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Mental health providers are not one-size-fits-all. Finding the right therapist or coach is a process that includes looking into their experience, training, and specialties. Add to that a dash of chemistry, and of course—availability. Now imagine adding another layer to that process: you’re struggling with an alcohol or substance use disorder (AUD/SUD). Getting access to providers with the skill set and empathy to care for this underserved population makes it even more challenging for most clients.
Lyra Health has made big strides in creating frictionless access to high-quality care providers with diverse expertise in under a day. In early 2024, Lyra introduced Complex Care to support members with higher acuity needs, including connecting to treatment for substance use disorders. Lyra Renew is our integrated, outpatient virtual alcohol and mental health recovery program. We were happy to have the chance to sit down with Allie Papada, LPC, LAC, one of Lyra’s Renew therapists, to explain more about this offering.
Lyra Team: Hey Allie! Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to talk about Lyra Renew. I’m curious how your path led you to Lyra.
Allie: Thanks for having me! I’ve been working with clients in a variety of SUD programs since 2015. That’s also the year I moved to Denver from Pennsylvania and never looked back. But once a Philly sports fan, always a Philly sports fan!
I studied psychology and political science for my undergraduate degree, then spent two years working in a residential treatment program. This experience was really tough, but it confirmed that I wanted to work in mental health, so I decided to go back to school and earned my master’s degree in forensic psychology. Throughout my education, I continued to develop my passion for supporting people who need help the most. I feel particularly called to work with clients who haven’t been able to connect with other therapists due to stigma or a history of missing support.
My path led me to Lyra in 2023, when I joined as a Lyra Care Therapist (LCT). The LCT program is really thoughtful. We meet with clients for one-on-one virtual sessions, then I share customized videos and exercises between sessions. Lyra has found the sweet spot with innovative technology that enhances the client’s growth while supporting me with resources and administrative tools.
Lyra Team: Love to hear it! Let’s dive into Lyra Renew. Will you share a bit about what excites you about this program?
Allie: One of my favorite things about the Renew program is our weekly multidisciplinary team meetings. These optional meetings are an opportunity to consult on cases with clinical supervisors, Renew clinicians, our Peer Recovery Support Specialist, and Dr. Smita Das, Lyra’s vice president of psychiatry and complex care. You can join as often as you like or need. We really get to see how great the Renew clinicians and supervisors are at serving these communities.
An area of the Renew program that may be intimidating for some clinicians is that we’re working with more high-need clients, and while that’s true, we have tremendous support to ensure we’re able to meet them where they are. We also spend time talking about our clients’ wins, whether it’s drinking one less drink per day, doing something they were afraid to do, or making it through a family party without drinking. I love having a community where we can share the good and the bad. I always leave these meetings feeling empowered and supported.
Lyra Team: What is it about the Renew program that makes it effective?
Allie: I find that accessibility makes Renew stand out compared to other alcohol or substance use treatment programs. Thanks to our virtual platform, clients can access high-quality integrated treatment from the comfort of their own homes. This means that care doesn’t begin and end with therapy. We work closely with physicians when medication for addiction treatment is needed, and clients can attend virtual group support led by peer recovery coaches.
When clients are thinking about changing their drinking habits, a barrier that can impact change is how easy it is to access care. Other programs require substantial time commitments or conflict with their working hours, and if they have to worry about a commute or finding child care, they may be less likely to prioritize addressing their drinking.
I also love that the digital content we use is easily accessible on their phones, so if they need to record an episode of drinking or another clinical component they want their therapist to know, they don’t have to try to remember it for the next session—they can log it in the moment. Another thing about the digital tools is that they’re customized for each client, providing engaging psychoeducation through storytelling. The video lessons are quick and relatable, and our clients love them.
Here are some metrics that highlight the efficacy of the program:
- 84% of Lyra Renew members clinically improve*
- 76% report a reduction in monthly binge days, while 78% report a reduction in weekly drinks
- 86% report reduced anxiety and depression
- 82% report reduced suicidal ideation
*Clinical improvement is determined by self-assessments measuring anxiety, depression, alcohol consumption, frequency of heavy alcohol use episodes, and/or alcohol cravings.
Lyra Team: What would you share with providers who are interested in joining Lyra’s Renew program?
Allie: If caring for those struggling with alcohol or substance use is an interest, Lyra makes it easy to dip your toe in. They provide thoughtful training and support, so you never feel alone. I also appreciate that our clients receive group support as an additional layer of ongoing care.
Another way I feel supported by Lyra is through caseload balance. They’re truly invested in preventing provider burnout, so only 20% of my cases are Lyra Renew, while the rest are diverse clinical presentations with primary mental health needs. If I want to bump up my Renew cases, I have that option as well.
If you’re a California-licensed clinician with experience in addiction treatment from a clinical setting, or have training in substance use treatment, you can check out the role on Lyra’s careers site.
Learn more about a rewarding role with Lyra Renew
Apply here
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