Lyra Health Introduces First Clinical-Grade AI for Mental Health

Lyra AI Provides 24/7 Support Backed by a World-Class Provider Network

“Polaris Principles” Established for Safe, Clinically Rigorous AI Mental Health Services

BURLINGAME, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lyra Health today introduced the first clinical-grade AI experience for mental health care. Built on more than a decade of real-world experience serving 20 million people around the world, Lyra AI is rooted in proven clinical outcomes, provider training, and strict safety protocols. Backed by a world-class network of providers, Lyra AI gives members access to mental health support anytime.

“Care innovation is core to Lyra’s DNA,” said Jennifer Schulz, CEO of Lyra Health. “Over the last decade, we’ve built new care models that combine evidence-based treatment with accessible technology. We proved that mental health care works better with smart technology—starting with AI that matches people to the right providers and now extending support any time of day. We’re extremely excited to introduce Lyra AI, a powerful new model for mental health support at this critical moment.”

Lyra AI builds on the Lyra Empower platform, bringing together Lyra’s extensive AI background with its evidence-based and proprietary Lyra Care model, which blends digital skill-building between live provider sessions.

Introducing Lyra AI: New 24/7 mental health support

Starting today, new Lyra AI functions will be available through a pilot for select customers to help their members facing mild and moderate challenges like burnout, sleep, and stress. Members get instant, integrated support from a clinically designed conversational AI guide. Lyra AI features a sophisticated risk-flagging system that identifies situations requiring immediate escalation, with clear pathways to quickly connect a member with a live representative from Lyra’s 24/7 care team.

Beginning in 2026, Lyra will introduce conversational AI enhancements across the Lyra experience to deliver personalized, higher-value care and meet members where they are to build mental fitness.

Human Connection at the Core

"We’ve seen how devastating the outcomes can be when people turn to AI that lacks clinical safeguards — the bottom line is that there is no replacement for true human connection," said Alethea Varra, Chief Clinical Officer. “We also recognize that shame, or simply not wanting to talk to a provider, can prevent people from taking that important first step. AI built with proper clinical training and guardrails opens up a new path to care and extends the efforts of our amazing provider network as they deliver high-quality mental health support.”

Polaris Principles Established as Industry Benchmarks for Clinically Rigorous AI

Lyra has introduced the Polaris Principles, a comprehensive blueprint promoting the safe and ethical deployment of AI in mental health care, ensuring that the rapid expansion of AI technology is grounded in clinical efficacy and human-centered ethics. This framework, which includes mandates to establish strict ethical standards, affirm that human providers remain central to care delivery, embed Culturally Responsive Care (CRC) to provide global reach, and insist on science-backed innovation, is crucial because unmonitored AI poses serious risks to people in crisis.

“Clinical improvement is Lyra’s north star,” said Anita Lungu, VP of Clinical Product and Research, Lyra Health. “We explored a comprehensive range of clinical, ethical, and regulatory considerations as we designed the foundation and safeguards of our AI model. The Polaris Principles set an incredibly high industry standard that defines the type of clinical rigor that is needed for the development of helpful and safe AI-powered mental health services.”

Continued investment in AI research

Lyra Clinical Research has published 23 peer-reviewed studies to date examining the efficacy of the care it provides. With more than 20 million members globally through direct employer contracts and more than 100 million through health plan and partner relationships, Lyra continues to serve as a steward of strict clinical standards and critical and meaningful research. The company continues to invest deeply in clinical research to understand the impacts of evolving care models and will continue to conduct research on the impact of AI-centered care.

About Lyra Health

Lyra Health is the leading provider of mental health solutions for employers, available to more than 21.5 million people globally. Lyra is transforming access to life-changing mental health care through Lyra Empower, the only fully integrated, AI-powered platform combining the highest-quality care and technology solutions for members, providers, and HR leaders. Empower works in the background to quickly connect members to the largest global network of evidence-based mental health providers, deliver actionable insights to benefit leaders, and free up providers to focus on client care—driving outstanding positive outcomes that are equitable across diverse racial and ethnic groups. Extensive peer-reviewed research confirms Lyra’s transformative care model helps people recover twice as fast and results in a 26% annual reduction in overall health care claims costs. For more information, visit lyrahealth.com.