What do I need to qualify for Lithium?

In today’s digital-first healthcare landscape, many people wonder if they can receive treatment for bipolar disorder through telehealth services. If you’re seeking care for bipolar disorder, you’ll be glad to know that getting prescribed mood stabilizers and other non-controlled medications via telehealth is both legal and increasingly common.

This comprehensive guide explores the current telehealth landscape for bipolar disorder treatment, focusing on non-controlled medications like Lithium, Lamotrigine (Lamictal), and Quetiapine (Seroquel).

The Legal Status of Telehealth Prescribing for Bipolar Disorder

Federal Regulations: Good News for Bipolar Treatment

Yes, you can legally get bipolar medications via telehealth. For non-controlled bipolar medications like Lithium, Lamictal, and Seroquel, it is legal in all 50 states to receive prescriptions through telehealth services, provided the telehealth visit meets the standard of care.

Unlike ADHD stimulants or anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, common bipolar medications are not controlled substances. This means they’re not regulated by the DEA’s special rules for telehealth prescribing of controlled substances.

The Ryan Haight Act, which sometimes restricts telemedicine prescribing, only applies to controlled substances with abuse potential. Since Lithium, Lamictal, and Seroquel aren’t controlled, these restrictions don’t apply to bipolar treatment.

State-by-State Telehealth Rules: What to Know

While telehealth prescribing for bipolar medications is generally permitted nationwide, states have their own telehealth regulations that can affect how services are delivered:

• California explicitly allows appropriate examinations to be conducted via telehealth, with no in-person requirements for non-controlled medications.
• New York permits telehealth prescribing of non-controlled medications without requiring in-person visits.
• Texas has embraced telehealth for mental health treatment, explicitly allowing mental health teleprescribing.
• Florida allows telehealth prescribing of non-controlled medications without in-person requirements.
• New Hampshire requires periodic evaluations (at least annually) for ongoing prescriptions, but these can be conducted via telehealth.

Regardless of state, telehealth providers must follow standard practice guidelines, including proper evaluation, documentation, and follow-up care. At Klarity Health, we ensure all our providers stay compliant with the latest state regulations to deliver seamless care.

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Medication-Specific Telehealth Information

Common Bipolar Medications Available via Telehealth

Since these medications aren’t controlled substances, they don’t face the same prescribing restrictions as medications like stimulants or benzodiazepines. This makes telehealth a viable option for most bipolar patients seeking these treatments.

Prescription Process via Telehealth

When you receive bipolar medication through telehealth:

1. Your provider will conduct a thorough psychiatric evaluation via video visit
2. If medication is appropriate, they’ll send an electronic prescription to your pharmacy
3. Non-controlled prescriptions can include refills (typically up to 90 days of medication)
4. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed

At Klarity Health, our providers follow evidence-based protocols to ensure safe and effective medication management for bipolar disorder, with electronic prescriptions sent directly to your preferred pharmacy.

Who Can Prescribe Bipolar Medications via Telehealth?

Understanding Provider Types and Authority

Both psychiatrists and certain advanced practice providers can legally prescribe bipolar medications through telehealth:

• Psychiatrists (MD/DO) can prescribe in all states without restrictions
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can prescribe these medications in all states, though some require physician collaboration
• Physician Assistants (PAs) can prescribe with physician supervision in all states

As of 2026, over 30 states allow NPs full independent practice, including prescribing authority. In states requiring collaboration (like Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania), NPs still manage telehealth treatment under written agreements with physicians.

Since bipolar medications aren’t controlled substances, NPs and PAs face fewer prescribing restrictions compared to medications like stimulants. Klarity Health matches patients with appropriately credentialed providers in each state to ensure legal compliance and quality care.

Is Telehealth Right for Your Bipolar Treatment?

Who Makes a Good Candidate for Telehealth Treatment?

Telehealth is suitable for many bipolar patients, particularly:

• Adults with Bipolar I or II in relatively stable condition
• Patients experiencing mild-to-moderate symptoms
• Those with reliable internet access and the ability to engage in video visits
• People seeking maintenance therapy after initial stabilization
• Individuals with transportation barriers or living in areas with limited psychiatric services

At Klarity Health, we’ve found that telehealth enables many bipolar patients to access care who otherwise might go untreated due to geographic, financial, or scheduling constraints.

