Telehealth Rehab Services: How They Work

Telehealth addiction treatment, also called virtual rehab, has become a mainstream option for people seeking help with substance use disorder.

What began as an emergency expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into a permanent feature of the U.S. healthcare landscape, backed by policy changes, expanded insurance coverage, and growing evidence of effectiveness.

What Is Telehealth Rehab?

Telehealth rehabilitation, or virtual rehab, is a term that’s used to describe rehab services that are delivered virtually.

This can occur by phone, a smart device (e.g., iPad, tablet), or by way of a computer using video conferencing technology.

Telehealth treatment services are sometimes offered by:

• general clinicians
• counselors
• social workers
• psychologists
• psychiatrists
• nursing home facilities
• medication-assisted treatment (MAT) providers*
• drug rehab centers

Not all healthcare providers offer virtual medical care or substance use treatment options.

The number of providers offering telehealth has expanded dramatically since 2020, and virtual care is now offered by a wide range of addiction treatment providers across the country.

One of the most significant expansions of telehealth in addiction treatment has been the ability to prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone) via telehealth without requiring an initial in-person visit.

Combined with the 2023 elimination of the X-waiver requirement, this means that any DEA-registered provider can prescribe buprenorphine through a telehealth platform.

What Kinds Of Telehealth Rehab Services Are There?

Addiction rehabilitation is most effective when it takes a holistic approach to treatment, incorporating both medical and behavioral health services.

To help meet the needs of people with addiction, rehab centers and individual treatment providers have adapted a variety of treatments for a virtual rehab environment.

Common forms of telehealth rehab services for addiction include:

Virtual Rehab Programs

Inpatient rehab is often the ideal option for someone with a severe addiction, particularly when they’re newly sober, in the early stages of recovery, or medically unstable.

Many rehab centers now offer virtual outpatient programs, including virtual intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization (PHP) programs, as a permanent alternative or complement to in-person care.

How Virtual Rehab Programs Work

Each rehab center differs in how they operate its virtual programs. But the goal, typically, is to provide the same amount of structure and support as in-person rehab.

Virtual rehab programs may require access to a computer for video-based treatment programming, or a phone for video or audio-based services.

Virtual rehab programs may offer:

• behavioral therapy
• individual counseling
• group therapy
• support groups
• virtual medical care
• virtual interactive services
• psychiatric services
• remote patient monitoring
• medication-assisted treatment
• psychoeducation (i.e. drug education)
• mental health/dual diagnosis treatment

Like in-person rehab, virtual rehab may require that you attend treatment for a certain number of hours per day or week.

Treatment programming may be adapted to meet accessibility needs and other guiding principles for effective addiction treatment.

Virtual Counseling

Drug and alcohol counseling is a cornerstone of treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. Many addiction counselors offer this counseling virtually.

Virtual therapy services may occur over video, using a phone or computer, over a phone call, or through text messages—depending on client preference or the available services of the provider.

Virtual counseling can help by:

• having someone to check in with you regularly
• teaching supportive coping skills and strategies
• allowing clients to continue treatment without risking illness transmission
• helping you remain accountable for avoiding self-destructive or otherwise non-recovery-oriented behaviors
• helping to prevent drug or alcohol relapse

Virtual Group Therapy

Various forms of group therapy, including self-help support groups and skill-learning groups, can be helpful for building up a strong support network during the addiction recovery process.

This can also help you, or a loved one with addiction, develop important life skills in recovery and learn from the successes and challenges of others.

Like with individual counseling, telehealth group therapy may involve dialing in to a meeting through the use of a phone or accessing it via a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform.

When in-person options aren’t available, virtual group therapy can help by easing feelings of isolation and helping you remain accountable in your recovery.

Virtual Psychiatry

Some psychiatrists may offer telehealth, also known as telepsychiatry, for clients with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, or a dual diagnosis.

This may take place over the phone or through the use of a computer. Each provider is subject to differ in the types of mediums they offer and the platforms used.

Does Health Insurance Cover Virtual Rehab?

Insurance coverage for telehealth rehab services can vary depending on your insurance provider, your individual policy, and other individual factors.

Insurance coverage for telehealth addiction treatment has expanded significantly in recent years. Most major insurers, including Medicaid, Medicare, private insurers, and TRICARE, now cover telehealth services for substance use disorder treatment, though specific coverage varies by plan and state.

The ACA requires marketplace plans to cover substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit, which includes many telehealth modalities.

To find out whether your insurance provider covers telehealth, you’ll need to contact your provider directly or check your policy for more information.

Benefits Of Virtual Addiction Treatment

Telehealth services for drug and alcohol addiction can offer a number of benefits for people in all stages of their treatment and recovery process.

During COVID-19, virtual rehab has offered a way for people to continue to attend treatment for addiction without risking virus transmission.

Additional benefits of telehealth rehab include:

• flexibility
• eliminates transportation time/costs
• convenience for parents and working adults
• may expand access for people in some correctional settings, depending on facility policy

What Are The Limitations Of Virtual Drug Rehab?

Virtual rehab isn’t for everyone. Despite its benefits, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has its limitations in both accessibility and effectiveness.

Limitations of virtual addiction treatment might include:

• coverage gaps remain with some insurers or for certain telehealth modalities
• lack of social connection with at-home services
• requires stable and secure access to a phone/computer
• reduced ability of treatment providers to read body language over the phone/screen
• availability of telehealth may vary by specialty or geographic area
• less opportunity for stringent monitoring of client behaviors
• greater risk of triggers in a home/non-clinical environment
• personal challenges in being emotionally vulnerable over the phone or via video calls compared to in-person sessions
• not appropriate for people who need medically supervised detox or 24/7 inpatient care
• privacy concerns for people in households where others may overhear sessions 

When considering telehealth rehab for a drug or alcohol problem, it’s important to keep these potential limitations in mind, should they apply to your own personal circumstances.

If you have an existing relationship with a treatment provider, such as a family physician, consider consulting them about the pros and cons of virtual treatment.

Finding Telehealth Rehab For Addiction

If you or a loved one is considering telehealth rehab, help is available. Call our helpline now to learn more about your treatment options.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff