Tele-treatment for substance use disorders
Telehealth is a tool for supporting individuals with substance use disorder.
On this page:
Ways to use telehealth to provide treatment for substance use disorder
When used in combination with other treatment methods, telebehavioral health interventions can be part of an integrated approach to treating substance use disorders. Telehealth can be used for:
- Screening and diagnosis.
- Online counseling.
- Consultations for medications for opioid use disorder.
- Individual and group therapy.
Benefits of using telehealth for substance use disorder treatment
- Increased privacy. Patients can get care from their home.
- Reduced stigma. Patients have access to providers who understand substance use disorder.
- Continuity of care. Patients can continue treatment with their regular therapist or provider.
Considerations when using telehealth for substance use disorder treatment
- Use SBIRT. SBIRT stands for “screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment,” and is a common way to assess a patient’s needs and to determine, if necessary, whether to refer the patient for treatment for a substance use disorder. This can be done using telehealth.
- Familiarize yourself with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) models. Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based approach that combines behavioral counseling with the use of prescription drugs. Telehealth may be used in this type of treatment.
- Aim for integrated care. Coordinating primary care with behavioral health may increase access and improve care coordination. Integrated care often combines in-person treatment with telehealth.
- Prioritize patient monitoring. Conduct regular screenings during your telehealth appointments to assess for risks.
- Review rules and regulations for prescribing controlled substances via telehealth. Make sure you follow the correct steps and comply with the appropriate laws. Identify vendors and local sites for patient drug testing as needed.
- Focus on long-term, continued treatment. Schedule the next session before ending each telehealth appointment, if possible.
More information:
Best practice guide on telehealth for substance use disorder — Health Resources and Services Administration
Telehealth for the Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Spotlight
University of Maryland, Baltimore Mobile-Care-Unit
The University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Department of Psychiatry developed an RV mobile-care unit. It provides mental health and substance abuse services to underserved and remote communities in and around eastern Maryland.
Read more on the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Mobile-Care-Unit.