📅 2026 Update: Changes in Telehealth and Substance Use Treatment

Since the original article on Seroquel was published, there have been important updates in U.S. drug laws and telehealth practices. These changes impact how individuals can access treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions, particularly through telemedicine.

The following sections detail key updates related to telehealth prescriptions, buprenorphine treatment, and mental health parity laws that are relevant to this article's focus on prescription drugs and addiction treatment.

📱 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Controlled Substances

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have extended telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances until December 31, 2026. This allows DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe medications classified as Schedule II-V via telehealth without requiring an in-person visit first.

  • 🏥 Video Consultations: Patients must undergo a video consultation with a DEA-registered practitioner to receive prescriptions for controlled substances.

💊 Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine

A significant rule change took effect on January 17, 2025. The DEA and HHS made the telemedicine prescribing of buprenorphine permanent. Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, which is crucial given the ongoing opioid crisis.

  • 💻 Access to Treatment: Patients can initiate buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine, improving access for those unable to visit clinics in person.

📋 Strengthening Mental Health Benefits

On September 9, 2024, final rules were issued to strengthen the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). These rules ensure that health plans treat mental health and substance use disorder benefits equally to medical and surgical benefits.

  • ⚖️ Equal Treatment: Insurers cannot impose stricter rules on mental health benefits compared to other medical treatments.

📅 Important Deadlines

The telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances are effective through December 31, 2026. Patients seeking buprenorphine treatment can pursue it at any time without specific deadlines.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 📅 Telehealth prescribing for controlled substances is extended to December 31, 2026.
  • 💊 Buprenorphine can now be prescribed via telemedicine permanently.
  • ⚖️ Mental health and substance use disorder benefits must be treated equally by insurers.
  • 💻 Video consultations are necessary for telehealth prescriptions.

💡 Tips for Accessing Addiction Treatment

Reviewing the details of your situation with an attorney is essential to navigate the complexities of drug laws and treatment options.

📞 Understand Telehealth Requirements

To access telehealth for controlled substances, ensure that the practitioner is registered with the DEA. This registration is crucial for legal prescriptions.

💰 Check Costs and Payment Options

Costs for telehealth consultations vary by provider. Some may offer subscription models, while others charge per visit. It's beneficial to compare these options to find what fits your budget.

📝 Complete Necessary Forms

Before receiving buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine, patients typically need to fill out intake forms. This information helps providers assess the patient's suitability for treatment.

⏰ Be Aware of Processing Times

Processing times for telehealth prescriptions can differ. Some platforms may offer same-day consultations, while others might take longer to schedule an appointment.

🆓 Utilize Free Resources

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a national helpline for individuals seeking treatment and information. This is a valuable resource for those in need.

🏆 Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

The following services offer telehealth and mental health options that connect to the topic of addiction treatment and controlled substances. These ratings reflect user experiences as of October 2026. Keep in mind that scores can change over time, and star ratings are just one aspect of customer feedback.

🥇 1. LifeStance Health

LifeStance Health has been rated 4.0 on Trustpilot. It is known for providing mental health services, including therapy and psychiatry, primarily through telehealth. However, some reviewers note issues with inconsistent service quality and appointment availability.

🥈 2. Talkiatry

Talkiatry holds a Trustpilot score of 2.4. It specializes in online psychiatry services and medication management. Reviewers mention flexible scheduling but express concerns over limited insurance coverage and variable clinician quality.

🥉 3. Direct Meds

Direct Meds has a high Trustpilot rating of 4.6. It is recognized for being a GLP-1 telehealth provider that offers compounded medications. While it has a strong reputation, some users report limited insurance acceptance and potential side effects from medications.

4️⃣ Hims & Hers Health

Hims & Hers Health averages 3.0 stars. It provides a range of online healthcare services, including prescription medications and personal care products. Users often mention customer service issues and varying product effectiveness.

🆓 Free Government Help

The U.S. Department of Labor offers resources regarding the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). Patients can reach out for assistance to ensure they understand their rights and benefits.

🔎 Consider These Factors When Choosing Services

  • 📊 User Ratings: Check Trustpilot scores and reviews for insights.
  • 💬 Service Variety: Evaluate the range of services offered.
  • 💵 Cost: Compare pricing structures and insurance acceptance.
  • 🕒 Accessibility: Look at appointment availability and telehealth options.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What are the eligibility requirements for telehealth prescriptions?

Eligibility for telehealth prescriptions requires a video consultation with a DEA-registered practitioner. The practitioner will assess your medical history and current condition.

🏥 How do I initiate buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine?

To start buprenorphine treatment, find a provider that offers this service. You will need to complete any required intake forms and schedule a virtual consultation.

🔍 Are there any changes to regulations for controlled substances?

Yes, telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances have been extended until December 31, 2026. This allows for easier access to prescriptions through telehealth.

📅 How long does it take to get a prescription through telehealth?

Processing times vary by provider. Some may offer same-day consultations, while others might take longer to schedule an appointment.

📞 What resources are available for substance use disorder treatment?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for assistance and treatment referrals.

⚖️ How do the new regulations affect mental health benefits?

