What Is Adderall and Who Is It For?

Adderall is the brand name for the CNS stimulant drug mixture of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. It is prescribed for people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall works to treat symptoms of ADHD, including hyperactivity, focus, and attention issues, by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It is a first-rate choice for managing ADHD symptoms.

Adderall is available in both extended-release and immediate-release formulations. The immediate-release formulation is FDA-approved for use in children aged 3 and older. The extended-release is approved to treat children ages 6 and older. Both formulations are FDA-approved for treating ADHD in adults.

Common Misconceptions About Adderall

There are many misconceptions surrounding Adderall. For one, many people, especially in college settings, think that Adderall makes you smarter. Even if you have ADHD, Adderall can't make anyone "smart"; it doesn't increase IQ levels. For people with diagnosed ADHD, Adderall can help them regain a normal ability to focus and function, but it's not going to help anyone make better grades.

Another common misconception about Adderall is that it is not addictive because it's a prescription medication. As Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance, it can be addictive and lead to physical dependence. Misuse of Adderall drastically increases the risk of becoming addicted. If you are prescribed Adderall to treat your ADHD symptoms, and you take your medication properly, you can still become physically dependent on it.

Lastly, some people think that it's okay to share Adderall or other ADHD medications with someone else who has ADHD. This is absolutely not true. Federally, and in New York, there are many laws governing the possession of Adderall without a prescription.

So instead of taking someone else's medicine, you can schedule an appointment and see a doctor to see if you have ADHD and possibly receive your own Adderall prescription.

Can You Get Adderall in New York?

You can get an Adderall prescription filled in New York; however, it is a Schedule II controlled substance, and there are some regulations to be aware of. You will need a prescription from a licensed provider who is well-aware of your symptoms, diagnosis, and medical history to write it.

New York has some pretty strict stimulant prescribing laws. If you have not been diagnosed with ADHD, you need to see a licensed physician in your area to get your prescription. A pharmacy in New York must fill it, as out-of-state prescriptions are not permitted.

If you qualify, you can receive a prescription for Adderall from a provider locally or work with a licensed provider through a telehealth platform. Both options can help you receive an Adderall prescription in NY if you are diagnosed with ADHD or narcolepsy. For additional ADHD treatment resources, consult the New York Department of Health.

How to Get an Adderall Prescription in NYC

Let’s take a look at how to get an Adderall prescription in NYC. 

Step 1: ADHD Evaluation

The first step in receiving a prescription for Adderall in NYC is to see a licensed provider, such as a psychiatrist or PCP, for an ADHD evaluation. The evaluation process may vary slightly depending on the professional you consult, but it generally involves a review of your symptoms, medical history, and family history. Additionally, it may include various psychological tests to assess whether you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.

An ADHD evaluation will ultimately determine if you have an ADHD diagnosis or if you may have a different mental health disorder that's been causing you similar symptoms.

Step 2: Find a Licensed Prescriber (Local or Telehealth)

 In order to receive a proper diagnosis of ADHD through an evaluation, you must first find a provider. You can choose any NY licensed provider locally or via telehealth.

Some well-known telehealth options include:

• Done
• Klarity
• Polished Mind Psychiatry
  
  

Some local NYC clinics include the following:

• Therapy Center of New York
• NYU Langone Health
• Mount Sinai

You can also check with online ADHD professional directory sites such as:

• CHADD
• Psychology Today
• ADDA

Step 3: Get Diagnosed (If You Haven't Already)

The next step is to get diagnosed with ADHD. If you already have an ADHD diagnosis, you can skip this step and move into making your first consultation appointment with a new provider.

If you do not already have an ADHD diagnosis, then the provider will be looking for certain criteria based on the DSM-5 criteria for ADHD diagnosis. For an adult ADHD diagnosis, you will need to have at least five symptoms in the hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention and focus categories in order to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. A different medical condition or mental health disorder must not cause symptoms.

Some professionals may use psychological testing, standardized tests, or other cognitive assessments to evaluate your ability to focus and pay attention. You will also undergo a thorough interview, during which the provider will ask about your symptoms and gather any relevant family medical history to help them make a diagnosis.

A typical evaluation for ADHD will take between 1 and 3 hours. Sometimes, if you are seeing a medical provider locally, they may ask you to come back for a second or third visit before an official diagnosis is made. The typical time frame for an ADHD diagnosis in New York is between one day and several months, depending on various factors.

Step 4: Follow-Up + Prescription Process

Following your initial consultation, if you are diagnosed with ADHD, your provider may write you a prescription for a non-stimulant or a stimulant medication like Adderall. You will then have follow-up appointments to continue receiving your prescription. 

At these follow-up appointments, your provider will ask about your symptom management, adjust your dosage if necessary, or switch you to a different medication if you are not responding well to the initial one. You will also receive therapy coaching or both, depending on your provider.

ADHD medication and treatment are not an overnight process. Your doctor may start you on one medication and switch you to another one before you get your symptoms really under control. 

Everyone is unique and will not respond to the medication in the same way. It's important to note that you can not receive an Adderall prescription on demand without a diagnosis. Any place that claims this is likely offering illegitimate prescriptions for Adderall.

Can You Get an Adderall Prescription Online Through ADHD Advisor?

Here at ADHD Advisor, we currently cannot offer Adderall in New York, but we do offer non-stimulant options. We are currently working to expand our coverage.

If you think you have ADHD and want to get started, the process at ADHD Advisor is simple. Just take our short online quiz, have a consultation with a doctor, and if diagnosed with ADHD, start receiving therapy and possible non-stimulant medications. We provide follow-up appointments each month to ensure that your symptoms are improving and to assist with prescription fulfillment.

