The short answer: the DEA and HHS have extended the COVID-era telemedicine flexibilities — the rules that allow certain controlled medications to be prescribed via telehealth without a prior in-person visit — through December 31, 2026. For Connecticut patients receiving psychiatric care by telehealth, that means continuity: nothing changes about how your care works right now.

The Role of Telehealth in Connecticut’s Mental Health Care

Telehealth has become a core part of psychiatric care in Connecticut — especially for medication management, where regular follow-up matters more than physical examination. For patients balancing work, parenting, or distance from a provider, secure video visits have turned “I’ll get to it eventually” into consistent, ongoing treatment.

What the Flexibilities Cover

Under the Ryan Haight Act, prescribing controlled substances traditionally required an in-person evaluation first. The COVID-era flexibilities suspended that requirement, allowing DEA-registered practitioners to prescribe certain controlled medications via telehealth when clinically appropriate and compliant with federal and state law. That has mattered most for patients treated for ADHD, where stimulant medications are classified as controlled substances.

Why the DEA Extended the Rules Again

The DEA’s 2023 proposed rules drew more than 38,000 public comments — most urging the agency to preserve telehealth access. Rather than finalize rules under that pressure, the DEA and HHS have repeatedly extended the flexibilities while they work toward a permanent framework, most recently through December 31, 2026. A final rule (including a possible special registration pathway for telemedicine prescribers) is still pending.

What This Means for Connecticut Patients

  • Existing telehealth patients: your care continues as-is through at least the end of 2026.
  • New patients: psychiatric evaluations and medication management — including, when clinically appropriate after evaluation, controlled medications — remain available by telehealth for adults located in Connecticut, in compliance with federal and Connecticut law.
  • Looking ahead: these flexibilities are federal policy and subject to change. Any permanent rule will be covered here when it’s final.

Safe Prescribing Doesn’t Change

Whatever the delivery format, the process stays the same: a thorough evaluation before any prescription, ongoing monitoring, prescription drug monitoring program checks, and coordination with your other providers. Telehealth changes the room you’re sitting in, not the standard of care.

Questions About Your Care

Suzanne Gallagher, PMHNP-BC, provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults — in person in New Canaan and by telehealth anywhere in Connecticut. She is in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, and Optum. Request an appointment to get started.

Sources: Fourth Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications (DEA/HHS, Federal Register) and Prescribing controlled substances via telehealth (Telehealth.HHS.gov). This article describes federal policy as of the updated date above and is not legal advice.