What's the best telehealth program for treating opioid or alcohol addiction?

To help you find virtual addiction treatment, the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator provides guidance on exploring your options:

“The Navigator can help you and your patients or clients to find quality telehealth alcohol treatment by healthcare professionals. If they are able to search for care on their own, share the link to the Navigator Patient FAQ on finding telehealth and online ...”

Additionally, Hazelden Betty Ford describes what you can expect from online substance abuse counseling:

“Virtual treatment at Hazelden Betty Ford offers you the same unmatched, evidence-based care as our in-person services, but from the comfort and convenience of home. Intensive outpatient virtual treatment (IOP) integrates care for co-occurring symptoms of ...”

The “best” telehealth program depends on whether the main problem is opioid use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), insurance, location, and whether you want medication, therapy, or both. The strongest programs generally combine addiction medicine (medication treatment when appropriate), counseling, and ongoing recovery support rather than offering only an app or chat service. Telehealth addiction treatment can be effective and may improve access and retention in care.

Here are some well-regarded options to compare:

For opioid addiction

Look for:

• Buprenorphine/Suboxone treatment when clinically appropriate (a medication that reduces cravings and overdose risk).
• A provider who can manage induction, follow-ups, and relapse prevention.
• Counseling or peer support as part of the plan.

For alcohol addiction

Look for:

• A clinician who can prescribe evidence-based medications when appropriate (such as naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram).
• Therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Monitoring for withdrawal risk—stopping alcohol suddenly can be dangerous for some people.

Questions to ask before choosing a program

• Do you prescribe addiction medications when appropriate?
• Are visits with addiction-trained medical clinicians?
• Does insurance cover it?
• Is therapy included or separate?
• What happens if I relapse or need a higher level of care?
• Do you provide same-week appointments?

If you tell me:

1. opioids, alcohol, or both,
2. your state,
3. whether you have insurance (and which kind, if you’re comfortable sharing), and
4. whether you want medication treatment or therapy only,

I can narrow this down to the best-fit options. If this is for immediate help with a current overdose risk or dangerous withdrawal symptoms, call emergency services; in the U.S., you can also call/text 988 for crisis support or SAMHSA’s 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for treatment referrals.

If you’re looking for telehealth specifically, my top pick depends on whether the main problem is opioids, alcohol, or both.

My top choices

• Best overall for opioid + alcohol: workithealth.com — It treats both opioid use disorder (including with buprenorphine/Suboxone) and alcohol use disorder (including naltrexone), with medication management, recovery support, and treatment for some co-occurring conditions. It is fully virtual, although availability varies by state.
• Best if opioids are the main issue: ophelia.com — Focused specifically on opioid use disorder, with buprenorphine-based treatment, ongoing clinician support, and insurance coverage including some Medicaid/Medicare plans.
• Best if alcohol is the main issue: Workit is a strong option, but I'd also consider an alcohol-focused program such as Ria Health, particularly if you want medication plus ongoing coaching/support.

The important part is medication-based treatment, not simply online counseling. SAMHSA identifies buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone as FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder, and naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram for alcohol use disorder.

For opioid addiction, buprenorphine treatment can now be initiated through telehealth under federal rules, although state and individual clinical requirements still matter.

If you tell me (1) opioid, alcohol, or both, (2) your insurance, and (3) your state, I can narrow this down to the best 2–3 programs you can actually use, including estimated cost and whether they prescribe medication.

Yes. I searched current 2026 information, and if you want one telehealth program that can treat either opioid or alcohol addiction, my strongest overall pick is Workit Health—especially if you’re in Florida.

My top choices

Workit Health currently offers 100% virtual treatment for both opioid and alcohol use disorders, with licensed addiction clinicians, FDA-approved medication, therapy/recovery support, and insurance coverage through many major plans. Its current site says 95% of members start within two days.

For opioid addiction, Bicycle Health is another particularly strong option. It's available in Florida and specializes in virtual opioid-use-disorder treatment, including buprenorphine/naloxone, with care coordination and at-home testing.

For alcohol addiction, Ria Health is worth considering. It combines telehealth physicians, medication when appropriate, recovery coaching, online groups, and alcohol monitoring through an app/breathalyzer.

What I'd look for before choosing

The important thing is not simply finding a counseling app. For opioid addiction especially, I'd prioritize a program that can provide medication treatment. FDA-approved medications include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone for opioid use disorder; naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are commonly used for alcohol use disorder.

Telehealth treatment is a legitimate option: SAMHSA reports evidence supporting telehealth/hybrid treatment for opioid use disorder, and current federal rules allow telehealth screening for initiating buprenorphine under specified conditions.

