Many people are finding relief for their Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms by receiving their ADHD medication online in Florida. There is a growing trend of individuals dealing with mental health issues, such as ADHD, looking for treatment online via telehealth. Telehealth services are an easier, less stigmatized way for people to receive the help they need.

Following COVID-19, mental health providers reported an increased patient accessibility, leading to a desire to continue telehealth services for mental health patients even after the pandemic.  Choosing telehealth services for treating mental health reduces the stigma that many people face when choosing to get help with mental health conditions. With busy lives, it seems obvious that receiving treatment for ADHD in your own home is a valuable option for many people living in Florida.

Stimulant medication is often the first line of treatment for ADHD, and there are some legal complexities attached. Stimulant medications are controlled substances; therefore, prescribers must follow specific rules for prescribing them. 

Let's take a closer look at ADHD telemedicine in Florida. Then you can learn more about ADHD treatment via telehealth and why it is so important to find a legally compliant platform before you get started. 

What Counts as ADHD Medication?

Different types of ADHD medication are used to manage symptoms. There are stimulants and non-stimulants. Let’s look at each type of ADHD medication more in-depth.

Stimulants

Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are connected to attention and focus. Stimulants are the most common medication for ADHD symptoms and have been used as a first-line treatment for decades. There are two types of stimulants: Methylphenidate and Amphetamines. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of both types of stimulants. 

Amphetamines include medications such as Vyvanse, Adderall, and Dexedrine. Methylphenidates include medications like Ritalin and Concerta. Both types of stimulant medications work to increase neurotransmitters in the brain that help to reduce symptoms of ADHD.

Everyone is different, so one medication may work for one person but not for the next. Medical professionals may start you on one stimulant, which may work well, or it may not, requiring you to switch medications. Mental health professionals will also adjust the dosage and duration of action to suit your unique needs.

Non-stimulants

There are non-stimulants for ADHD, too. These are good options for younger children or children and adults who don't respond well to stimulants. 

Stattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) and is a non-stimulant option for ADHD. Stattera works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, which helps reduce hyperactivity and other associated symptoms. It often takes a little longer to see results than stimulants. 

Another nonstimulant option is Kapvay or clonidine. Kapvay is traditionally a blood pressure medication that works to reduce norepinephrine in the brain. It is an alpha-agonist medication that can also be a complementary option for ADHD when used alongside stimulants.

Controlled Substance Classification for Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medications are classified as Schedule II controlled substances under both federal and state law due to their potential for misuse and the risk of developing substance use disorders. The DEA regulates controlled substances, and practitioners must comply with the regulations in place.

Florida telehealth controlled substances laws also state that a Schedule II controlled substance may only be dispensed by a written or electronic prescription. Stimulant medications are not refillable.

Florida providers are required to report to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMD) every time they prescribe a controlled substance, including stimulant medications for ADHD.

Can You Legally Get ADHD Medication Online in Florida?

So, can you get ADHD meds online in Florida? The answer is yes, but only when certain conditions are met.

ADHD Treatment Online

You can receive ADHD medication via telehealth, but only under specific conditions. ADHD medications are controlled substances, and Florida law states that the prescribing of Schedule II controlled substances via telehealth is not permitted unless it is being prescribed for the following reasons:

• The treatment of a psychiatric disorder
• Inpatient treatment at a hospital
• The treatment of a patient who is receiving hospice services
• The treatment of a resident in a nursing home facility

ADHD is a psychiatric disorder. Your provider can assess and treat you for psychiatric disorders through telehealth.

Telehealth Law Updates Post-COVID

In-person meetings used to be required before stimulant medications could be prescribed through telehealth. As of the post-COVID era, the DEA has allowed and continues to allow prescribing of these medications via telehealth. It's important to note that laws may change, and in-person evaluations could be required in the future. 

Ryan Haight Act & State-Level Adjustments

The Ryan Haight Act and other Florida laws outline what licensed prescribers can do over telehealth regarding ADHD stimulant rules in Florida.  In 2008, the Ryan Haight Act was developed to prevent the misuse of controlled substances. This act requires:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: A comprehensive evaluation is required before controlled substances, such as Adderall or Ritalin, can be prescribed. 
• Licensed Providers: The provider must be licensed in the state of Florida to prescribe ADHD medication in Florida.
• Continued Monitoring: Follow-up care is needed to adjust medication, manage any side effects, and monitor progress.

These regulations are necessary to provide the same standard of care that you would typically receive in person for ADHD treatment.

In Florida, telehealth providers are allowed to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth if they adhere to specific state regulations. For example, a telehealth provider can prescribe controlled substances after a formal evaluation over telehealth as long as the medication is used to treat a psychiatric condition such as ADHD.

Requirements for Receiving a Prescription Online

There are a few requirements that are necessary to get an online prescription for ADHD in Florida.

Must Have an Evaluation by a Florida-Licensed Provider

The first requirement for receiving virtual ADHD treatment in Florida is to have a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional licensed to practice in the state of Florida. A comprehensive evaluation can be conducted over video via telehealth.

Establish a Patient-Provider Relationship

To get a prescription online for ADHD medication in Florida, a patient-provider relationship and a live video consultation are required. If you have a patient questionnaire that you filled out before this live video call, your therapist will go over some of your answers while learning more about your symptoms and concerns.

This initial consultation is a crucial step in the process, as the provider will gain insights into your mental health. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, they can create a personalized treatment plan for you.

E-Prescribing Limitations and Compliance

Florida law states that all providers use electronic health reporting (EHR) systems and electronically submit prescriptions, especially for controlled substances like Adderall and Ritalin. Also, according to Florida law, before a medical professional can prescribe ADHD medication, they must first consult E-FORCSE, Florida's PDMP.