When In-Person Care Might Be Recommended

While telehealth is appropriate for many bipolar patients, there are situations where in-person care may be preferable:

• Severe mania or psychosis requiring possible hospitalization
• Active suicidal ideation or self-harm risk
• Significant physical health complications requiring examination
• Inability to participate effectively in telehealth (cognitive impairment, lack of privacy)
• Certain initial evaluations where complex presentation requires comprehensive assessment

Telehealth providers should have protocols for referring patients to higher levels of care when necessary. Klarity Health providers conduct thorough risk assessments and have established emergency protocols for each patient’s location.

Clinical Requirements and Quality Standards

To ensure safe and effective treatment, telehealth providers for bipolar disorder should:

• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations according to DSM-5 criteria
• Document detailed medical histories and current symptoms
• Obtain informed consent for telehealth treatment
• Maintain records that clearly document the telehealth encounter
• Establish safety protocols for emergencies
• Require appropriate monitoring (such as lab tests for Lithium)
• Follow evidence-based prescribing guidelines

Quality telehealth providers adhere to the same clinical standards as in-person psychiatrists. At Klarity Health, our providers follow rigorous protocols to ensure treatment safety and effectiveness, including appropriate laboratory monitoring and evidence-based medication management.

Common Misconceptions About Telehealth for Bipolar Treatment

Several myths surround telehealth treatment for bipolar disorder:

Myth: Online psychiatrists can’t prescribe ‘real’ medications.
Reality: Licensed telehealth providers can prescribe the same non-controlled medications as in-person providers.

Myth: Online evaluations aren’t thorough.
Reality: Reputable telehealth services conduct comprehensive evaluations, often spending more time than traditional psychiatrists can allot for initial visits.

Myth: Mood stabilizers are controlled substances like ADHD medications.
Reality: Common bipolar medications (Lithium, Lamictal, Seroquel) are not controlled substances and face fewer prescribing restrictions.

Myth: Telehealth means a lower standard of care.
Reality: Telehealth providers must adhere to the same clinical guidelines and standards as in-person providers.

Finding Legitimate Telehealth Care for Bipolar Disorder

Red Flags to Watch For

When seeking bipolar treatment via telehealth, be alert for these warning signs:

• Providers promising specific medications before evaluation
• Very brief appointments with minimal questioning
• No discussion of side effects or risks
• Absence of follow-up plans or monitoring requirements
• No emergency protocols or crisis planning
• Direct shipment of medications (bypassing pharmacies)
• Providers not licensed in your state

What Quality Telehealth Care Looks Like

Legitimate telehealth providers for bipolar disorder will:

• Conduct thorough evaluations (often 45-60 minutes initially)
• Request medical records when appropriate
• Order necessary laboratory tests (especially for medications like Lithium)
• Create comprehensive treatment plans, often including therapy recommendations
• Schedule regular follow-up appointments
• Have clear protocols for medication adjustments and side

Source:

• https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/dea-telemedicine-extension-2026.html#:~:text=announced%20a%20fourth%20temporary%20extension,while%20permanent%20rules%20are%20finalized
• https://www.axios.com/2024/11/18/covid-telehealth-prescribing-extended-adderall#:~:text=The%20Drug%20Enforcement%20Administration%20,this%20flexibility%20has%20been%20prolonged
• https://www.sheppardhealthlaw.com/2017/07/articles/health-information-technology/online-pharmacies/#:~:text=,Internet%20without%20a%20valid%20prescription
• https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/telehealth-and-in-person-visits-6106096/#:~:text=In%20late%202024%2C%20the%20U,V
• https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/telehealth-and-in-person-visits-6106096/#:~:text=person%20evaluation%20requirement%20under%20the,provide%20short%20term%20stability%20while
• https://www.ama-assn.org/health-care-advocacy/advocacy-update/jan-24-2025-national-advocacy-update#:~:text=telemedicine%20registrations%20for%20prescribing%20Schedule,Like%20the%20buprenorphine%20rule
• https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2025/12/31/dea-extends-telemedicine-flexibilities-ensure-continued-access-care#:~:text=The%20Fourth%20Temporary%20Extension%2C%20along,flexibilities%20under%20the%20fourth%20temporary
• https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/telehealth-and-in-person-visits-6106096/#:~:text=1,long%20as%20the%20issuing%20provider
• https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/telehealth-and-in-person-visits-6106096/#:~:text=1,a
• https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/telehealth-and-in-person-visits-6106096/#:~:text=5,a%20physician%20must%20generally%20use