One important caveat: alcohol withdrawal can sometimes be medically dangerous or life-threatening, so if someone is drinking heavily every day, suddenly stopping without medical guidance isn't necessarily safe. A telehealth clinician can assess whether outpatient treatment is appropriate.

My bottom line

• Both opioid + alcohol: Workit Health
• Primarily opioids: Bicycle Health or Workit
• Primarily alcohol: Ria Health or Workit
• Need the most evidence-based provider search rather than a commercial program: use the SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov locator or the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator. NIAAA specifically recommends the Navigator for finding evidence-based alcohol treatment, including telehealth.

If you tell me (1) opioid, alcohol, or both, (2) your insurance company, and (3) whether you want medication such as Suboxone, I can compare the best 3–5 programs available to you in Florida, including cost, insurance, medications, appointment speed, and reviews.

If you want one telehealth program that can treat either opioid or alcohol addiction, my top pick is Workit Health. It combines medication treatment, clinician visits, recovery support, and behavioral-health care in one virtual program. It currently offers treatment for both opioid and alcohol use disorders, including buprenorphine/Suboxone for OUD and medications such as naltrexone or acamprosate for AUD.

My shortlist

For opioid addiction, I'd prioritize medication treatment over a program that's mainly counseling. FDA-approved medications—especially buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone—substantially improve outcomes for OUD.

For alcohol addiction, medication such as naltrexone or acamprosate combined with counseling/coaching is also an evidence-based approach.

One important caveat: if someone is physically dependent on alcohol and drinks heavily every day, abruptly stopping can be dangerous or even life-threatening. A telehealth program should assess withdrawal risk; someone at high risk may need medically supervised detox rather than trying to quit at home.

If you tell me (1) opioid, alcohol, or both, (2) whether you have insurance and which one, and (3) whether you're in Maryland, I can narrow this to the best 2–3 options, including current cost and insurance coverage.

If you want one telehealth program that treats both opioid and alcohol addiction, my top pick right now is Workit Health—especially if you're in California.

Why I'd put Workit Health first

• Treats both opioid and alcohol use disorders in the same program.
• For opioids, clinicians can prescribe buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) when appropriate.
• For alcohol, they offer medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate, depending on your situation.
• It's 100% virtual, with video appointments, medication management, messaging, and recovery support.
• They currently serve all 58 California counties.
• They report that most members can begin care within about 1–2 days.

The medication component is important. SAMHSA identifies buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone as FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder and naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram for alcohol use disorder. Medication works best as part of a broader treatment plan rather than as a stand-alone prescription service.

Other strong option

Bicycle Health is particularly strong if opioids are the main problem. It specializes in online opioid treatment, including buprenorphine, therapy, and recovery support, but it isn't as directly suited to someone wanting comprehensive treatment for both alcohol and opioids.

One important caution

If someone is physically dependent on alcohol and drinking heavily every day, they shouldn't simply stop drinking on their own. Alcohol withdrawal can become medically dangerous and sometimes requires supervised detox. SAMHSA specifically recommends medical assessment when withdrawal may be an issue.

Also, if opioids are involved, I'd favor a program that actually offers buprenorphine treatment, rather than a service that primarily provides counseling or naltrexone. Telehealth prescribing of buprenorphine is currently permitted under federal rules, subject to state requirements.

Bottom line: For both opioid + alcohol addiction, I'd start by comparing Workit Health with your insurance coverage and the medications the clinician recommends. If you tell me whether you're dealing with opioids, alcohol, or both—and whether you have insurance (and which company), I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 options and compare their cost, medications, counseling, privacy, and how quickly you can start.

If you're looking for telehealth specifically, my top overall pick is Workit Health because it treats both opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) rather than specializing in only one.

My shortlist

Why Workit stands out: it provides video visits with licensed addiction clinicians, medication treatment, ongoing follow-up, and recovery support entirely online. It says most members can begin within about two days and that it accepts many major insurance plans.

For opioid addiction, medication treatment is particularly important. Workit and Bicycle Health both offer buprenorphine/Suboxone treatment; Bicycle Health is more narrowly focused on OUD and reports having treated more than 50,000 patients.

For alcohol addiction, Ria Health is worth considering if you want an alcohol-specific program, with medication, coaching, and digital monitoring delivered remotely.

One important caveat

Telehealth isn't appropriate for every situation. Alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous, and someone at risk of severe withdrawal—or someone who is currently overdosing, severely intoxicated, confused, having seizures, or having trouble breathing—needs urgent in-person medical care rather than waiting for a telehealth appointment.