Medical necessity must be clearly documented, which includes diagnosis, treatment plan, and ongoing follow-ups to monitor medication and patient progress.

Authorized Telemedicine Platforms in Florida

Legitimate telemedicine platforms in Florida must have HIPAA-compliant video conferencing, secure messaging, and data privacy protection, including encrypted communication. Licensed providers must provide the same standard of care via telehealth that they would in person. Telehealth providers also need to ensure that they conduct thorough evaluations, keep detailed diagnoses, and maintain accurate records. Florida providers must also obtain informed consent. 

Some well-known compliant telemedicine platforms in Florida include the following:

• ADHD Advisor
• Talkspace
• Klarity Health
• MEDvidi

At ADHD Advisor, we are fully compliant with HIPAA privacy and other telehealth laws. Our informed telehealth consent is required before your appointment and explains the potential risks and benefits of our online consultations.

Who Can Prescribe ADHD Meds via Telehealth in Florida?

There are several different types of licensed healthcare providers who can prescribe telemedicine prescriptions in Florida.

The following can prescribe ADHD medication via telehealth in Florida:

• Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
• Medical Doctors (MDs): MDs are trained to diagnose and treat, focusing on traditional medicine.
• Physician Assistants (PAs): PAs work directly under a licensed physician and can diagnose and treat conditions such as ADHD.
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): NPs are graduate-level nurses who can diagnose and treat.
• Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) DOs offer a holistic approach to treatment and can also diagnose and treat psychiatric conditions.

All of these prescribers can prescribe ADHD medications in Florida over telehealth as long as they are registered with Florida's PDMP, E-FORCSE. This program is Florida's way of cutting down on Controlled Substance abuse in the state. Prescribers are also required to consult E-FORSCE before prescribing to anyone aged 16 or older.

What to Expect During the Online Prescription Process

Let's take a look at the process of ADHD treatment in Florida.

Pre-Screening Questionnaire

The first step is usually a pre-screen questionnaire. These quizzes are designed to help mental health professionals gain a deeper understanding of your symptoms. The pre-screening questionnaire is a way for licensed mental health professionals to see if you are a good candidate for a full ADHD evaluation. Not every platform or provider that treats ADHD will require a pre-screening; some may simply have you sign up for an evaluation.

Initial Assessment

Your very first telehealth appointment will be an initial assessment. This is a formal evaluation by a licensed mental health provider. You will have to fill out some paperwork, which could include forms such as rating scales or symptom checklists. You'll also need to provide your medical history or any previous mental health diagnosis that you may have, as well as a list of the medications that you are currently taking.

During your evaluation, the therapist will ask questions to better understand your or your child's symptoms and any behavioral issues you may be experiencing. They may also have you fill out other assessments to see if maybe there's an underlying mental health condition that is also causing similar symptoms. Finally, they will check for symptoms and rate levels of inattention, focus, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity.

An evaluation is a thorough process, but don't worry - you will be able to complete your assessment from the comfort of your own home, so you won't have to worry about travelling or finding childcare.

Diagnosis

After your evaluation appointment, you'll receive your results. Your therapist will provide you with a diagnosis letter and their recommended treatment plan. At this stage, you and your therapist can begin working together on a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include medication, behavioral therapy, coaching, or a combination of approaches.

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you can begin treatment via telehealth. If medication is a part of your treatment plan, your provider can send your prescription to your pharmacy of choice. At this stage, you can also begin therapy.

Continued Support/Follow-Ups

You will need follow-up appointments to monitor your medication. Your therapist will want to know about any side effects and will adjust the dosage if needed. Continued virtual appointments help to track your recovery process and help you get your medication each month. 

You will be able to get therapy sessions virtually, too. You can also receive coaching to help you manage your ADHD symptoms, as a holistic approach is often necessary for optimal results.

Key Legal Considerations and Risks

There are some non-compliant and sketchy online services that you should avoid.

Avoid Non-compliant Online Services

It's very important that you avoid sketchy or non-compliant online services. Using one of these non-compliant online services can lead to a disruption of your ADHD treatment or access to medication. 

There are even some legal issues that can occur if you willingly work with non-compliant online services, not to mention the possibility of counterfeit medications. According to the CDC, counterfeit medications can have unknown substances, including the dangerous drug fentanyl, inside them.

It's easy to avoid these sketchy online services. Simply look for platforms that are HIPAA-compliant, such as ADHD Advisor, and be aware of certain red flags. Any online service that doesn't offer video evaluation, or only offers one medication or product, is most likely non-compliant and should be avoided.

DEA and the Florida Health Board Enforcement

ADHD medications like Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Adderall are Schedule II controlled substances. The DEA has updated the rules for prescribing ADHD medications via telehealth until December 31, 2025.  

Prescribers must report the dispensing of ADHD medication to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). Before they can prescribe medication, they must check with the PDMP prior to writing the first prescription of an ADHD medication.

FAQs

Can I get Adderall online in Florida?

In Florida, you can possibly receive a prescription for Adderall online. Here at ADHD Advisor, our providers can prescribe Adderall treatment for ADHD in Florida via telehealth, but we cannot guarantee that you will qualify or receive a prescription.

Do I need a video consult every time?

Follow-up video telehealth appointments are an essential part of your treatment plan. These appointments help manage your medication, monitor your progress, and adjust any necessary dosage. The best part of telehealth treatment for ADHD is that you can schedule your appointments to work around your life, resulting in fewer disruptions to your day-to-day activities.

Can out-of-state providers prescribe ADHD meds to Florida residents?

An out-of-state provider can prescribe ADHD medication to Florida residents if they apply to the Florida Department of Health.  They must also maintain an active, unencumbered license from their state.