Are you looking for ADHD telehealth in California?

The old stigma of in-person-only mental health is changing, and like many other advancements, California is leading the way. California has proactively expanded access and passed legislation that paved the way for telehealth services to become widespread. Now, patients can receive care from any area in the state right from the comfort of their homes. Even before the COVID-19 era, telemedicine services were emerging in the state, with laws being passed as early as 1996.

Online ADHD treatment in California works because it increases access to care, reduces barriers like wait time and transportation issues, and improves treatment adherence. Because telehealth ADHD treatment is more convenient and flexible than traditional in-person treatment, patients are attending their appointments more frequently and adhering to their treatment plans. 

Let's take a closer look at ADHD telemedicine in California, what the diagnosis process looks like, and how you can get started with ADHD telehealth treatment in California today.

Why ADHD Telehealth Works for Californians

In-person treatment can be challenging for many people looking for ADHD treatment in California. Traffic, long commutes, busy schedules, and other challenges can hinder the effectiveness of in-person treatment. Many patients miss appointments and struggle to manage their treatment protocols.

No Long Commutes

Online ADHD treatment is a good idea for people who live remotely or don't want to have to deal with issues of long commutes just to receive treatment. With online ADHD treatment, it doesn't matter where you live; you can receive treatment from the comfort of your home.

Offers Flexibility

ADHD telehealth services work best for busy people. It offers the flexibility that working professionals, students, parents, and caregivers need. Online ADHD treatment can work around your schedule, allowing you to choose what times work best for your life. All you need is a computer or a phone, and you can get the help that you need.

Easier to Discuss Mental Health From Home

Some people may find it difficult to discuss mental health symptoms with their therapist. When you receive telehealth ADHD treatment, you can feel more relaxed when you are at home than when you are in a doctor's office. 

Secure Privacy Option

When you opt for virtual ADHD treatment in California, you can rest assured that your private health data is secure. Many telehealth platforms use advanced security measures to protect your information, ensuring that your focus remains on your treatment and recovery. 

What ADHD Telehealth Looks Like in California

Telehealth treatment for ADHD follows the same clinical process as in-person treatment; the only difference is that you can receive treatment from home. In some cases, you will take a pre-screening questionnaire to find out if you need a full ADHD evaluation, and then you will schedule your appointment with a mental health provider.

Virtual Evaluations

The first part of the telehealth process is to have an evaluation by a mental health provider. In this comprehensive assessment, you will go over your current symptoms and answer important questions about your life and any challenges that you may be facing.

There are tools or other assessments that your provider can use to determine your symptom severity. Your provider will observe your behavior during the assessment to identify additional signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity, including your speech and mannerisms.

You may also be asked to discuss your family history and other important aspects of your mental health, including issues related to learning, trauma, or any previous mental health diagnoses that you may have.

Diagnosis

After your evaluation, your provider will set up a follow-up to go over their findings. If you do have ADHD, then they can go over your next steps, which typically include starting medication, therapy, or coaching, or a combination of different treatments.

If you do start medication, especially stimulants, your provider will have you attend follow-up appointments. Your provider will evaluate side effects and symptom relief to ensure everything is working well for you before transitioning you to regular maintenance appointments.

Ongoing Treatment

You can continue to use telehealth services to follow up with your provider to check in with your medication, and you can also receive therapy remotely via telehealth.

Your therapist may start Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you manage some of your ADHD symptoms, modify behaviors, develop coping skills, or address other mental health issues. Some platforms, such as ADHD Advisor, provide subscription services for ADHD treatment. Subscriptions help you stay up to date with your treatment plan each month and allow you to schedule appointments at your convenience.

Is It Legal to Get ADHD Treatment Online in California?

It is legal to receive ADHD treatment online in California. There are specific requirements that must be met regarding California's telehealth laws and federal regulations related to the prescribing of controlled substances.

Overview of California Telemedicine

California state law deems telehealth services a legal method of providing medical treatment via online services. Doctors and mental health providers must be licensed to practice in the state of California.

Standard of Care

Licensed mental health providers who practice via telehealth are held to the same standard of care as in-person visits. Providers do not have to reside in California as long as they are licensed to practice in California.

