Telehealth Weight Loss/GLP-1 Prescribing: What PMHNPs Can Do in Georgia

You’re a psychiatrist managing a patient on olanzapine who’s gained 40 pounds in six months. Or maybe you’re treating someone with binge eating disorder and depression — conditions that feed off each other in a vicious cycle. You know GLP-1 medications like Wegovy could help, but you’re wondering: Is this actually in my scope? Can I prescribe weight loss drugs, or am I stepping into endocrinology territory?

Here’s the reality: Yes, psychiatrists can prescribe weight loss medications — and increasingly, many are. The lines between metabolic and mental health are blurring fast, and psychiatrists are uniquely positioned to treat both. But there are important caveats around training, state rules, and what ‘competent practice’ actually means.

This guide breaks down what you need to know: your legal scope, the clinical rationale, how psychiatric NPs fit in, and the state-specific rules that could make or break your compliance.

The Short Answer: Scope of Practice and Competency

Psychiatrists (MD/DO) have full prescriptive authority in every state. Your medical license and DEA registration allow you to prescribe FDA-approved weight-loss medications — whether that’s semaglutide (Wegovy), phentermine, liraglutide (Saxenda), or any other anti-obesity drug. There’s no additional certification required by law.

However, scope of practice isn’t just about what you’re allowed to do — it’s about what you’re competent to do. State medical boards expect physicians to practice within their training and expertise. If you’re prescribing obesity medications, you need to demonstrate you understand:

• Metabolic assessment and contraindications (e.g., thyroid disorders, pancreatitis history)
• Appropriate patient selection (BMI criteria, comorbidities)
• Monitoring for side effects (GI issues, gallbladder disease, potential mood changes)
• Coordination with lifestyle interventions

Many psychiatrists are gaining this competency through additional training in obesity medicine. Some are even pursuing board certification through the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) — which explicitly welcomes psychiatrists and requires ~60 hours of CME plus an exam. As Dr. Elliott Lewis (a psychiatrist board-certified in obesity medicine) puts it: ‘If scope is about competency rather than tradition, then prescribing medications that affect both metabolic and mental health falls within a reasonable scope for psychiatrists specializing in metabolic-psychiatric care.’

The key is integration, not scope creep. If you’re treating a patient’s depression and addressing medication-induced weight gain or obesity-related mood issues, you’re practicing comprehensive psychiatry — not wandering out of your lane.

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Why Psychiatrists Are Adding Weight Management to Their Practice

Psychiatric patients need it. Roughly 30-40% of people with serious mental illness are obese, often due to medication side effects (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, some antidepressants). You’re already monitoring metabolic labs for these patients. Prescribing a GLP-1 to counteract olanzapine-induced weight gain isn’t a radical departure — it’s treating the whole patient.

The science is converging. We’re learning that GLP-1 receptor agonists don’t just reduce weight — they may have direct effects on mood, cravings, and reward pathways. Early research suggests potential benefits for:

• Binge eating disorder
• Substance use disorders (reduced alcohol and drug cravings in some studies)
• Possibly depression itself (via inflammation reduction and neuroplasticity)

Safety concerns are overblown. The widely publicized reports of suicidal ideation on GLP-1s? A 2025 meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry found no increased risk of depression or suicidality compared to placebo. In fact, GLP-1-treated groups showed slightly lower rates of depressive symptoms in clinical trials. The FDA and EMA both reviewed the data and found no causal link.

Financial and patient demand. With Medicare now covering weight-loss drugs (as of late 2025) and private insurers expanding coverage, more patients can access these medications. Psychiatrists who can manage them offer a competitive advantage and a fuller service line.

Can Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) Prescribe Weight Loss Meds?

This is where it gets complicated, because NP prescribing authority varies wildly by state.

Full Practice Authority States

In roughly 24 states (plus D.C.), nurse practitioners have full practice authority — they can evaluate, diagnose, and prescribe independently without physician oversight. In these states, an experienced PMHNP could prescribe GLP-1s or other weight-loss medications on their own, provided:

1. It falls within their competency. A psych NP trained primarily in mental health should have additional education in obesity management (e.g., CME courses, obesity medicine training) to justify prescribing outside their specialty focus.
2. State-specific regulations are followed. Even in FPA states, some have unique rules about weight-loss drugs (see State Breakdown below).

Examples of FPA states (as of 2026): Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wyoming, and soon California (phased in 2023-2026).

