Former Facebook CFO launches Lyra Health to help people with mental health issues

Lyra Health

Former Facebook CFO David Ebersman is joining the digital health revolution with a new startup called Lyra Health, which will focus on helping people with a range of mental health issues.

According to the Recode report, the behavioral health technology company will match those with conditions like depression, anxiety or substance abuse with the right treatment. It will be based in Silicon Valley, and backed initially by him and Venrock.

According to Ebersman, most patients suffering from these illnesses are “undiagnosed, untreated or treated with ineffective therapies,” leaving space for startups like Lyra.

“The system that we have is terrible, works poorly and is frustrating to use; people who are sick suffer and there is a significant economic and productivity cost,” he said. “And, surprisingly, not much tech has been brought to bear to this problem that is a lonely and exhausting experience.”

Lyra Health will target employers, health plans and providers, providing them with a variety of tools for patients.The company will target employers, health plans and providers, providing them with a variety of tools for patients such as diagnostic tests to help people determine if they need care, for example, as well as software to manage the process.

Ebersman added that most people involved with Lyra have had personal experiences with the system and want to fix it. “Everyone has someone who suffers from these disorders and has stumbled through trying to get help for themselves, family or friends,” he said. “We want to end that.”