Lyra Health Announces First and Only Nationwide Networks for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders

Expansion of Lyra Renew and Lyra Dialectical Behavioral Therapy guarantees access to specialty providers amidst nationwide shortage

September 10, 2024 — 12:01 PM PT, BURLINGAME, Calif. — Lyra Health, the leading provider of innovative Workforce Mental Health solutions for employers and health plans, today announced the nationwide expansion of the Complex Care outpatient programs delivered through Lyra Clinical Associates. Lyra Renew for alcohol and substance use disorders and Lyra Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for severe emotional dysregulation and suicidality are now available to all members across the U.S.

Growing Severe Care Needs Amidst Provider Shortages

The need for specialized mental health care remains high, with 5% of U.S. adults experiencing a severe mental illness. Yet, the supply of mental health professionals is alarmingly low, with more than a third of the U.S. population located in areas with significant shortages. 

“Provider shortages coupled with the overwhelming demand for care means that individuals with severe mental health issues often struggle to find timely and appropriate support, leading to more frequent, intensive, and costly interventions down the line,” said Dr. Connie Chen, COO and chief medical officer at Lyra Health. “Expanding access to evidenced-based programs like Lyra Renew and DBT is crucial for addressing high-acuity needs that are often overlooked, ensuring employees receive the care they deserve to improve outcomes and reduce the duration and recurrence of mental health episodes.”

Transforming Access to Care for Complex Mental Health Needs

Supporting members with complex mental health issues requires a tailored, comprehensive approach: 

• Comprehensive, virtual, support for suicidal thoughts and behaviors: DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps people manage emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve interpersonal relationships and is considered the gold standard for treatment for individuals with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Lyra DBT is the only comprehensive virtual program being delivered in all 50 states that combines weekly one-on-one therapy sessions with two-hour skill-building group sessions and 24/7 skills support by phone. 
• Timely and accessible DBT with faster clinical improvement: Due to a shortage of specialized providers, traditional DBT programs often have limited availability, leading to wait times typically ranging from 3 to 6 months. Lyra members are connected to a licensed DBT provider in one day for screening and begin care within eight days. Since the program’s inception, 88% of Lyra DBT members completed the program in four months with an average reliable improvement rate of 84%. 
• Specialized care for alcohol and substance use disorder: Lyra Renew helps people reduce or stop substance and alcohol use and treat co-occurring disorders through evidence-based virtual therapy, group sessions, peer recovery support specialists, ongoing symptom assessments, specialized digital lessons and tools for addictions, and medication to fight cravings. On average, 84% of members utilizing Lyra Renew have achieved reliable clinical improvement. 
• High-quality care, improved outcomes and cost savings for employers: By establishing a network of specialized, evidence-based providers and committing significant resources to clinical research to drive improved outcomes, Lyra delivers care at a significantly lower cost than traditional health plans. A recent study found that Lyra delivered a 60% reduction in employer health plan spending for members with alcohol and substance use disorders. 

Through Lyra Complex Care, members with high-acuity needs can get matched with the right level of evidence-based care – whether that’s outpatient programs like Lyra DBT and Lyra Renew, or higher levels of care such as intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, residential treatment, or detox–through our trusted Lyra Facility Partners. 

Lyra offers 450 programs and facilities, including virtual and in-person care options through facility partners. With a strong focus on timely access, 84% of members who received a treatment plan had an admission or intake in a treatment program within 30 days, ensuring that individuals receive the specialized care they need from anywhere in the U.S. and can transition back to outpatient services when ready. 

“Well-done evidence-based diagnoses and assessments are the foundation to delivering good care, reducing patients’ risk, and improving their chances of long-term recovery,” said Bob Poznanovich, chief growth officer, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. “Our collaboration with Lyra will help ensure more individuals and families are able to access the right level of care, with the right provider, and receive the full spectrum of support they need during their journey to recovery and well-being.”

For more information about Lyra’s comprehensive support for the most severe mental health needs, visit Lyra’s blog here. 

About Lyra Health

Lyra Health is the leading provider of Workforce Mental Health benefits, available to more than 17 million people globally. Lyra is transforming access to life-changing mental health care using AI-powered provider matching, personalized support, and a digital platform to deliver evidence-based support for individuals and teams. Lyra quickly connects members to the largest dedicated global network of evidenced-based mental health providers and well-being tools, to address every mental health need and deliver outstanding positive outcomes that are equitable across diverse racial and ethnic groups. Extensive peer-reviewed published research confirms Lyra’s transformative care model helps people recover twice as fast and a 26% reduction in overall health care claims costs for participants annually.  For more information about Lyra Health’s Workforce Mental Health benefits for employers, visit lyrahealth.com.