Reduced/Restricted Practice States

In ~26 states, NPs need a collaborative agreement or supervision from a physician to prescribe. This includes most of the high-population states like Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and (historically) New York.

• Texas: All NPs must have a written Prescriptive Authority Agreement with a Texas-licensed physician. The PAA must detail what the NP can prescribe (including specific drug classes like ‘Schedule IV anorectics’ if they’ll be using phentermine). Monthly quality reviews and physician availability are required.

• Florida: APRNs must practice under a physician protocol. Even Florida’s new ‘autonomous APRN’ option excludes psychiatric NPs and prohibits independent controlled substance prescribing. So a Florida PMHNP cannot prescribe phentermine (Schedule IV) on their own — they need MD collaboration. GLP-1s (non-controlled) are allowed via protocol.

• Pennsylvania: Requires a collaboration agreement; prescription blanks must include both the NP’s name and the collaborating physician’s name.

• Illinois: Offers a hybrid. NPs with ≥4,000 hours experience and extra training can apply for Full Practice Authority, which allows independent prescribing (even controlled substances, with some limits on Schedule II). Less experienced NPs need collaboration.

• New York: After 3,600 hours of practice (roughly 2 years full-time), NPs can practice independently without a formal collaborative agreement. Before that, they need physician collaboration.

Practical Barriers Even in FPA States

Even where NPs legally can prescribe independently, insurers and pharmacies sometimes create friction. For expensive drugs like Wegovy or compounded semaglutide, some payers require a physician’s name on prior authorizations or won’t process NP prescriptions without MD sign-off — not because of law, but internal policy. This is especially common for high-cost, high-liability prescriptions.

Bottom line for PMHNPs: Check your state’s NP scope laws. If you’re in a collaborative state, ensure your agreement covers obesity/weight-loss medications and that your supervising physician is comfortable delegating this. If you’re in an FPA state, get the training to justify competency and be prepared for possible payer pushback.

State-Specific Rules You Can’t Ignore

Weight-loss prescribing is one of the most regulated areas in medicine, because of past abuses (‘pill mill’ clinics). State medical boards have specific rules that apply regardless of whether you’re an MD or NP, in-person or telehealth.

Florida: The Strictest Playbook

Florida’s Board of Medicine rule (64B15-14.004) is exhaustive:

• BMI requirement: Patients must have BMI ≥30, or ≥25 with a comorbidity (or body fat percentage above defined thresholds).
• Initial exam: A comprehensive physical exam and history must be done before prescribing. This can be delegated to an APRN/PA under supervision, but it must be documented. Labs (TSH, glucose, lipid panel) should be ordered to rule out secondary causes of obesity.
• Informed consent: Written consent explaining risks/benefits is required, plus the patient must receive Florida’s ‘Weight-Loss Consumer Bill of Rights’ brochure.
• Follow-ups: At least every 3 months, patients must have a face-to-face visit (telehealth counts) to monitor progress and adjust therapy. Missing this interval violates the rule.
• Controlled substances via telehealth: Florida law prohibits prescribing controlled substances via telehealth except for psychiatric disorders, inpatient/hospice care, or addiction treatment. Weight loss is not an exception. So you cannot prescribe phentermine (Schedule IV) via telemedicine to a Florida patient unless you’ve had an in-person exam or fit a narrow exception. GLP-1s (non-controlled) are fine via telehealth as long as you meet the exam/follow-up rules.

Florida also requires checking the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (E-FORCSE) before each controlled Rx and keeping documentation.

Enforcement is real: The Florida Board of Medicine has disciplined clinics for lax follow-up or prescribing to patients who didn’t meet BMI criteria.

New Jersey: Comprehensive Standards

NJ regulations require prescribers to conduct a full workup:

• Complete history and physical exam
• Appropriate lab tests
• Assessment for underlying psychiatric conditions (this actually plays to psychiatrists’ strengths — you’re already screening for depression, eating disorders, etc.)
• Documentation of a multi-modal treatment plan: nutritional counseling, exercise, and behavior modification must be recommended alongside medication. You can’t just write a script and send them on their way.

Psychiatrists in NJ are well-positioned to meet the psych assessment requirement, but you’ll need to ensure patients get diet/exercise guidance (either directly or via referral to a dietitian or health coach).

Virginia: Monthly Check-Ins Early On

Virginia mandates a follow-up within 30 days of starting weight-loss medication, and at least monthly for the first few months. The prescriber must also document a diet and exercise program for the patient.