Not everyone who takes our quiz will be guaranteed a prescription for managing ADHD symptoms. You must be evaluated by our medical professionals to determine the diagnosis and outcome.

Telehealth vs In-Person: What Works Best in NYC?

Telehealth became popular during the COVID-19 era but has really taken off in recent years. People can finally get the help that they need on their own schedule. 

Telehealth laws are still evolving and changing, and recent DEA telehealth guidelines have followed suit. As of 2025, the DEA has temporarily extended flexibility for prescribing any controlled substances via telehealth through the end of the year. So, currently, you do not need an in-person appointment before you can receive a stimulant prescription like Adderall over telehealth.

Pros and Cons of Telehealth

Some possible pros of telehealth for ADHD management include:

• Schedule your appointments around your life, instead of around a provider's schedule
• No travel expenses every month to appointments
• Convenient for busy working professionals
• Reduced wait times

There are some cons to utilizing telehealth for ADHD treatment. These can include:

• There are some controlled substance prescriptions limitations
• Technology or internet drops can cause missed appointments
• Providers could miss specific verbal cues that are essential to diagnose ADHD

Pros and Cons of In-Person

Some of the pros of working with an in-person provider to treat ADHD include:

• Being a good choice for integrated care when you work with one or more specialists
• Face-to-face evaluations are often easier to pick up on subtle observational cues for diagnosis
• Offers more comprehensive assessments

Some of the cons of in-person can include:

• Scheduling conflicts
• Potentially driving long distances to see a provider
• Potential long wait times

Laws & Regulations Around Adderall in NY

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance, and according to the New York State Public Health Code Section 3339, controlled substances can not be refilled. So you will need to receive a new prescription each month to continue taking this medication. Prescriptions are also limited to a 30-day supply.

New York also has a "doctor shopping law" called the Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing (I-STOP). Whenever a provider writes a prescription for Adderall in New York, they must check the prescription drug monitoring program (PMP) to determine the patient's prescription history. This is done in an effort to reduce "doctor shopping". SAMHSA offers more information about ADHD and Prescription Monitoring Programs.

NYC Adderall Doctors & Clinics

There are many doctors, clinics, coaches, and telehealth providers.

Here is a brief list of some of the top ADHD doctors in New York who may prescribe Adderall.

• NYU Langone ADHD Center
• Mount Sinai ADHD Services
• Scott Shaprio, MD "He didn't just throw a label at me and send me on my way. Dr. Shapiro helped me understand the diagnosis, what the treatment would be, what could help and gave me hope!"
• Roger DeWitt Master Certified ADHD Coach "Under his guidance, I have not only learned to better manage my ADHD, but I have also discovered my own superpowers and how to leverage them to achieve my goals."
• Dr Yana Bekker Psychiatry PLLC  "What I like best about her is she listens to me and trusts my judgement. It really feels like we are working together to find the right path for me."

What to Expect: Cost, Insurance, Refills

Let's review the cost of an Adderall prescription, explore possible insurance coverage options, and discuss the process of obtaining refills.

Costs

The costs of receiving a prescription of Adderall in New York can vary depending on multiple factors. Insurance coverage, in-person or telehealth services, generic or brand-name Adderall, and a specific healthcare doctor can all influence the costs. Without insurance, the first evaluation appointment can cost anywhere from $150-$500. 

Follow-up appointments and therapy are often less expensive than the initial appointment, but will still cost around $100 or more. If you opt for generic Adderall, a 30-day prescription will run around $20-$75. Brand-name Adderall can cost up to $1,000 a month without insurance.

Insurance

Insurance does typically cover the cost of Adderall, but a prior authorization is often needed because it is a controlled substance. Some insurance providers will even require "step therapy." Step therapy is where you are to try a cheaper alternative drug before they will cover the cost of Adderall. NY does require insurance to cover mental health, just like they do with any other form of healthcare need.

Getting Refills

You will have to pay for a new prescription every month. With insurance, this could mean you'd pay anywhere from nothing to about $50 per month for brand-name Adderall. Without insurance, you may pay around $300-$900 for brand-name Adderall a month or $15-$130 per month for generic amphetamine.  GoodRx and certain pharmacies do offer coupon codes that can help you save money each month if you don't have insurance.

FAQs About Adderall in New York

Can I get Adderall online in NY?

Yes, you can receive a prescription for Adderall via telehealth in NY. However, you'll need a formal ADHD diagnosis and a prescription from a licensed doctor to receive it.

Is it legal to take Adderall without a prescription?

No. It's against the law to take Adderall without having your own prescription. Taking or having Adderall without a prescription is a criminal offense, and depending on where you live, you could face a misdemeanor or a felony, plus a fine for possession without a legal prescription.

What's the penalty for misuse in NY?

Criminal possession of Adderall in New York can result in jail or fines if you can not present a valid prescription for the medication, as Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance.

How long does it take to get prescribed Adderall?

The length of time it takes to get prescribed Adderall can vary. It depends on when you can be evaluated, and a medical professional can then determine a diagnosis. 

With some telehealth options, you could get a first evaluation appointment within 24 hours. Other local specialists may have a waiting list of several months before you can schedule an appointment to see someone. 

Other factors that can come into play include pharmacy wait times, pre-authorization delays, case complexity, or any other legal issues that may impact your Adderall prescription.

Are ADHD meds overprescribed in NYC?

While studies do confirm that there has been a rise in ADHD medications being prescribed in recent years, especially in female populations, there are other factors to consider.

Telehealth has provided many working professionals and busy individuals with the opportunity to access the mental health care they need. Previously, wait times, travel issues, and scheduling conflicts often deterred these individuals from seeking help for their mental health issues.