For treatment centers

Building a telehealth program for your treatment center

Published May 12, 2026 · 7 min read · Updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals.

Telehealth expands your reach, improves retention, and serves patients who cannot attend in-person. Post-pandemic regulatory changes have made implementation easier.

What can be delivered via telehealth

Individual therapy. Group therapy. Psychiatric medication management. MAT prescribing and monitoring. Recovery coaching. Family therapy. Psychoeducation. Intake assessments.

Technology requirements

HIPAA-compliant video platform (Zoom Healthcare, Doxy.me, SimplePractice). Reliable internet. Private clinical spaces. Patient-facing instructions. IT support.

Reimbursement

Most insurers now reimburse telehealth at parity with in-person. Medicare covers telehealth behavioral health. Medicaid coverage varies by state. Verify with each payer.

Clinical considerations

Not appropriate for all patients (severe cognitive impairment, active psychosis). Privacy concerns (patient's home may not be private). Technology barriers for some populations. Best as hybrid model complementing in-person services.

Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: SAMHSA · NIDA · ASAM

Frequently asked questions

Should treatment centers offer telehealth?

Yes. Telehealth expands reach, improves retention, and serves patients who cannot attend in-person.

Is telehealth reimbursed for addiction treatment?

Most insurers now reimburse at parity with in-person. Medicare covers telehealth behavioral health.

What platform should treatment centers use for telehealth?

HIPAA-compliant platforms like Zoom Healthcare, Doxy.me, or SimplePractice.

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.