For telehealth providers, this means scheduling video visits every 30 days initially — no shortcuts.

Texas: No Schedule II for Weight Loss

Texas law explicitly prohibits prescribing Schedule II stimulants for weight loss (so no amphetamines for obesity). Phentermine (Schedule IV) is allowed, as are GLP-1s. NPs must have prescriptive authority delegated in their PAA, and monthly quality reviews with the supervising physician are required.

Mississippi: Off-Label GLP-1 Ban

As of August 2023, Mississippi’s Board of Medical Licensure banned off-label prescribing of GLP-1 agonists solely for weight loss. If you’re treating a Mississippi patient, you must use an FDA-approved obesity drug (like Wegovy), not a diabetes drug (like Ozempic) for off-label weight loss. This is unique to Mississippi but shows the scrutiny on GLP-1 misuse.

California: Independence Coming for NPs, But Physician Oversight Still Common

California’s AB 890 is phasing in NP independence (full implementation in 2026 for ‘104’ certified NPs). However, Corporate Practice of Medicine laws mean only physicians can own medical practices or be clinical directors. Even independent NPs often operate within physician-owned entities. For weight-loss services, a physician medical director is standard practice.

Telehealth Prescribing: Federal vs. State

Federal law (DEA): The Ryan Haight Act required an in-person exam before prescribing controlled substances. During COVID, this was waived. The DEA has extended the waiver through December 31, 2025 (and likely beyond, given ongoing policy discussions). This allows prescribing Schedule II-V controlled substances via telehealth without an initial in-person visit — as long as state law permits.

State law can override federal permission. About 8 states have stricter telehealth rules that effectively ban remote controlled-substance prescribing for weight loss, even with the federal waiver:

• Florida: Prohibits controlled substance prescribing via telehealth except for psych treatment, inpatient/hospice, or addiction. Weight loss doesn’t qualify.
• Alabama: Requires an initial in-person exam to prescribe any controlled substance.
• Others (South Carolina, Idaho, etc.) have similar in-person requirements.

For GLP-1s (non-controlled), telehealth is generally allowed in all states as long as you meet the standard of care (comprehensive evaluation, follow-up monitoring). Most states now recognize that a video visit can establish a valid patient-relationship equivalent to in-person.

Best practice for telehealth weight-loss prescribing:

1. Conduct a live video visit (not just a questionnaire) for the initial evaluation
2. Document BMI, vital signs (patient self-reported or via connected devices), and relevant history
3. Order labs if needed (partner with local labs for patients to get blood work)
4. Check state PDMP if prescribing a controlled substance
5. Schedule follow-ups per state requirements (monthly for VA/NJ, quarterly for FL)
6. Use only FDA-approved drugs or legally compounded versions (avoid ‘semaglutide sodium’ or non-registered compounding pharmacies)

Reimbursement: Can You Actually Get Paid for This?

Yes — and the payment landscape is improving fast.

Insurance Coverage for GLP-1s

A few years ago, weight-loss drugs were largely cash-pay. Now:

• Private insurance: Many commercial plans cover Wegovy, Saxenda, and tirzepatide with prior authorization. Insurers typically require:

• BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension)

• Documentation of lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise) tried first

• Sometimes a letter of medical necessity from the prescriber

  Some plans impose quantity limits (e.g., initial 30-day supply only) to monitor adherence before approving refills.

• Medicare: Historically excluded weight-loss drugs. In late 2025, the federal government announced Medicare will cover anti-obesity medications starting in 2026 — a game-changer for providers serving older adults.

• Medicaid: Coverage varies by state. Some state Medicaid programs already cover at least one GLP-1 for obesity; others are expected to expand following Medicare’s lead.

Billing for Visits

You bill standard E/M codes (99202-99215 series) for the consultation and follow-ups. If weight management is combined with a psychiatric med check, document both issues and code at the appropriate complexity level.

• Initial visit (new patient, comprehensive): 99204 or 99205 (~$150-$250 depending on payer and region)
• Follow-up (established patient, 15-20 min): 99213 or 99214 (~$75-$120)

Telehealth parity: Most states now require insurers to reimburse telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person. This includes California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and (increasingly) Texas.

Medicare continues to cover telehealth mental health visits at parity through at least 2025, with strong indications this will extend indefinitely.

