Words are more powerful than we often acknowledge. At Lucid Lane we’ve made a conscious choice to refer to “members” instead of “patients” — a choice grounded in our core values.

The relationship between a doctor and patient can be considered transactional. A patient visits a doctor, receives a prescription or another course of treatment, and goes on their way until the next appointment. Membership feels and hits differently on many levels. The word implies shared community, equal hierarchy, and belonging. It’s a more continuous and dynamic relationship.

Our mission at Lucid Lane is to empower individuals to live better, healthier lives while helping them with medication dependence and chronic pain. We respect and appreciate each individual as a complete and complex human. We see them as individuals living with the unanticipated challenges of taking prescribed medication. We strive to build a long-term, collaborative relationship with each person, designing a plan that recognizes the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. More importantly, the individual is always in charge of the therapeutic plan.

“At Lucid Lane, we consider each individual as a whole person dealing with unique challenges, working towards a healthier life–not just a patient stopping in for a visit,” says Lucid Lane Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer Ahmed Zaafran, MD.

Lucid Lane members may be treated by licensed medical providers, depending on their needs, but they also experience a comprehensive approach to managing specific challenges that goes well beyond the typical doctor-patient relationship. That’s why, rather than thinking of individuals as patients or even clients, we consider them as members on a journey with Lucid Lane toward a full, healthy life.

Lucid Lane creates an individual journey for each member.

While many people deal with chronic pain, medication dependence, and mental health difficulties, every person is unique. The best course of intervention responds to individual needs.

“We offer a personalized journey designed specifically for that individual ​​to help lead to better outcomes and a more fulfilling, empowered life,” Zaafran says.

At Lucid Lane, that journey may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), slow tapering off medications, and for members who have difficulty tapering, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with a licensed professional. Maintaining a close, ongoing connection to its members is an essential part of Lucid Lane’s comprehensive approach to treatment.

“What distinguishes Lucid Lane from a typical virtual practice, or even brick-and-mortar providers, is the digital health components of membership,” Zaafran explains. “Members receive not just clinical care, but predictive analytics, real-time health signals, and therapeutic and mindfulness interventions. Together with the member, we set goals focused on that member’s unique situation. And together, we celebrate progress against those goals.”