Charlie Health Launches Virtual Program for Primary Substance Use Disorder Treatment

What You Should Know:

– Charlie Health, the leading provider of virtual high-acuity behavioral healthcare, today announced the launch of its dedicated virtual treatment program for individuals with primary substance use disorders (SUD).

–  Building on years of experience supporting clients with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions, the program formalizes and expands Charlie Health’s proven virtual intensive treatment model to serve teens and adults whose primary need is SUD care—delivering personalized support, specialized clinical expertise, and fully integrated, measurement-based treatment.

Charlie Health Expands Virtual High-Acuity Care with Comprehensive Substance Use Disorder Program

Charlie Health, a leading virtual behavioral health provider, delivers high-acuity, evidence-based care designed to drive life-saving outcomes. Offering personalized, intensive treatment for adolescents and adults facing serious mental health and substance use disorders, Charlie Health combines clinical expertise, human connection, and measurement-based care to support long-term recovery. The company is currently in-network with most major commercial and Medicaid health plans across 37 states and growing.

Recognizing the critical need—more than 46 million Americans struggle with substance use disorders annually, yet only 6% receive treatment—Charlie Health has launched a new virtual substance use disorder (SUD) program. This initiative addresses access gaps by pairing evidence-based substance use treatment with comprehensive mental health support, ensuring clients receive coordinated care through a single, connected experience.

Key features of the virtual SUD program include:

• Multiple weekly sessions: Clients engage in group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), all delivered virtually to maintain continuity with school, work, and family life.
• Curated peer cohorts and dedicated care teams: Clients are matched with peer groups and consistent clinical teams to provide clinically aligned support throughout the recovery journey.
• Integrated medication-assisted treatment: MAT options, including buprenorphine and naltrexone, are incorporated into personalized care plans aligned with each client’s treatment progress.

Charlie Health’s outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of this model for clients with substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions:

• 94% of clients completing treatment did not require readmission to a higher level of care within three months.
• 84% reduction in opioid use and 80% reduction in alcohol use among clients completing care.
• Significant mental health improvements, with over 70% reductions in self-harm and suicidal ideation, and nearly 50% reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety.

To further strengthen accountability and support long-term recovery, Charlie Health has partnered with You Are Accountable, a peer-led recovery support program providing virtual coaching and at-home drug and alcohol testing. This partnership enhances real-world skill-building and maintains client engagement between therapy sessions.

Carter Barnhart, CEO and Co-Founder of Charlie Health, emphasized the importance of accessible care, stating, “This program reflects what we’ve believed—and proven—since day one at Charlie Health: that connection paired with evidence-based care saves lives. We’re proud to offer a new path forward for those navigating recovery—one that’s integrated, supportive, and built for lasting healing.”