Psychiatrists vs. NPs: Payment Differences

• Psychiatrists (MD/DO): Reimbursed at 100% of the physician fee schedule by Medicare and most insurers.
• PMHNPs: Typically 85% of physician rates under Medicare (when billed under the NP’s own NPI). Some private payers pay NPs at 90-100%, and Illinois Medicaid reimburses APRNs at full physician rates — a progressive policy.

For a telehealth platform, this means a psychiatrist’s revenue per visit might be slightly higher, but NPs (with lower overhead and salary costs) can still be highly profitable providers.

Prior Authorization Tips

When submitting a PA for a GLP-1, include:

• Patient’s current BMI and weight history
• List of comorbidities (e.g., prediabetes, hypertension, PCOS, sleep apnea)
• Documentation of prior weight-loss attempts (e.g., ‘patient tried reduced-calorie diet and exercise for 6 months with minimal results’)
• If there’s a psychiatric component (binge eating, depression worsened by obesity), note it — it strengthens the medical necessity case

Many insurers have standard PA forms; some telehealth platforms automate this process.

The Clinical Case for Psychiatrists Prescribing GLP-1s

Let’s get specific about when this makes sense.

Scenario 1: Medication-Induced Weight GainYour patient gained 50 pounds on quetiapine. You could switch them to a weight-neutral antipsychotic (risperidone, lurasidone), but their psychosis is well-controlled on quetiapine. Adding metformin helps a bit, but they’re still struggling. Starting low-dose semaglutide (or Wegovy at obesity dose) addresses the metabolic side effect without destabilizing their mental health.

You’re not ‘doing endocrinology’ — you’re managing a complication of psychiatric treatment.

Scenario 2: Binge Eating Disorder + DepressionYour patient has major depression and binge eating disorder. SSRIs help mood but don’t touch the binge eating. Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) is FDA-approved for binge eating but it’s a Schedule II stimulant with its own issues. GLP-1s reduce appetite and food-focused thoughts. Emerging data suggest they may help binge eating, though it’s off-label for this indication.

You’re treating two intertwined conditions with one medication that addresses the metabolic and reward-system dysfunction underlying both.

Scenario 3: Obesity Worsening Psychiatric OutcomesYour patient’s depression is treatment-resistant. They’re obese (BMI 38), prediabetic, and feel hopeless about their weight. Literature increasingly shows that obesity and inflammation worsen depression. Weight loss improves mood, energy, and treatment response. Prescribing a GLP-1 as part of their depression treatment plan is evidence-based integrated care.

You’re addressing the root cause that’s sabotaging psychiatric recovery.

What Competent Practice Looks Like

If you’re going to prescribe weight-loss medications, do it right:

1. Get trained. Take CME courses in obesity medicine. Consider ABOM certification if you’re serious about this service line. Learn to screen for contraindications (history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia, severe gastroparesis, etc.).

2. Document thoroughly. Note BMI, waist circumference, comorbidities. If state rules require informed consent or specific exams, do them. If prescribing a controlled substance, check the PDMP every time.

3. Coordinate care. Communicate with the patient’s PCP. If they don’t have one, encourage them to establish care (or at minimum, order basic labs yourself — A1C, TSH, lipids).

4. Integrate lifestyle interventions. You don’t have to become a dietitian, but at minimum discuss calorie reduction and physical activity. Many telehealth platforms bundle coaching or provide educational resources.

5. Monitor and adjust. GLP-1s have side effects (nausea, constipation, rarely pancreatitis or gallbladder issues). Schedule follow-ups to titrate the dose and check in on tolerability. Watch for mood changes (though evidence suggests they’re rare).

6. Know when to refer. If a patient has complicated metabolic issues (uncontrolled diabetes, severe hypertension, kidney disease), co-manage with endocrinology or primary care. Don’t exceed your competence.

Common Objections (and Rebuttals)

‘Isn’t this outside my scope as a psychiatrist?’

Scope is about competency, not tradition. You already manage metabolic monitoring for antipsychotics (glucose, lipids). You treat ADHD with stimulants that affect appetite and weight. If you gain the knowledge to safely prescribe GLP-1s, you’re practicing within an expanded but reasonable scope. Think of it as metabolic psychiatry — a growing subspecialty.

‘Won’t this distract from my core work?’