If you tell me (1) opioid, alcohol, or both, (2) your insurance, and (3) your state, I can compare the best programs available to you, including cost, medication options, speed of getting started, and reviews.

There isn't a single "best" telehealth addiction program for everyone. The strongest evidence suggests that the best program is one that:

• Can prescribe evidence-based medications when appropriate.
• Provides regular follow-up with an addiction-trained clinician.
• Offers counseling or behavioral therapy.
• Accepts your insurance (or is affordable).
• Is licensed to treat patients in your state.

Here are some of the better-known national telehealth options:

If opioid addiction is the primary concern

Programs that provide buprenorphine treatment tend to have the strongest evidence for reducing overdose risk and improving retention in treatment. Medication treatment (buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone) is considered the standard of care for opioid use disorder.

If alcohol addiction is the primary concern

Look for programs that can prescribe medications such as:

• Naltrexone
• Acamprosate
• (Sometimes) disulfiram

Combined with counseling, these medications can improve outcomes. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator is also a good resource for finding evidence-based telehealth providers.

My general recommendations

• For opioid use disorder: Bicycle Health, Boulder Care, or Workit Health are all widely used virtual programs that focus on medication-assisted treatment.
• For alcohol use disorder: Workit Health or PursueCare are good options because they combine medication management with therapy.
• If you have both addiction and anxiety/depression: Eleanor Health is worth considering because it integrates addiction and mental health care.

If you tell me:

• which state you're in,
• whether you're seeking treatment for opioids, alcohol, or both,
• and whether you have insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, or self-pay),

I can help narrow it down to the programs most likely to be available and affordable for your situation.

There isn't a single "best" telehealth program for everyone. The right choice depends on whether you're treating opioid use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), your insurance, your state, and whether you need medication, therapy, or both.

What matters most is that a program offers evidence-based treatment, including:

• Medication when appropriate (such as buprenorphine or naltrexone for OUD; naltrexone or acamprosate for AUD)
• Regular appointments with licensed clinicians
• Behavioral therapy or counseling
• Ongoing follow-up and relapse prevention—not just prescription refills.

Some of the strongest nationwide telehealth options include:

If you're treating opioid addiction

The programs with the strongest reputations for telemedicine are:

• Bicycle Health – specializes in opioid use disorder, offers buprenorphine treatment, regular clinician visits, care coordination, and accepts many insurance plans.
• Workit Health – combines medication, therapy, and recovery support and treats co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Ophelia – known for a streamlined virtual model focused on buprenorphine treatment.

If you're treating alcohol addiction

Workit Health is one of the few large telehealth programs designed specifically for alcohol use disorder as well as opioid use disorder. It offers medications such as naltrexone when appropriate, along with counseling and ongoing support.

If you have insurance

Before choosing, check:

• Whether the program is in-network.
• Whether clinicians are licensed in your state.
• Whether medication, therapy, lab work, and follow-up visits are included.

If I had to narrow it down

• Best for opioid addiction: Bicycle Health
• Best for alcohol addiction: Workit Health
• Best all-around program if you're unsure: Workit Health, because it treats both opioid and alcohol use disorders and combines medication with behavioral care.

If you tell me:

• which state you're in,
• whether you're seeking treatment for opioids, alcohol, or both,
• and whether you have insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, employer insurance, or self-pay),

I can help narrow the list to the programs most likely to be available and affordable for you.

There isn't a single "best" telehealth addiction program. The best choice depends on whether you're seeking treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), or both, your insurance, and whether you want medication, therapy, or both.

For most people, the strongest evidence supports programs that combine:

• FDA-approved medications (when appropriate)
• Regular visits with a licensed clinician
• Behavioral therapy or counseling
• Ongoing follow-up and relapse prevention—not just one-time prescriptions.

Here are several well-regarded telehealth options:

For alcohol use disorder, a telehealth clinician may prescribe medications such as naltrexone or acamprosate when appropriate, along with counseling. The urlNIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigatorturn0search0 is an excellent resource for finding evidence-based telehealth providers.

How to choose

Look for a program that:

• Prescribes evidence-based medications when appropriate (buprenorphine for OUD; naltrexone, acamprosate, or other appropriate medications for AUD).
• Includes regular follow-up visits rather than a single prescription.
• Offers counseling or therapy.
• Accepts your insurance or clearly explains costs.
• Has clinicians licensed in your state.

If you tell me:

1. Which state you're in, and
2. Whether you're looking for opioid treatment, alcohol treatment, or both, and
3. Whether you have insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance, or self-pay),

I can narrow it down to the programs that are most likely to fit your situation.