Can I transfer my existing ADHD prescription to a telehealth provider?

Short answer: Often yes — but it depends on the medication (stimulant vs non‑stimulant), state law, and the telehealth provider’s policies.

What matters

• Controlled‑substance status: Most common ADHD stimulants (amphetamine salts like Adderall, methylphenidate like Ritalin, lisdexamfetamine/Vyvanse) are Schedule II and are subject to stricter rules. Non‑stimulants (atomoxetine/Strattera, guanfacine, bupropion used off‑label) are not controlled and are much easier to transfer remotely.
• State licensing: The telehealth clinician must be licensed in the state where you are physically located at the time of the visit.
• Provider policy and documentation: Many telehealth clinics will re‑start or continue a stimulant prescription only after reviewing recent records and doing an evaluation — some may require proof of a recent in‑person visit or require periodic in‑person follow‑up.
• Federal rules: Telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances is regulated; some providers have processes (or special registrations) that allow remote prescribing in certain situations. Policies changed after the COVID emergency, so practices vary.

Typical process to transfer your prescription

1. Gather info: current prescription bottle, name/dose/frequency, date of last refill, and contact info for your prescriber or pharmacy.
2. Choose a telehealth provider and confirm they manage ADHD meds in your state and whether they prescribe stimulants.
3. Sign a records release so the new provider can obtain prior medical records (the new provider may ask for documentation of prior diagnosis and treatment).
4. Complete an intake and an evaluation visit (psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or PA). They’ll review history, do risk screening, and may check vitals or request blood pressure readings.
5. If approved, the new clinician will write a prescription. For stimulants you may get limited initial quantities or required follow‑ups and monitoring (drug screens, periodic check‑ins).
6. If the teleprovider can’t prescribe controlled meds for you, they may coordinate an in‑person referral.

Telehealth providers to consider (examples)

• Done (donehealth.com) — specializes in adult ADHD, widely used for both stimulants and non‑stimulants where allowed; user‑friendly app and quick scheduling.
• PlushCare (plushcare.com) — offers psychiatry and primary care by licensed MDs; handles ADHD medication management in many states and can coordinate follow‑up care.
• Teladoc/Best Doctors (teladoc.com) and MDLive — national telepsychiatry services that can provide ADHD evaluations and medication management depending on state rules.
• Local telepsychiatrists/ADHD clinics found via Zocdoc or Psychology Today — good when you want continuity with a board‑certified psychiatrist who can manage controlled meds.

Cautions and tips

• If you want a stimulant, be upfront about your current medication and last refill — that speeds decision‑making.
• Expect closer monitoring for stimulants (frequent check‑ins, documentation, sometimes urine drug screens).
• Beware of sites that promise immediate stimulant refills without a proper evaluation — that’s a red flag.
• If your current prescriber is willing, the fastest route is often to ask them to send records directly to the telehealth clinician you pick.

If you want, tell me:

• Which medication you’re on (stimulant vs non‑stimulant) and what state you’re in, and I can check which of the above providers are likely to be able to help or draft a short records‑release message you can send to your pharmacy/old provider.