Only if you let it. Many psychiatrists integrate weight management into existing visits with patients who have obesity-related issues. It’s 5 extra minutes in a med check: ‘How’s your weight? Any nausea from the semaglutide? Let’s adjust the dose.’ You’re not running a weight-loss clinic for the general public — you’re treating your patients more comprehensively.

‘What if something goes wrong?’

Follow the standard of care. Document that you screened for contraindications, educated the patient on risks, and monitored appropriately. GLP-1s are safer than many psych meds in terms of serious adverse events. Liability risk is low if you’re competent and careful. (And honestly, the liability risk of not addressing a patient’s 80-pound weight gain on olanzapine — leading to diabetes, CVD, and worsening mental health — is arguably higher.)

‘I don’t want to deal with insurance prior auths.’

Fair. But if you’re on a telehealth platform like Klarity, much of the PA process is handled by support staff or automated. You provide clinical justification; they submit the forms. And with Medicare now covering obesity drugs, PAs may get easier.

Alternatively, if a patient wants to pay cash for compounded semaglutide (cheaper than branded Wegovy), that bypasses insurance entirely — though ensure the compounding pharmacy is legit.

FAQs

Do I need special certification to prescribe weight-loss drugs as a psychiatrist?

No. Your MD/DO license and DEA registration cover it. However, additional training (CME, ABOM certification) is strongly recommended to demonstrate competency and reduce liability.

Can PMHNPs prescribe GLP-1s independently?

In full-practice-authority states (like Arizona, Washington, New Mexico), yes — provided they have the training/competency. In collaborative states (Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania), they need a physician agreement. Even in FPA states, some insurers may require physician involvement for high-cost drugs.

Can I prescribe phentermine (Schedule IV) via telehealth?

Federally, yes (through at least Dec 2025 under DEA waivers). But state law may prohibit it. Florida bans controlled-substance prescribing via telehealth for weight loss. Alabama requires an in-person exam. Always check your state’s specific rules.

What about compounded semaglutide?

It’s legal only if there’s an FDA-acknowledged shortage and the compounder uses proper ingredients (semaglutide base, not semaglutide sodium) from an FDA-registered facility. Some states (Alabama, Mississippi) have cracked down on illegal compounding. Be cautious and vet your pharmacy partner.

How do I bill for weight management visits?

Use standard E/M codes (99213-99215 for follow-ups, 99204-99205 for initial visits). Code based on complexity and time. You can also use obesity counseling codes (G0447) if you’re providing dietary advice, though most psychiatrists stick with E/M.

What if my patient’s insurance won’t cover Wegovy?

Options: (1) Submit a PA with strong medical necessity; (2) Try for a manufacturer savings card (Novo Nordisk offers assistance); (3) Discuss compounded semaglutide if legal in your state; (4) Consider other covered meds (liraglutide, phentermine/topiramate if appropriate).

Do I need to report to a state PDMP when prescribing phentermine?

Yes, in most states. You’re required to check the PDMP before prescribing (especially for first-time Rx), and the pharmacy reports your prescription to the PDMP database. Ensure you’re registered with your state’s PDMP system.

Can I prescribe GLP-1s for binge eating disorder (off-label)?

Legally, yes — off-label prescribing is allowed if medically justified. Clinically, evidence is emerging but not yet definitive. Document your rationale (e.g., ‘patient has obesity + BED, traditional BED treatments ineffective, GLP-1 may reduce binge frequency and aid weight loss’) and get informed consent. Insurance may not cover off-label use, so patient might pay cash.

Why This Matters for Your Practice (and Your Patients)

Adding weight-loss medication management to your practice isn’t about chasing a trend or maximizing revenue. It’s about treating the whole patient.

Your patient who gained 60 pounds on mirtazapine? Their self-esteem is tanking. They’re avoiding social situations. Their depression is worsening because of the weight gain, creating a feedback loop. If you address only the mood symptoms and ignore the metabolic fallout, you’re treating half the problem.

GLP-1s are the most effective weight-loss medications we’ve ever had. They’re also expensive, over-hyped, and sometimes misused. But in the right hands — providers who understand both mental health and metabolic medicine — they can be transformative.

For telehealth providers, this is a growth opportunity. Obesity rates are 30-40% nationwide. The demand for GLP-1 prescriptions far exceeds supply. Patients are already seeking these meds through questionable online clinics. If you can offer competent, ethical, evidence-based weight management integrated with psychiatric care, you differentiate yourself.

