In recent years, the focus on comprehensive care models has significantly increased within the behavioral health space. Providers are beginning to recognize that a more integrated approach is necessary to truly address the complexities of mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs). This shift is becoming evident as leading organizations in the field begin to diversify their services and adopt a more holistic approach to care. A prime example of this transition can be seen in Lyra Health, a workforce behavioral health provider that recently made a bold move to expand its substance use disorder offerings.
Lyra Health, which provides mental health services through employers, announced on Monday that it is broadening its care for substance use disorders to include programs for cannabis, opioids, stimulants, and nicotine. This expansion is a clear reflection of a growing industry trend in which behavioral health providers are embracing a more comprehensive, evidence-based approach to addiction treatment. These treatments do not only focus on the addiction itself but also address the often overlooked mental health conditions that frequently accompany substance use disorders. Additionally, the focus on transitional support is aimed at helping patients maintain their recovery over the long term by providing them with the tools and support necessary to break the cycle of relapse.
Addressing the Gaps in Traditional SUD Treatment
Lyra’s new expansion is part of a broader shift in how care for substance use disorders is treated. Traditional SUD treatments often fail to provide integrated, evidence-based care that accounts for the mental health conditions that commonly coexist with addiction. These treatments also tend to overlook the importance of transitional support, which is critical for helping individuals maintain long-term sobriety.
Dr. Smita Das, Vice President of Psychiatry and Complex Care at Lyra Health, addressed this issue by noting, “Oftentimes, treatment options for SUD lack integrated, evidence-based care that addresses mental health conditions and substance use, as well as transitional support, which is critical for breaking the cycle of relapse and achieving long-term recovery.” Dr. Das further explained that Lyra’s expanded programs aim to fill these gaps by offering a more personalized and comprehensive approach to care for substance use disorders. The company intends to provide mental health services that not only support individuals in their recovery but also include their families in the process to ensure a smoother transition into long-term recovery and a better overall experience for those in need of care.
The integrated approach Lyra is championing includes virtual therapy sessions, the use of digital tools for monitoring and support, and the option of medications to assist in recovery. These services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team consisting of therapists, peer recovery specialists, and physicians, allowing patients to receive a well-rounded and individualized plan of care. This type of comprehensive, evidence-based model is critical because it treats the whole person—both the substance use and the mental health issues that often accompany it.
A Full Spectrum of SUD Treatment for All Needs
Prior to this expansion, Lyra operated the Lyra Renew program, which focused specifically on alcohol use disorder. However, with the latest announcement, Lyra is broadening its reach to offer care for substance use disorders across a full range, including cannabis, opioids, stimulants, and nicotine use disorders, which have been increasingly recognized as major public health concerns. One of the highlights of the new treatment programs is the introduction of a nicotine “quitline,” which provides patients who are attempting to quit tobacco use with a personalized quit plan and coping strategies to manage cravings. This addition is crucial, as tobacco dependence is one of the most common and challenging addictions to treat.
In addition to virtual care, Lyra’s expanded offerings include referrals for patients who require more acute treatment. For individuals with severe substance use issues, Lyra has established partnerships with brick-and-mortar treatment facilities, ensuring patients have access to in-person care when necessary. Lyra’s referral network includes over 400 locations, with notable partners such as Hazelden Betty Ford, a well-established nonprofit treatment provider, virtual mental health provider Charlie Health, and Mount Sinai Health System. These collaborations give Lyra patients access to a broader range of services and ensure that their needs are met regardless of the severity of their condition.
Lyra’s use of telemedicine and digital health tools is also a standout feature of its new care for substance use disorders offerings. Virtual therapy has proven to be a viable and effective option for patients who may not have access to in-person care, or for those who prefer the convenience and privacy of online therapy. Additionally, the digital tools used in Lyra’s programs offer ongoing support, progress tracking, and education, empowering patients to actively participate in their recovery.
Innovations in Severe Mental Health Treatment and SUD Care
The expansion of Lyra’s treatment programs comes alongside another exciting development: the addition of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to Lyra Complex Care, the company’s program for patients with severe mental health needs. DBT is a type of therapy that is particularly effective for individuals who experience high emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, or severe mental health conditions such as borderline personality disorder. This addition highlights Lyra’s commitment to addressing the needs of individuals with complex, co-occurring mental health and substance use issues.
Lyra’s foray into severe mental health treatment is significant for a number of reasons. Dexter Braff, president of The Braff Group, recently noted that the severe mental health space is ripe for innovation. “For those of you who like to zig when the market zags, severe mental illness is an open window right now,” he said. This space, traditionally underserved by behavioral health providers, offers a unique opportunity for companies like Lyra to bring new solutions to a population in need. By integrating treatment for severe mental health conditions with care for substance use disorders, Lyra is positioning itself as a leader in offering holistic, person-centered care that addresses all aspects of a patient’s mental health and recovery.
A Growing Trend in Behavioral Health
Lyra Health is not alone in its efforts to treat a full spectrum of SUDs with an integrated care model. Other behavioral health providers are also prioritizing comprehensive treatment that addresses the various dimensions of addiction. For example, Pelago, a digital SUD treatment provider, launched a cannabis use disorder program in April and also offers opioid, alcohol, and tobacco cessation services. Similarly, Spring Health, a provider of employer mental health solutions, introduced a smoking cessation program in partnership with 2Morrow Health in February. These efforts reflect a broader movement in the behavioral health industry to offer more inclusive, holistic care that goes beyond treating the addiction and tackles the underlying mental health conditions that often fuel substance use.
As behavioral health providers increasingly adopt integrated care models, the hope is that these approaches will lead to better outcomes for patients, reduce relapse rates, and provide individuals with the necessary tools to maintain their recovery over time. This is especially important for the millions of people who struggle with both substance use and mental health disorders, conditions that often exacerbate each other and require specialized, comprehensive treatment to overcome.
Looking to the Future of Behavioral Health Care
The growing demand for behavioral health services, especially for those with complex or co-occurring conditions, underscores the need for innovative, integrated care models. Lyra Health’s recent expansion into comprehensive care for substance use disorders is just one example of how the industry is evolving to meet these demands. By offering a full spectrum of services, incorporating telehealth and digital tools, and partnering with traditional care providers, Lyra is setting the stage for a new era in behavioral health care—one that promises better outcomes, more accessible care, and greater support for individuals on their path to recovery.
As more behavioral health providers begin to follow suit and adopt similar models, the hope is that integrated care for substance use disorders will become the standard for treating SUDs and mental health disorders. This holistic approach to care is poised to revolutionize the way addiction and mental health treatment is delivered, creating a future where individuals receive the comprehensive, personalized care they need to thrive and maintain lasting recovery.
