Florida has favorable telehealth laws, and the post-pandemic regulatory environment has made access to psychiatric care via video better than ever. But patients still have many questions about what’s actually allowed.
Here’s what Florida residents need to know about telehealth psychiatry.
What Can Be Done Via Telehealth in Florida
Almost everything a psychiatrist does:
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Initial psychiatric evaluations
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Medication management and follow-up visits
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Prescription renewals
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Diagnosis and treatment planning
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Therapy (if the psychiatrist provides therapy services)
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ADHD evaluation and management
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Anxiety and depression treatment
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Bipolar disorder management
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PTSD treatment
Including controlled substances:
Since the DEA’s 2023 telemedicine rule update (and subsequent extensions), board-certified psychiatrists can prescribe Schedule II–V controlled substances via telehealth, including:
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ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin)
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Anxiety medications (benzodiazepines for appropriate patients)
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Sleep medications
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Buprenorphine (Suboxone) for opioid use disorder
What Requires In-Person
A small number of things still require in-person visits:
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Injectable medications (Sublocade, Vivitrol, Spravato require in-office administration)
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Physical examination when clinically indicated
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Emergency psychiatric evaluation requiring immediate assessment
Florida’s Telemedicine Laws
Florida Statutes § 456.47 authorizes telehealth practice for licensed practitioners. Florida does not require a prior in-person visit before prescribing via telehealth. The provider must hold a Florida medical license.
Patient Responsibilities
For telehealth to work well:
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A private location with reliable internet connection
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Valid government-issued ID for the initial visit
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Pharmacy information for electronic prescriptions
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Same-day availability for prescription pick-up if needed urgently
Who I See Via Telehealth
My telehealth practice serves patients throughout Florida — from Jacksonville and Tallahassee in the north to Miami and Cape Coral in the south. Distance is no longer a barrier to access to board-certified psychiatric care.
Schedule a telehealth appointment — same-day availability for new patients.