Five years ago, Ophelia set out to change the landscape of opioid use disorder treatment. We knew that traditional barriers like stigma, cost, and excessive program requirements were preventing people from getting life-saving medication. Our mission was simple but ambitious: use telehealth to make high-quality, evidence-based treatment accessible to anyone who needed it. Since then, we’ve not only treated tens of thousands of patients, but we’ve also proven that our model works, backed by rigorous research, strategic partnerships, and real-world outcomes. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just looking back. We’re reinforcing our commitment to the future of addiction care.
A quick glance at the numbers
- 20k + patients helped
- 1500+ five star Google reviews
- 75% 6-month retention among insured patients
- 65+ addiction-trained, empathetic clinicians treating patients
- 300k+ zoom visits
- 6 published papers
- 14 states licensed and operating in
- 30+ grand rounds
Here are some of the moments that defined Ophelia’s journey so far:
1. The moment it all began
March 24, 2020 – the first patient in treatment
At the height of the pandemic, we treated our very first patient. It was the beginning of a new era, one where life-saving treatment could be accessed from home, free from stigma and barriers.
2. Moments of growth: expanding our impact
Achieving 100% Medicaid coverage in Pennsylvania
By securing full Medicaid coverage statewide, we removed financial barriers for thousands seeking treatment.
Treating beyond OUD
We broadened our services to include behavioral health conditions like depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and nicotine and stimulant use disorders—ensuring our patients receive comprehensive care.
Expanding across states
What started in one state has expanded to operating in 14 states.
3. Moments of advocacy: standing up for patients
Championing patients during policy shifts
When regulatory changes threatened telehealth access to medication-assisted treatment, Ophelia took action—making sure policymakers heard the voices of patients who rely on this care.
Staying true to our principles, without compromise
From day one, we have never required group attendance or billed for a single drug test. We believe treatment should be patient-first, evidence-based, and free from unnecessary hurdles.
4. Moments of leadership: shaping the future of healthcare
Training the next generation of clinicians
As an official training site for Penn and Yale nursing students since 2022, we’re helping ensure future providers understand and embrace telehealth for addiction treatment.
Hosting 9 MOUD trainings for nearly 200 clinicians
Through PCSS-sponsored training sessions, we’ve equipped healthcare professionals with the tools to provide life-saving treatment.
Leading grand rounds in addiction medicine
With over 30+ monthly grand rounds featuring renowned experts, we’ve fostered ongoing learning for our clinical team and students.
Pioneering research in virtual MAT
Since our first research publication in 2022, Ophelia’s model has been validated in leading journals, including JAMA and Health Affairs, proving that telehealth treatment works.
5. Moments of recognition: elevating our work
Becoming a Center of Excellence in PA
Ophelia became the first and only telehealth organization designated as a Center of Excellence for OUD treatment, cementing our leadership at the government level in evidence-based care.
Having our voice heard in national conversations
From thought leadership to disruptive advertising, Ophelia has kept addiction treatment at the forefront. Our work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and Behavioral Health Business.
6. Moments of innovation: reaching patients in new ways
Creating patient-centered content
From educational materials to a coloring book designed to engage patients in their treatment journey, we continue to find innovative ways to make care approachable and supportive.
Transforming public perception of addiction treatment
Through bold awareness campaigns, we’ve challenged outdated narratives to start reshaping how addiction treatment is viewed in healthcare and beyond.
7. Moments of innovation: building a better system for patients and clinicians
Creating a seamless patient experience
In 2020, we designed a patient portal tailored for OUD patients. With rich data integrations to ensure patient safety, the portal streamlines intake, minimizes paperwork, and makes essential documents easy to access. To remove barriers, we deliberately chose Zoom as the simplest way for patients to engage in care.
Building an EMR designed for addiction treatment
Traditional EMRs weren’t built for addiction care so we built our own. Clinicians love its simplicity, efficiency, and intuitive design, ensuring seamless workflows that prioritize patient and provider needs.
Looking ahead: the next five years
These milestones represent just a fraction of what we’ve accomplished. More importantly, they reflect our unwavering commitment to making treatment accessible, compassionate, and backed by science.
We’re not done yet. The next five years will be about scaling impact, deepening our research, and continuing to fight for a world where addiction care is stigma-free and within reach for everyone who needs it. Here’s to what’s next.
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