Telehealth Services in New York
Telehealth has transformed addiction treatment accessibility. From your home, office, or car, you can now access therapy, group support, and even medication management. For those in rural areas, with transportation barriers, or simply preferring the convenience, telehealth provides real treatment through screens. New York expanded telehealth significantly, and many options continue post-pandemic.
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Telehealth addiction treatment delivers services through video conferencing, phone calls, or apps. This includes individual therapy, group sessions, psychiatric appointments for medication management, and peer support meetings. Some programs are entirely virtual; others offer telehealth as one option alongside in-person care.
For medication-assisted treatment, telehealth allows buprenorphine (Suboxone) prescribing without in-person visits in many cases. You can have appointments with a prescribing physician via video, then pick up medication at a local pharmacy. This dramatically expands MAT access, especially in underserved areas.
The technology is simple—typically video calls through secure platforms. A smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access is usually all you need. Programs provide technical guidance for those less comfortable with technology.
Telehealth fits those who benefit from remote access:
• Living in rural areas with limited local treatment options • Transportation barriers (no car, limited public transit) • Physical disabilities making travel difficult • Scheduling constraints where travel time is prohibitive • Preference for privacy and convenience of home-based care • Need for flexible scheduling • Those quarantining or with health concerns about in-person settings
You'll connect with providers through video or phone at scheduled times. For group sessions, you'll be in a video meeting with others—breakout discussions, shared screens for educational content, and similar experiences to in-person groups, just through screens.
Find a private, quiet space for sessions. Others shouldn't overhear your therapy—this matters for both confidentiality and your ability to speak freely. Have your technology tested before sessions to minimize technical interruptions.
Some things work better in-person; others adapt well to telehealth. Therapy and groups generally translate well. Assessment and crisis intervention can be more challenging remotely. Most providers develop hybrid approaches using telehealth where it works best.
Typical Duration
Same as in-person treatment at equivalent levels. Telehealth IOP runs weeks to months. Individual therapy continues as long as beneficial. MAT appointments continue as long as medication is needed. The duration is about clinical need, not the delivery method.
Intensity Level
low intensity
Telehealth schedules mirror in-person programs at the same intensity level: **Telehealth IOP example:** • Monday/Wednesday/Friday 6-9 PM via video • Individual appointments scheduled via video **Telehealth outpatient example:** • Weekly therapy appointment via video • Online support meetings as desired The schedule fits around your life just as in-person would, minus travel time.
- You have limited access to in-person treatment
- Transportation is a barrier
- Your schedule makes travel time difficult
- You're comfortable with video technology
- You have private space for sessions
- You have reliable internet connection
- You need medical monitoring or detox
- You lack privacy for confidential sessions
- Technology barriers can't be resolved
- You do better with in-person connection
- You need the structure of being physically present
- Crisis level of care is needed
New York significantly expanded telehealth during the pandemic, and many flexibilities continue. OASAS-licensed programs can deliver many services via telehealth. Buprenorphine prescribing via telehealth is widely available. Rural areas of upstate New York particularly benefit from expanded telehealth access to specialists who would otherwise require long travel.
Telehealth is typically covered by insurance at the same rates as in-person treatment. New York law requires insurance parity for telehealth services. Medicaid covers telehealth addiction treatment. Out-of-pocket costs mirror in-person treatment. The convenience comes without added expense.
Verify Your CoverageEditorial Team
Healthcare Information SpecialistsMedical Training NYC
Last updated: January 9, 2026
Content Information
This content is compiled from official government sources including SAMHSA and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Our editorial team verifies facility licensing and updates information regularly.
Important: This is a directory service providing information only. We do not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making treatment decisions.
If you're experiencing a medical emergency:
- SAMHSA - Telehealth — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- DEA Telehealth Prescribing — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- NY OASAS — View source (Accessed December 2025)