Establishing a Patient-Provider Relationship

California law states that a provider may establish a relationship with new patients via telehealth services. The DEA also requires a patient-provider relationship for prescribing ADHD medications.

Informed Consent

A mental health provider must obtain informed consent before providing any health care via telehealth. State law requires an electronic form to be added to your medical records.

Online Prescribing

A telehealth provider can prescribe controlled substances, like Ritalin or Adderall, after a prior examination. Diagnosis and treatment can be done via telehealth, including a self-screening questionnaire, provided the provider complies with the standard of care. All prescriptions in the state are to be electronically filed.

Controlled Substance Prescribing Rules for ADHD Medications

Stimulant medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Ritalin are classified as Schedule II controlled substances because they have a high risk of abuse. Because of this, the DEA enforces four legal requirements for prescribing stimulant drugs for ADHD These legal rules that mental health providers must abide by include:

• No automatic refills
• Healthcare practitioners may prescribe up to a 90-day supply, but each prescription must include a future fill date.
• Telehealth providers must use DEA-compliant electronic prescribing systems (EPCS)
• There must be thorough paperwork determining patient needs and ongoing maintenance of stimulants.

The DEA now requires online telehealth services that prescribe medication to register with the DEA. This important step ensures that platforms are not handing out fraudulent prescriptions.

The DEA and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have extended the ability for providers to prescribe medications for ADHD via telehealth without requiring an in-person evaluation until December 31. 2025. A permanent extension may be in place later.

It is important to note that telehealth laws and regulations concerning ADHD medications can change, so it is crucial to stay up-to-date with state and federal regulations.

How to Get Diagnosed with ADHD Online in California

Let’s take a look at how ADHD telehealth in California works.

Choose a California-Licensed Provider or Platform

The first step to getting a diagnosis with ADHD online is to choose a California-licensed provider or platform that specializes in ADHD care. You need to choose a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner, or a platform with these professionals.

You'll want to ensure that they adhere to California state and federal regulations and are HIPAA-compliant.  You want to choose a platform with full compliance and transparency to ensure your healthcare data will be protected. ADHD Advisor is a fully compliant platform.

Prepare Your Space for Your Consultation

After you choose your platform or provider, you will want to make sure you're prepared for your appointment. You want to choose a quiet room with well-connected internet for your assessment. Ensure you have vital medical records and previous diagnoses readily available for quicker access, as well as a list of any current medications. 

What the Assessment Process Looks Like

Your assessment for ADHD will usually involve a self-assessment questionnaire and an interview with a licensed mental health provider. It's important to be as honest as you can with your therapist, as they need to be able to accurately assess your situation. Sometimes, other mental health conditions can mimic some of the symptoms of ADHD, so you want to give them as much information as possible. 

After your assessment, your provider will either go over your results or set an appointment to discuss their findings. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, you will receive a diagnosis letter, and you will work with the therapist to create a treatment plan specifically tailored to you. Treatment may include medication, therapy, coaching, or a combination of these approaches. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to manage your medication and ongoing treatment.

Treatment Options Available Through Telehealth

Telehealth offers several treatment options, similar to in-person visits. Medication treatment, behavior therapy, and coaching are common telehealth treatment methods for ADHD.  So first, let’s take a closer look at how to get ADHD meds online in California.

Medication Management

There are currently two classes of medication management for ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants 

Stimulants are often the first choice for treating ADHD. They help to manage symptoms of inattention, impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and other behaviors. There are two classes of stimulants: amphetamines such as Adderall and Vyvanse, and methylphenidate like Concerta and Ritalin.

Both types of medications are effective at managing ADHD symptoms by increasing the available neurotransmitters in the brain and helping the brain to function properly. Stimulants are typically prescribed in either short or long-acting preparations.

Non-stimulant 

Since the early 2000s, there have been some non-stimulant medications approved to treat ADHD. Two non-stimulant options for ADHD treatment are alpha-adrenergic agonists and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. 

Alpha-adrenergic agonists like Clonidine, used to treat high blood pressure, also work well with children and adults with ADHD.

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs) like Strattera can help reduce some behaviors associated with ADHD. However, it is important to note that while stimulants are often fast acting, Strattera may take a month or longer to begin to see any results.

