Former Optum Behavioral Health CMO Brings 25 Years of Expertise to Telehealth Provider

Ria Health, a leading national provider of telehealth treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), today announced the appointment of Martin Rosenzweig, MD, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Rosenzweig, who previously served as Chief Medical Officer at Optum Behavioral Health, brings more than 25 years of experience in managed care, psychiatric disorders, and substance use treatment to Ria Health’s mission of expanding access to effective, evidence-based alcohol treatment.

During his tenure as Chief Medical Officer at Optum Behavioral Health, Dr. Rosenzweig led initiatives that improved access to quality care for individuals with psychiatric conditions, particularly those affected by the opioid crisis. His leadership in developing national programs for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and advancing psychiatric disability management has made him a renowned figure in behavioral healthcare.

“I am excited to join Ria Health’s board and support an organization that is making tremendous advancements in the treatment of alcohol use disorder,” said Dr. Rosenzweig. “Ria Health is uniquely positioned to provide scalable, effective care through its innovative telehealth model and research partnerships. I look forward to contributing to their continued growth and helping more people access life-changing treatment.”

Carol Vallone, Chair of the Board at Ria Health and Chair of the Board of Trustees for McLean Hospital, expressed her enthusiasm about Dr. Rosenzweig’s appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to have Martin join us on the board. His wealth of knowledge and experience in behavioral health, paired with his commitment to improving patient care, align perfectly with Ria Health’s mission. I value the perspective Martin will bring to our work in making effective, compassionate alcohol treatment widely accessible.”

Since its inception, Ria Health has developed a medically driven, tech-enabled platform that helps individuals struggling with alcohol misuse achieve their personalized goals, whether reducing or abstaining from alcohol. The program combines one-on-one physician and coaching support, FDA-approved medications, and tools such as Bluetooth-enabled breathalyzers to monitor progress. Recent peer-reviewed studies demonstrate Ria Health’s effectiveness, with patients reducing alcohol consumption by 50 percent in 90 days.

“Martin’s deep expertise in behavioral health and managed care is invaluable as we continue to expand our services nationwide,” said Dr. John Mendelson, Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder at Ria Health. “His strategic insight and experience will help guide us as we work to meet the growing demand for accessible, evidence-based AUD treatment.”

With rates of alcohol misuse rising since the COVID-19 pandemic, and 29.5 million people in the U.S. affected by AUD, Ria Health remains committed to providing compassionate, effective care. The addition of Dr. Rosenzweig to the board underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality treatment at scale.

About Ria Health: Founded in 2016, Ria Health is dedicated to making a positive change in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Headed by a team of medical professionals, technology experts, and start-up veterans, Ria includes doctors, nurse practitioners, addiction counselors, business leaders, and experienced nonprofit workers. Each is committed to bringing compassionate, effective care to those who need it most. For more information, visit riahealth.com.

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