Digital mental health company Cerebral is undergoing significant digital mental health leadership changes as it responds to growing criticism over its prescribing practices. These changes come at a critical moment for the company, which has been under intense public and regulatory scrutiny related to its approach to controlled medication prescriptions, especially those for ADHD. The leadership shakeup signals a concerted effort by Cerebral to refocus on clinical quality, safety, and compliance amid mounting challenges.
Leadership Changes Designed to Prioritize Clinical Quality and Compliance
Cerebral recently announced major digital mental health leadership changes that include promoting its Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. David Mou, to president while retaining his CMO role. Dr. Mou, a Harvard Medical School-trained psychiatrist, has been a driving force in establishing Cerebral’s clinical quality and safety departments. Kyle Robertson, Cerebral’s CEO, described Mou’s promotion as a key move to ensure “clinical quality and safety are at the forefront of every decision” the company makes.
In addition to Dr. Mou’s promotion, Cerebral brought on Jacqueline Kniska, a lawyer by training and former chief ethics and compliance officer at Virginia Commonwealth University, to lead its compliance efforts. Her hiring reflects a renewed focus on ethical oversight and regulatory adherence as part of the company’s digital mental health leadership changes.
The leadership restructuring also includes the departure of CFO Margaret Miller, who stepped down by mutual agreement. This change rounds out a broader leadership reorganization intended to strengthen operational governance and clinical oversight.
Changes in ADHD Medication Prescribing Policies
Among the most notable operational changes tied to these digital mental health leadership changes is Cerebral’s decision to stop prescribing controlled ADHD medications to new patients as of May 9. Existing patients will continue to have access to their prescriptions, allowing for a phased approach to this policy shift. This move aims to directly address concerns raised about the company’s prescribing protocols, which have been criticized in the media and by healthcare partners.
CEO Robertson has pledged to equip clinicians with additional tools designed to safeguard prescribing practices for ADHD medications. He emphasized that Cerebral will continue to internally review and refine its approach to ensure that safety and quality remain the company’s highest priorities. These commitments underscore how the digital mental health leadership changes extend beyond personnel to encompass tangible changes in clinical policy and practice.
Media Scrutiny and Pharmacy Partner Reactions
The backdrop to these changes includes heightened media scrutiny and operational setbacks. Investigative reports, including a Bloomberg article, highlighted concerns that Cerebral’s clinicians were pressured to aggressively push medication prescriptions, especially controlled substances like Adderall. This drew regulatory and public attention to the company’s medication management practices.
Pharmacy partners reacted strongly: Truepill, a key fulfillment partner, reportedly stopped filling Cerebral’s Adderall prescriptions. CVS Health also blocked some Cerebral prescribers from issuing ADHD medication. These restrictions have disrupted Cerebral’s ability to serve patients and contributed to the urgency behind the digital mental health leadership changes.
Operational and Employment Challenges
Beyond clinical and compliance concerns, Cerebral has faced internal challenges that complicate its path forward. Earlier in the year, the company shifted its W-2 clinicians from salaried to hourly pay, which raised questions about staff morale and job security. Additionally, reports emerged that Cerebral planned to outsource care coordinator roles to the Philippines, raising concerns about the impact on patient care quality and continuity.
These operational issues have intensified scrutiny on Cerebral’s business model and contributed to the leadership’s decision to institute sweeping digital mental health leadership changes focused on restoring stability and trust.
Company Growth and Market Position
Founded in 2019, Cerebral rapidly grew into a digital health unicorn, raising a total of $462 million in funding and achieving a valuation of $4.8 billion. Its business model, which integrates teletherapy, medication management, and digital mental health tools, positioned it as a key player in the expanding telehealth sector.
Despite recent challenges, Cerebral’s leadership expresses confidence in the company’s future. Dr. Mou emphasized the commitment to safety and clinical quality, stating that Cerebral remains focused on making a positive difference in patients’ lives. CEO Robertson echoed this, noting that the digital mental health leadership changes and enhanced compliance measures are designed to rebuild trust and deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.
Looking Ahead
As Cerebral implements these digital mental health leadership changes and updates its clinical policies, the company faces the dual task of managing regulatory expectations and regaining public and professional confidence. How well Cerebral navigates this period will likely shape its role in the broader telemedicine and digital behavioral health market.
The company’s ability to balance rapid growth with rigorous clinical oversight and ethical practices will be critical to its sustainability. These leadership changes mark an important step toward that balance, signaling Cerebral’s intention to lead the way in responsible digital mental health care.
