In the ever-evolving global landscape, business psychology and behavioral health services are emerged as a powerful force for positive change. With a focus on behavioral health services, MINES & Associates is working towards providing business results with peace of mind. It is a leading international psychology firm offering unparalleled expertise in the area of business programs and employee psychology.
Keeping all these things, we at Insights Care interviewed the Mines team to know more about the advanced technological advancements in mental health.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Kindly tell us the source of inspiration? What led you to venturing into the mental health sector?
Our founder’s source of inspiration was growing up in a rural area of Nebraska in the 1950’s and 60’s where mental health services were functionally non-existent. He came from an extended family where alcoholism, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, and other life stressors went untreated. He studied psychology in college and graduate school with the intention of helping those who suffered. His core belief was “leaving the planet a little better than he found it.” This translated into being a founding professor of counselling psychology at the University of Denver, and founding MINES three months later. Suffering and the end of suffering was a further value.
Can you elaborate upon the core values on which company is built and what is the mission of the company?
The “starfish story” is a story about a little girl who is saving as many starfish as she can by throwing them in one at a time. A man walks by her and tells her that she is not going to be able to save all of the starfish and she pulls one up and says, I am making a difference for this one. This story illustrates the core values of our firm, “It made a difference to that one.” MINES is cantered around serving our fellow beings mindfully and with great loving-kindness through the application of psychology. These values guide our service and are deeply rooted in compassionate action, inclusion, and doing our best for each client.
We find inspiration to make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time. We believe that even if someone reaches out to us and isn’t our client, it is our duty to assist them in finding community-based services. This commitment extends beyond our immediate scope, reflecting our belief in the power of kindness and support for all.
Moreover, our service is built on the fundamental value that our interventions are grounded in evidence-based practice. We recognize the importance of employing well-researched and proven methodologies to ensure the highest level of effectiveness and quality in the care we provide.
By embracing these core values inspired by the starfish story, we strive to create a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. We remain dedicated to upholding our values of compassionate action, inclusion, and evidence-based practice, as we believe in the transformative power of psychology to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.
In what ways does the company’s services help the patient population in resolving their psychological and emotional needs? Tell us about the process of delivering mental health services at the company.
MINES offers a wide range of services to support clients in achieving and maintaining optimal health and well-being. We work with organizations to serve their employees and families, addressing various psychological needs. Our services encompass assessment, treatment, and resource-finding for a wide range of mental health challenges, all supported by evidence-based interventions.
We provide human contact through our telephonic intake staff, and for those who prefer a digital access point, we also offer digital intake services. MINES consists of a Health Psychology Division, delivering international Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), managed mental health care utilization review and case management, a national PPO network, onsite/virtual mental health clinics, critical incident stress services, and specialty networks tailored to first responders, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ populations. We also provide 24/7 crisis services and a variety of customized programs.
Additionally, our EAP includes wellness coaching, parenting coaching, lactation coaching, peer support services, mindfulness, numerous online live and on-demand trainings, articles, peer support, and self-assessments accessible through our personal advantage portal.
MINES also has an organizational psychology division that focuses on supporting organizations themselves. We offer services such as culture assessments, change management, executive assessments, team building, conflict resolution, organizational hierarchy and life span assessment and design, as well as various training programs.
Overall, MINES provides comprehensive psychological services to individuals and organizations alike, helping them achieve well-being and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
What endeavours is the company currently pursuing to improve its mental health measures for people?
MINES has contributed to the body of knowledge through assessing and treating mental health conditions. Since our inception, we have assisted clients in examining the frequency, intensity, and duration of their symptoms compared to when they began treatment. In addition, we request therapist perception of change data from every provider in our EAP network. MINES collaborates with organizations to provide optimal services and engage in assessments.
What advice would you like to give to the budding entrepreneurs and enthusiasts who desire to venture into the mental health sector?
Our advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to start by clarifying your motivation. If your primary goal is to generate high revenue like the technology or finance industries, you may face disappointment. The reimbursement rates, scalability, access, and affordability in the USA can pose challenges for entrepreneurs in certain sectors. However, if your fundamental desire is to make a positive impact and help people, and if your business concept addresses these challenges, we encourage you to pursue it. The demand and need for solutions are endless.
How do you envision scaling your organization’s services and operations in 2023 and beyond?
MINES has excelled in scaling its services by embracing and innovating different delivery models. We constantly evaluate advancements in client access, supply, and technology to enhance our offerings. Looking ahead to 2023 and beyond, we are intrigued by the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI), and we are actively exploring and monitoring its possibilities. Considering the growing challenge of therapist accessibility, we are exploring alternative channels that may effectively address certain life situations without the need for a therapist.
What are some of the testimonials or recognition that accurately highlight your organization’s position in the market.
MINES has received numerous awards as have various team members including our CEO and our Founder. Some of these awards include: 2021 Outstanding Employee Assistance Program – PATH4EMS Program with Peer Assistance Services, (EAPA), our Founder, Robert Mines receiving the Founders Award through Peer Assistance Services, our CEO receiving the Titan 100 CEO award two years in a row as examples.
MINES receives testimonials from individual clients and corporate clients constantly throughout our 42 years. Due to the confidentiality of the individual clients, we can only give the message. These include:
From a client two years after a work performance referral and treatment. “I was so mad at you and my employer for making me go to treatment. I am calling you now to tell you thank you. At the time I was living in my car, had an alcohol problem, was messing up at work, not to mention my relationships. Now, I have a house, I am sober and I was able to keep my job.”
From a client with a trauma history and daily suicidal thoughts. “If it were not for you, I would have been dead a long time ago.”
“When I called in to talk to someone, I was so scared and anxious and having someone who cared answer the phone gave me hope.”
From an HR contact who called with a suicidal client in their office. “I was so relieved we had you as an EAP, and I knew when I called, I would get support and help for this employee, thank you.”
From an organizational client who had their own internal organizational development department, the VP said “For our complex situations, you know we call you.”
