Simone Biles, Cerebral Part Ways Months After The Mental Health Startup Gets Hit With Federal Investigation

As AfroTech previously mentioned, the Olympic gymnast first teamed up with Cerebral back in 2021 and took on the title of Chief Impact Officer. She presumed the role just three months after she withdrew from the 2021 Olympics due to her mental health.

Biles came to the realization her physical well-being was only as strong as her mental, and this served as the catalyst to work with online mental health provider Cerebral.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health, but for far too long the stigma of mental health has prevented too many people from seeking help,” Biles said previously in a press release. “I have my own challenges with mental health, and therapy has been very empowering for me as I try to be the best person that I can be. I believe everyone should have access to mental health resources and Cerebral gives me the ability to personalize my mental health care experience.”

Now, Biles’ partnership has come to a close.

According to The Wall Street Journal, a contract was not extended between Biles and the startup.

Her departure follows seven months after a subpoena was issued to Cerebral from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, Fierce Healthcare reports.

“The Grand Jury is conducting an investigation of possible violations of federal criminal laws involving: violations of the Controlled Substances Act,” according to a document obtained by Fierce Healthcare.

In addition, nurse practitioners working under Cerebral expressed a sense of urgency from the company to prescribe stimulants during 30-minute evaluations, per The Guardian.

Cerebral is reportedly working to resolve the matter by complying with the investigation.