Mental health leaves are surging. Caregiving stress is intensifying. AI is reshaping how we work—and how we feel about work. After years of progress, resilience is wearing thin, and benefits leaders are being asked to do the impossible: spend less without sacrificing employee health.
Lyra Health’s 2026 Workforce Mental Health Trends Forecast reveals where the ground is shifting—and offers a roadmap for navigating what’s ahead. Drawing on insights from over 500 HR and benefits leaders, this webinar will unpack the most pressing challenges facing workforce mental health today, from the surge in complex conditions and mental health leaves to the paradox of AI as both stressor and solution. You’ll discover how leading organizations are tackling the family care gap, supporting neurodivergent employees, equipping burnt-out managers, and redefining ROI to prove value amid budget pressures.
What you’ll learn:
The six critical trends reshaping workforce mental health in 2026 and how benefits leaders are responding
Where traditional mental health strategies are falling short and what’s needed to meet this moment
How leading organizations are managing cost containment, demonstrating ROI and proving the value supporting employee’s mental health
Actionable strategies you can implement immediately to build resilience, close care gaps, and drive business impact
Meet the Presenters
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Dr. Joe Grasso, Vice President, Workforce Transformation, Lyra Health
Joe Grasso, PhD, is the Vice President of Workforce Transformation at Lyra Health and a clinical psychologist by training. At Lyra, he oversees Lyra's product suite for supporting workplace mental health and he leads a team of experts who consult with employers on their management practices, corporate policies, and learning and development programs. Dr. Grasso has been interviewed by national media outlets including CNN, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Fast Company, and Washington Post for his perspective on workforce mental health topics. Prior to joining Lyra, Dr. Grasso managed the implementation of a national training program for the US Department of Veterans Affairs, where he also led quality improvement initiatives and conducted health services research. His peer-reviewed research spans topics including integrated health care, psychotherapy outcomes, and the intersection of social identities and mental health.
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Alethea Varra, PhD, SVP, Clinical Care, Lyra Health
Alethea Varra, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and vice president of clinical care for Lyra Health. She serves as the senior clinical leader for therapy programs and is responsible for driving overall clinical strategy and oversight of clinical quality and training. Alethea received a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. She completed her internship training at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System and a research fellowship at the Mental Illness Research and Education Center (MIRECC) in Seattle. She has over 15 years of experience in mental health and clinical operations. Her focus is on health care innovation and program development, and she is passionate about improving access to evidenced-based mental health care, especially for underserved populations.
SHRM certification has approved this webinar for 1 PDC toward SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP recertification. A program code will be provided at the end of the webinar.