Brightside Health has expanded its services to include virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for substance use disorder (SUD) through the acquisition of Lionrock Recovery, a pioneer in virtual substance abuse counseling. This integration allows Brightside Health to offer comprehensive telemental health treatment for conditions such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, alcohol use disorder, and SUD, utilizing Lionrock's personalized care approach and technology to eliminate barriers for those in need.
The urgency for effective SUD treatment is evident, with a 2022 survey from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealing that 17% of individuals aged 12 or older reported an SUD. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 39% increase in SUD cases in emergency departments from 2018 to 2021. Brightside Health's IOP services provide structured, intensive treatment, including therapy, psychiatric treatment, medication, lab testing, and peer support, offering a less disruptive and more cost-effective alternative to inpatient programs.
This expansion follows Brightside Health’s significant growth initiatives, including a Series C funding round, new Medicaid and Medicare partnerships, and the success of its Crisis Care program. Co-Founder and CEO Brad Kittredge emphasized the importance of addressing SUD with the same high standards as other mental health conditions. This strategic move positions Brightside Health to support a larger segment of mental health patients, reinforcing its commitment to being a valuable partner in the healthcare industry.
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