Behavioral Therapy, Coaching, or Combination Care

Treatment for ADHD over the internet usually includes behavioral therapy like CBT, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), DBT, parent training, coaching, or a unique combination with medication treatment.  A therapist can work via telehealth to teach better coping skills, address behavior issues, and work on emotional processing.

What to Expect During the Process

Let’s go over the process of online ADHD treatment in California.

Pre-screening Questionnaire

The first step in the process is to take a pre-screening questionnaire to learn more about your symptoms and issues. This step allows mental health professionals to determine if you are a good candidate for a full ADHD evaluation.

Intake/Assessment

Following the pre-screening questionnaire, you will be scheduled for your telehealth evaluation. Before the actual appointment, you will have some paperwork to fill out that could include rating scales, symptom checklists, and any other assessments pertaining to any other mental health conditions. You'll also need to provide previous evaluations, school records, family, and other medical history information. 

During your appointment, the therapist will ask you questions about your current symptoms and behavioral challenges that may be causing havoc in your day-to-day life. They may also use other assessments or observations to rate levels of impulsivity, attention, and focus. 

Diagnosis 

After your assessment, you will receive your results. Your therapist will provide you with a detailed diagnosis and their recommendations. You'll receive a signed diagnosis letter with your recommended treatment plan.  

Treatment

If the therapist diagnoses you with ADHD, then they will start your treatment. If medication is needed, they can send the prescription to your chosen pharmacy. You can also begin therapy.

Ongoing Care and Follow-up Visits

Follow-up appointments are essential, especially when working with medication like stimulants. Your care provider will work with you to determine the best dosage for your unique situation. Alongside medication, you will continue your therapy. You can also receive coaching to help you manage your ADHD as you continue your recovery journey.

Benefits of Choosing ADHD Telehealth in California

There are many benefits of choosing ADHD telehealth services in California. 

Convenience

One of the obvious benefits is convenience. There is no travel involved, and you can choose flexible scheduling that works around your life or your child's life. Telehealth appointments are easy to attend, and you increase the chances of consistent treatment. You can avoid finding child care or missing work when you work with telehealth treatment for ADHD.

Your Data is Secure

Next, you can rest assured that your privacy will be respected. Telehealth services are HIPAA-compliant and use advanced security measures to keep your data safe. Receiving care for yourself or your child at home can help reduce anxiety regarding your private health information.

Continuity of Care

Online telehealth services for ADHD in California ensure continuity of care. ADHD is not something that can be treated in a day. But with telehealth service platforms, you can receive the same care each month, and you don't have to worry about your provider moving to another state or retiring. With an online telehealth service like ADHD Advisor, you can expect to continue receiving treatment for your ADHD as long as you need it.

More Provider Choices

Lastly, when you receive your California ADHD diagnosis online, you have more provider choices across the entire state. In some rural areas, you may be limited to one licensed professional, and trying to get your schedules to match up could be very challenging. With more provider choices, you know you can find a healthcare professional that you really resonate with.

FAQs

Can I get Adderall online in California?

Yes, you can receive stimulant medications, including Adderall, online in California, provided it is from a licensed mental health provider who is authorized to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth. The provider must be licensed to practice in the state of California. The process of getting Adderall with an ADHD prescription through telemedicine in CA looks like this:

• Fill out a questionnaire.
• Meet with a licensed therapist to have an evaluation via telehealth.
• Receive your results. If you are diagnosed, your provider will set up medication if medically necessary and behavioral therapy, coaching, or all three.

Will my insurance cover telehealth ADHD care?

Most insurance plans do cover telehealth ADHD care. However, you will need to check your specific insurance plan to find out, as coverage varies depending on your insurance provider. Many online telehealth services are more affordable due to lower overhead costs compared to traditional in-person visits. Therefore, many telehealth services provide cost-effective out-of-pocket payment options.

Do I need an in-person appointment first?

Some providers do require an in-person appointment before they prescribe any ADHD medication. It depends on your provider or platform. At ADHD Advisor, we offer telehealth treatment for ADHD without an in-person appointment required. We provide telehealth services, including:

• Evaluation
• Diagnosis 
• Medications 
• Continued care 
• Therapy and coaching