And here’s the economics: acquiring patients for weight-loss services through DIY marketing (SEO, Google Ads, directory listings) costs $200-500+ per booked patient when you factor in ad spend, optimization, staff time, no-shows, and months of waiting for SEO results. Most solo providers don’t have the budget or expertise for that.

Platforms like Klarity Health solve this. Instead of gambling thousands on marketing, you join a network that already has patient flow. You pay a standard listing fee per new patient lead — but only when they actually book with you. No wasted ad spend. No failed campaigns. Pre-qualified patients matched to your specialty and availability. Built-in telehealth infrastructure. Both insurance and cash-pay options.

Compare: spending $3,000-5,000/month on Google Ads with uncertain ROI, vs. paying only when you see patients — guaranteed economics. For providers scaling a telehealth practice or starting out, that removes the risk entirely.

Ready to expand your practice into integrated metabolic-psychiatric care? Join Klarity Health’s provider network. We handle patient acquisition, credentialing, and platform logistics — you focus on delivering excellent care. Learn more at Klarity Health Providers.

References

1. MedicalDirector Co. ‘How Much Does a Collaborative Physician Cost for Weight Loss, Telehealth, and Medspas? 2025 Definitive Guide.’ 2025. https://www.medicaldirectorco.com/collaborative-physician-cost-weight-loss-telehealth/

2. MedicalDirector Co. ‘Florida Weight Loss Clinic and Telehealth Compliance Guide (2025).’ Updated 2025. https://www.medicaldirectorco.com/florida-weight-loss-clinic-and-telehealth-compliance-guide-2025/

3. MedicalDirector Co. ‘Texas Weight Loss Clinic & Telehealth Compliance Guide (2025).’ Updated 2025. https://www.medicaldirectorco.com/texas-weight-loss-clinic-telehealth-compliance-guide/

4. Florida Administrative Code R. 64B15-14.004 – ‘Standards for Prescription of Obesity Drugs.’ Effective Aug 8, 2022. https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/florida/Fla-Admin-Code-Ann-R-64B15-14-004

5. Foley & Lardner LLP (via Mondaq). ‘A Changing Regulatory and Reimbursement Landscape for Weight-Loss Drugs.’ July 24, 2023. https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/healthcare/1447512/a-changing-regulatory-and-reimbursement-landscape-for-weight-loss-drugs

6. RxAgent.co (by Jodie Pepin, PharmD). ‘Federal Permission, State Prohibition: The 2026 Telehealth Compliance Trap.’ Dec 16, 2025. https://rxagent.co/blog/telehealth-compliance-trap

7. Phillips, Susanne J. ’36th Annual APRN Legislative Update: Improving Access to Healthcare Through Scope-of-Practice Advancements.’ The Nurse Practitioner, Vol 49(1), Jan 2024. https://journals.lww.com/tnpj/fulltext/2024/01000/36thannualaprnlegislativeupdate__improving.6.aspx

8. Lewis, Elliott, MD. ‘Should Psychiatrists Prescribe GLP-1 Medications? An Evidence-Based Perspective.’ DrLewis.com, Jan 4, 2026. https://drlewis.com/glp-1-medications-psychiatry/

9. Lewis, Elliott, MD. ‘GLP-1 Medications and Mental Health: Separating Facts from Fiction.’ DrLewis.com, Nov 26, 2025. https://drlewis.com/glp-1-mental-health/

10. Axios Health. ‘COVID-era telehealth prescribing extended again as Trump takes office.’ Nov 18, 2024. https://www.axios.com/2024/11/18/covid-telehealth-prescribing-extended-adderall

11. Axios. ‘Trump announces Medicare coverage of weight-loss drugs after price deal.’ Nov 6, 2025. https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/medicare-coverage-weight-loss-glp1-ozempic-trump

12. Associated Press. ‘Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs.’ Nov 26, 2024. https://apnews.com/article/caaa2f888435af1d32bedb83e9ddbc0a

13. TheraThink. ‘Insurance Reimbursement Rates for Psychiatrists [2026 Update].’ 2026. https://therathink.com/insurance-reimbursement-rates-for-psychiatrists/

14. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. ‘Provider Notice: 30-Day Supply Limit for GLP-1 Obesity Medications.’ Oct 4, 2024. https://www.bcbstx.com/provider/education/education/news/2024/10-04-24-pharmacy-supply-limit-glp1-obesity

15. Texas Medical Association. ‘Payment Parity for Telehealth Services.’ Accessed 2025. https://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=65146

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