What do I need to qualify for Seroquel?

Living with bipolar disorder requires consistent medication management, and telehealth has emerged as a convenient way to access psychiatric care. But can you legally get prescriptions for bipolar medications through telehealth? The short answer is yes—with some important considerations. This comprehensive guide breaks down the current telehealth landscape for bipolar disorder treatment, focusing on non-controlled medications like Lithium, Lamotrigine, and Seroquel.

Can You Get Bipolar Medications Prescribed Through Telehealth?

Yes, you can legally obtain prescriptions for non-controlled bipolar medications through telehealth in all 50 states. Unlike stimulants used for ADHD or benzodiazepines for anxiety (which are controlled substances), common bipolar medications such as Lithium, Lamotrigine (Lamictal), and Quetiapine (Seroquel) are not controlled substances. This means they aren’t subject to the DEA’s stricter telehealth prescribing rules.

Here’s what makes telehealth prescribing for bipolar disorder straightforward:

• No federal in-person requirement: The Ryan Haight Act’s in-person visit requirement only applies to controlled substances, not medications like Lithium or Lamictal
• Widespread state acceptance: All states allow telehealth prescribing of non-controlled medications when standard of care is met
• Electronic prescribing: Most states now permit or require e-prescribing, making the process seamless

At Klarity Health, we connect patients with licensed mental health providers who can prescribe bipolar medications via secure video visits, following all applicable state regulations and clinical best practices.

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Understanding the Legal Landscape for Telehealth Bipolar Treatment

Federal Rules (DEA and HHS)

The federal government maintains different rules for controlled versus non-controlled medications:

• Non-controlled medications (like Lithium, Lamictal, Seroquel):

• Can be prescribed via telehealth without an in-person exam requirement

• Not subject to the DEA’s special telemedicine rules

• Have no federal limits on supply quantity

• Controlled substances (like benzodiazepines):

• Currently allowed via telehealth under temporary COVID flexibilities (extended through December 31, 2026)

• Will eventually require either an in-person exam or special registration once permanent rules are finalized

• Subject to stricter prescribing limits

Since the most common bipolar medications fall into the non-controlled category, they remain accessible through telehealth regardless of changes to controlled substance regulations.

State-by-State Differences

While all states allow telehealth prescribing of non-controlled medications, some have specific requirements that providers must follow:

Most states don’t require checking the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) for non-controlled medications, though providers may do so as a precaution, particularly for medications like Seroquel that have some misuse potential.

Who Can Prescribe Bipolar Medications via Telehealth?

Licensed healthcare providers can prescribe bipolar medications through telehealth, but their specific authority varies by state:

• Psychiatrists (MD/DO): Can prescribe in all states
• Nurse Practitioners (NPs): Can prescribe independently in 30+ states; require collaboration with a physician in others
• Physician Assistants (PAs): Always require some level of physician oversight, but can prescribe these medications in all states under proper supervision

For example, in New York and New Hampshire, NPs have full independent practice authority. In Texas and Florida, NPs must have a collaborative agreement with a physician but can still manage your bipolar treatment via telehealth.

Klarity Health ensures all providers on our platform meet state-specific requirements and hold appropriate credentials for prescribing mental health medications.

The Telehealth Prescription Process for Bipolar Disorder

When seeking bipolar treatment through telehealth, here’s what to expect:

1. Evaluation and Diagnosis

Your telehealth provider will conduct a thorough evaluation including:

• Detailed psychiatric history
• Review of mood episodes and symptoms
• Assessment of other medical conditions
• Medication history and previous treatments
• Mental status examination via video

This evaluation follows the same diagnostic standards as in-person care, adhering to DSM-5 criteria for bipolar disorder.

2. Medication Selection and Monitoring Plan

If medication is appropriate, your provider will:

• Discuss treatment options (commonly Lithium, Lamotrigine, Quetiapine, etc.)
• Explain potential side effects and monitoring needs
• Order necessary baseline labs (especially important for Lithium)
• Document the treatment plan and rationale

3. Electronic Prescribing

Your provider will send your prescription electronically to your preferred pharmacy. For established patients with stable symptoms, prescriptions typically include:

• Initial 30-day supply for new medications
• Up to 90-day supply with refills for stable patients
• Clear instructions for medication titration if needed

4. Follow-up and Monitoring

Ongoing care includes:

• Regular telehealth follow-up appointments (typically every 1-3 months)
• Lab monitoring as needed (particularly for Lithium levels and kidney function)
• Dose adjustments based on response and side effects
• Coordination with therapists or other providers as needed

Who Is Eligible for Telehealth Bipolar Treatment?

Telehealth is appropriate for many, but not all, patients with bipolar disorder:

Good candidates include:

• Adults with bipolar I or II in stable condition
• Patients experiencing mild-to-moderate symptoms
• Those with reliable internet access and ability to participate in video visits
• Patients willing to obtain lab tests when needed

Telehealth may not be suitable for:

• Those experiencing severe mania or psychosis
• Patients with active suicidal ideation requiring immediate intervention
• Individuals unable to participate in video assessments
• Children or adolescents (who often require specialized care)
• Those with serious medical complications requiring hands-on assessment

At Klarity Health, we carefully screen patients to ensure telehealth is appropriate for their specific situation, and we have protocols for referral to higher levels of care when needed.

Common Medications Prescribed for Bipolar Disorder via Telehealth

While all these medications can be legally prescribed via telehealth, your provider will consider your specific symptoms, medical history, and monitoring needs when determining the most appropriate treatment.

Common Misconceptions About Telehealth for Bipolar Disorder

Let’s address some common myths:

Myth 1: ‘Online psychiatrists can’t prescribe real medications.’Reality: Licensed telehealth providers can prescribe the same non-controlled medications as in-person doctors, including all standard bipolar treatments.

Myth 2: ‘You’ll get medications without proper evaluation.’Reality: Reputable telehealth services conduct comprehensive evaluations, often spending more time with patients than traditional practices.

Myth 3: ‘Mood stabilizers are controlled substances like Adderall.’Reality: Common bipolar medications are NOT controlled substances and face fewer prescribing restrictions.

Myth 4: ‘Telehealth means lower quality care.’Reality: Telehealth providers must follow the same standard of care as in-person providers, and studies show telepsych

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
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• 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
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• https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/telehealth-and-in-person-visits-6106096/#:~:text=5,a%20physician%20must%20generally%20use