Ophelia

Ophelia helps people quit opioids without going to rehab. We offer online doctor’s visits, withdrawal medication prescriptions, and support for long-term recovery, using a protocol 6x more effective than most rehabs (2/3rds of which don't have doctors).

More than 3 million Americans are addicted to opioids, but 80% are not getting help, due to jobs, families, and privacy concerns. Meanwhile, there's a proven treatment that increases survival rates by 600%, and it's low cost, discreet, and convenient. It's called MAT, and it looks like treatment for anxiety or depression: medication plus therapy. However, doctors need a special waiver to prescribe the medication, which fewer than 5% of them have, so it's difficult to get, and most people are buying it on the street. Sadly, drug dealers aren't doctors: every 11 minutes another American dies of an opioid overdose, now the #1 cause of death for Americans under 50.

Ophelia is replacing rehab with telemedicine, using proven science and a consumer-first approach. The opioid treatment market in the U.S. is $15B, and 85% of opioid addicts have insurance that pays for it. We're treating roughly 400 patients with thousands more waiting.

Zack started Ophelia after losing his girlfriend to an opioid overdose, who found it easier to get medication from a drug dealer than a doctor. We are raising money to help patients in waiting, grow our footprint, save lives, and earn venture-level returns for investors.

High-Level Overview

Ophelia is a digital healthcare company providing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and support for opioid use disorder (OUD) through a virtual-first care model. Its mission is to remove barriers to evidence-based opioid addiction treatment for the 80% of Americans with OUD who lack access to care. Ophelia serves patients primarily via online doctor visits, prescribing medications like Suboxone, and offering ongoing clinical support from home, making treatment more accessible, private, and convenient. Since launching in 2020, Ophelia has treated thousands of patients, primarily Medicaid beneficiaries, and is licensed in over 30 states, with plans expanding nationwide. The company addresses a critical public health issue by enabling patients to avoid rehab centers and receive effective care remotely, improving retention and outcomes[1][2][4][6].

Origin Story

Ophelia was founded by Zack, who was personally motivated after losing his girlfriend to an opioid overdose. He recognized the difficulty she faced in accessing legitimate treatment compared to illicit sources. This personal tragedy inspired the creation of a virtual platform to simplify and destigmatize access to opioid addiction treatment. Since its founding around 2020, Ophelia has evolved into Pennsylvania’s first virtual Opioid Use Disorder Center of Excellence and expanded its reach through partnerships with insurers and healthcare providers. Early traction included rapid patient growth and recognition by state health authorities, validating its innovative care model[1][4].

Core Differentiators

• Virtual-First Care Model: Patients connect with licensed addiction medicine clinicians via video appointments from home, reducing stigma and logistical barriers.
• Evidence-Based Medication: Primarily prescribes Suboxone (buprenorphine + naloxone), the gold standard for OUD treatment, along with medications for withdrawal symptoms and co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression.
• Comprehensive Support: Offers 24/7 access to triage nurses and care coordinators, behavioral health diagnosis, and ongoing clinical support.
• Insurance Coverage: Accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance, with many patients paying under $10/month.
• Statewide Licensing & Partnerships: Licensed in 30+ states, designated as a Center of Excellence in Pennsylvania, and partners with health insurers and providers to broaden access.
• Patient-Centered Scheduling: Flexible appointment times including evenings and weekends to fit patients’ lives.
• Software Platform: Uses a proprietary clinical model and software developed by addiction and psychiatry experts to streamline care delivery[1][2][3][5][6].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Ophelia rides the growing trend of telehealth and digital therapeutics, particularly in behavioral health and addiction medicine. The opioid epidemic and increasing demand for accessible, stigma-free treatment create strong market forces favoring virtual care models. Regulatory changes and expanded insurance coverage for telehealth further enable Ophelia’s growth. By integrating medication management with virtual support, Ophelia influences the broader ecosystem by demonstrating scalable, effective alternatives to traditional rehab and in-person clinics. Its partnerships with musculoskeletal care providers also highlight a holistic approach to pain management and addiction treatment, addressing root causes and recovery comprehensively[1][5][7].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Ophelia is poised for significant expansion as it scales its virtual care platform nationwide, leveraging increasing insurance partnerships and state licenses. Future trends shaping its journey include broader acceptance of telehealth for addiction, advances in digital health technology, and growing public and governmental focus on combating the opioid crisis. Ophelia’s influence may evolve from a niche digital provider to a major player in integrated addiction care, potentially incorporating more comprehensive behavioral health services and expanding its community support ecosystem. Its mission to democratize access to life-saving treatment aligns with urgent public health needs, positioning it for continued impact and investor interest[1][4][5].