The final rules on the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act ensure that mental health and substance use disorder benefits are treated equally to medical and surgical benefits by insurers.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Drug Policies

Recent court rulings have addressed legal aspects of drug policies, including telehealth regulations and the treatment of substance use disorders.

For more on recent rulings, visit the more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



Seroquel is the brand name of the drug Quetiapine, which is a drug that is used to treat mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar behavior.  Unlike other medications designed to treat these symptoms, Seroquel is slow-release, which is useful to moderate the medication that enters the body.  It does however have the effect similar to a sedative, which has been shown to have adverse effects on the body.  Generally speaking, Seroquel is largely safe and effective, but only when prescribed at appropriate doses and for the right reasons, with consideration for side effects and label warnings.  There is a chance one can be prescribed Seroquel inappropriately.  This is generally not an issue with the manufacturer, but rather the pharmacist or medical professional.  If you are prescribed Seroquel inappropriately, then are sickened because of it, it is within your rights as a patient to sue for damages.



 

Seroquel


 



Standards to sue for damages



 



 



When working on a medical malpractice case related to Seroquel prescriptions, know that the standard to collect damages always involve real damages done to the patient that result from the use of the drug only.  Any complications or worsening condition that is found to be independent of the effects of Seroquel will not be used as a standard to collect any forms of damages.



 



 



Disproven claims about Seroquel



 



 



Seroquel at one point was prescribed to patients with dementia, including those suffering from Alzheimer’s.  Not only was Seroquel found ineffective for the treatment and improvement of cognitive function, but also increased the risk of death for these patients.  The FDA has provided no approval for the treatment of dementia with the use of Seroquel. As such, you will be able to make a case for damages if you or a loved one is prescribed Seroquel for dementia and the patient is then injured or harmed while on the medication.



 



 



Obligations of the patient



 



 



The patient is not entitled to collect any damages if they overdose on Seroquel by failing to follow instructions.  The instructions and other information must be provided to them at the very least on the label and with additional documentation as needed.  The doctor and pharmacist will also explain the use of Seroquel to the patient.  The patient cannot be held accountable for incorrect information passed to them by a medical professional and when wrong dosing directions are given, the patient will be able to file medical malpractice against them for prescribing Seroquel incorrectly.



 



 



Other risks



 



 



Anti-depressants, such as Seroquel are likely to increase suicidal thoughts in younger adults and children and there is a general age restriction on the use of Seroquel for people of this age unless the doctor believes that Seroquel is necessary for treatment and that a combination of other mental issues will not affect the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and other issues.  When a minor is affected by the Seroquel medication, you will need to speak with a Seroquel to determine to what extent certain risk factors could have been mitigated, as well as the likelihood that the harm could have been avoided.  As is the case with all medical malpractice issues, the damage don’t by Seroquel must be directly related to the interaction of the medication with risk factors and not unrelated complications.



 



 



Informing the doctor



 



 



There is a general obligation of the patient to inform the doctor of certain risk factors and other issues that might preclude the prescription of Seroquel.  This includes recent surgery, pregnancy and family history of disease.  The doctor still however, has the obligation to check for notable risk factors, run necessary tests and take all other reasonable measures to ensure that side effects and other factors will not occur when dosing Seroquel for mental issues.



 



 



Meeting with an attorney for Seroquel litigation



 



 



There are some grounds to pursue litigation, especially for patients with dementia or those that had had severe side effects caused by the medication.  When discussing the legal matter with the Seroquel attorney, you will have to disclose the measures taken by the doctor to determine the safety and suitability of Seroquel for your symptoms.  You will also note the instructions provided to you for the proper dosage, if any.  That is the most important factor in determining fault for an overdose.  You will also need to account for the damages done to you, though there might not be enough time remaining in the consultation.  Should you accept legal services, be prepared to account for damages to be sought at a later date.



 



 



Accounting for damages



 



 



The Seroquel attorney helps you to account for the damages done to you, though the final determination is made in court if you win or if you accept a settlement prior to going to court.  Factors considered when determining compensatory and non-economic damages include:



 



 



-Medical expenses for the initial visit with the doctor



 



 



-Cost of seeking medical treatment for the side effects



 



 



-Cost of missing work (i.e. lost wages)



 



 



-Impact of unrelated mental disorders that should have been treated by Seroquel



 



 



-Ongoing pain and suffering



 



 



What you collect varies on the determined negligence of the other party.  The Seroquel can help you anticipate what you will collect but this is never a guarantee.



 



 



Finding and paying Seroquel attorneys



 



 



You will pay contingency fees for the service provided to you by the Seroquel attorney.  The contingency fee is a percentage collection from the damages won on your behalf and this percentage is noted in any fee agreement you have with the Seroquel attorney



 



 



A number of attorneys will specialize in litigation over certain medication, such as Seroquel.  If possible, work with these experienced attorneys on that matter.  Seroquel attorneys will be well aware of similar cases and have better benchmarks for acceptable compensation.  The easiest way to find Seroquel attorneys will be to use the internet but if you need local results, contact the state or local bar association for more information about lawyer referral services and directories to find a Seroquel attorney.