How Remote OUD Care Works — Updated for 2026
Telepsychiatry MAT Workflow in Florida
Secure telehealth appointments for MAT evaluation, medication management, and ongoing monitoring across Florida. Same clinical rigor as in-person care, with the accessibility of telehealth.
Most major insurance accepted • Self-pay options available
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Reviewed by Dr. Robert Glenn, MD, Supervising Physician · Last updated
Telehealth MAT Across Florida
Telehealth MAT: Current Through December 31, 2026
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Drug Enforcement Administration have announced a fourth temporary extension of telemedicine flexibilities for controlled substance prescribing through December 31, 2026. This includes buprenorphine (Suboxone) for opioid use disorder. This page reflects the regulatory environment as of March 2026.
Last updated: March 2026. We update this page when regulations change.
Telehealth has made medication-assisted treatment more accessible to patients across Florida who face barriers to in-person care — whether due to distance, transportation, work schedules, childcare, stigma, or disability. At Empathy Health Clinic, we offer secure telehealth MAT appointments for evaluation, ongoing medication management, and follow-up care.
Our board-certified psychiatrists deliver the same comprehensive, evaluation-first care via telehealth as they do in-person. This means no shortcuts: every patient receives a thorough psychiatric evaluation, individualized treatment planning, dual diagnosis assessment, structured monitoring, and relapse prevention planning.
We do not offer "same-day prescriptions" or "instant Suboxone." Prescribing decisions are made after a clinical evaluation, are individualized, and are never guaranteed. This is how responsible telehealth MAT should work — and it is how we differentiate from telehealth-first competitors whose marketing focuses on speed and convenience over clinical rigor.
What Telehealth MAT Can and Cannot Do
Telehealth CAN provide:
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone) prescribing
- Ongoing medication management & dose adjustments
- Co-occurring condition treatment
- Relapse prevention planning
- Care coordination & therapy referrals
Telehealth CANNOT provide:
- • Medically supervised detoxification
- • In-person physical examinations
- • On-site toxicology screening
- • Emergency or crisis stabilization
- • Methadone dispensing (OTP only)
- • Guaranteed prescribing (evaluation required)
Virtual Visit Appointments
Confirm the appointment format and connection instructions with our team
Statewide Florida Coverage
Available to patients anywhere in Florida with internet access
Same Clinical Rigor
Full psychiatric evaluations and dual diagnosis care — not prescription mills
Regulatory Compliance
Fully compliant with current DEA/HHS telemedicine rules through Dec 2026
Flexible Scheduling
Appointments that fit your schedule, reducing missed visits
Reduced Stigma Barriers
Receive care from the privacy of your own space
What Telehealth MAT Includes
Full psychiatric care delivered during a Virtual Visit — same standards, greater accessibility
Initial Telehealth Evaluation
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation conducted during a Virtual Visit. Covers opioid use history, co-occurring mental health conditions, medical background, previous treatment attempts, and level-of-care assessment. This evaluation determines whether telehealth-based MAT is appropriate for your situation.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone) Prescribing
When clinically appropriate, buprenorphine can be prescribed via telehealth under current DEA/HHS telemedicine flexibilities (extended through December 31, 2026). Prescriptions are sent electronically to your pharmacy. Prescribing decisions are individualized and require a completed evaluation.
Ongoing Medication Management
Regular follow-up appointments via telehealth to assess medication effectiveness, manage side effects, adjust doses, and monitor treatment response. Visit frequency is adapted to your recovery stage.
Co-Occurring Condition Treatment
Telehealth is well-suited for managing anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other conditions alongside substance use treatment. Our psychiatrists prescribe and manage psychiatric medications with your full clinical picture in mind.
Relapse Prevention & Monitoring
Telehealth follow-ups include relapse prevention plan reviews, trigger identification, coping strategy reinforcement, and early intervention when warning signs appear. Consistent contact is a key protective factor.
Care Coordination
We coordinate with your local therapists, counselors, primary care providers, and community recovery resources — even when you're receiving MAT via telehealth from a different location.
Insurance & Payment Options
We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible payment options
Find an in-network provider from most insurance plans
Add your insurance to see in-network mental health providers
Most major insurance plans cover telehealth MAT. We accept BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Anthem, UMR, and Oscar Health. We do not accept Medicaid or Sunshine Health.
Why Choose Empathy Health Clinic
Licensed Professionals
Licensed psychiatric clinicians and therapists
HIPAA Compliant
Your privacy and confidentiality are protected
Insurance Accepted
We accept most major insurance plans
Same-Week Appointments
Fast access to care when you need it most
How Telehealth MAT Works
The process is the same as in-person care — the only difference is the delivery method.
Schedule Your Evaluation
Call 386-848-8751 or request an appointment online. Let us know you prefer a telehealth visit. We typically offer same-week availability.
Review Your Visit Instructions
Review your appointment confirmation for the visit format and connection instructions. Contact our team if you need help preparing.
Complete Your Evaluation
A 45–60 minute comprehensive psychiatric evaluation during a Virtual Visit. Your provider assesses opioid use history, mental health, medical background, and level-of-care needs.
Treatment Plan & Prescribing
If MAT is clinically appropriate, your provider develops an individualized treatment plan. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your local pharmacy.
Ongoing Follow-Up
Regular telehealth follow-ups for medication management, safety monitoring, relapse prevention, and treatment adjustments. Visit frequency adapts as you stabilize.
Who Telehealth MAT Is Best For
Good Candidates for Telehealth MAT
- Patients in rural or underserved areas of Florida
- Working professionals with scheduling constraints
- Patients with transportation or mobility barriers
- Patients preferring privacy/reduced stigma exposure
- Stable MAT patients continuing maintenance
May Need In-Person Care Instead
- • Active withdrawal requiring medical supervision
- • Complex medical conditions needing examination
- • Acute safety concerns or crisis situations
- • Patients without reliable internet/privacy
- • Situations where on-site toxicology is needed
Medical References
Verified On
Telepsychiatry MAT FAQs
Start Telehealth MAT Today
Access evidence-based opioid use disorder treatment from anywhere in Florida. Our psychiatrists provide the same comprehensive, evaluation-first care via telehealth.
If you're in crisis: Empathy Health Clinic is an outpatient practice and not a 24/7 crisis facility. If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.