with a range of tools and resources will set an unprecedented example for others to follow,” said President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia of the National Council for Behavioral Health. “We’re honored to work with Starbucks, and we know important partnerships like this one will help us address the mental health crisis we face in America. We also hope to see other organizations take the same bold step Starbucks has taken to support their workforce. Without mental health, there is no health.”

“NAMI applauds Starbucks’ effort to increase access to mental health care for their U.S. partners and families,” said Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “We know that through treatment, recovery is possible and having access to free mental health sessions can make a positive impact on anyone struggling with their mental health. This is a new standard for employee benefits which will not only improve the lives of individuals but also the company.”

About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 31,000 stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.