The opioid crisis continues to evolve in the United States, and while progress has been made, one demographic remains particularly vulnerable: teens. A staggering 14% of high school students report misusing prescription opioids, putting them at higher risk of overdose, addiction, mental health disorders, and even suicide.
Despite the decline in overall teen opioid use in recent years, many adolescents still need help—and too often, teen opioid treatment is hard to access, especially in rural areas or for families without nearby addiction specialists. That’s why a new virtual program launched by Bicycle Health is making headlines.
The digital health provider has introduced a telehealth-based teen opioid treatment program in Maine, specifically designed for adolescents ages 16 and 17 who are living with opioid use disorder (OUD).
Expanding Access Through Virtual Care
Bicycle Health’s new program offers evidence-based treatment entirely online, removing traditional barriers like transportation, time off from school, and stigma. According to Dr. Brian Clear, the company’s Chief Medical Officer:
“Vulnerable patient populations, like adolescents, are often overlooked in conversations around treatment access and program design. But opioid misuse is not uncommon among teens.”
The program was developed after conversations with Maine-based providers who identified a serious need for specialized teen opioid treatment options.
How the Program Works
The process begins with an enrollment visit, which the teen attends with a parent or other responsible adult. Within 72 hours, the teen meets one-on-one with a clinician specializing in addiction medicine through a secure video call. This is the first step in building a trusting provider-patient relationship—an essential part of successful recovery.
The teen may be prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs) like buprenorphine, including a long-acting injectable form that improves adherence. MOUDs have been recommended for adolescents by the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2016, yet they remain underused in this age group.
Once stable, teens continue with monthly clinician visits and participate in individual or group therapy, facilitated by recovery coaches or social workers. The program also includes randomized drug screenings to evaluate effectiveness and ensure quality care.
This structure provides a safe, consistent environment for teen opioid treatment, where medical, emotional, and behavioral health needs are all addressed.
Insurance and Accessibility
The new program accepts insurance from major providers, including Aetna, United Healthcare, Anthem, BlueCross BlueShield, and Medicare, making care more accessible for families in need. Bicycle Health’s model helps remove the financial and geographic hurdles that often stand between adolescents and the care they need.
And while the teen opioid treatment program is currently only available in Maine, the company is already planning to expand.
“We are hopeful that this program will be a successful blueprint,” Dr. Clear said. “We want to continue to increase access for adolescents struggling with OUD.”
A Healthcare Provider in Transition
The launch of this teen-focused program comes at a time of transition for Bicycle Health. Earlier this year, the company laid off 15% of its staff as part of a realignment to prioritize direct patient care. Just weeks later, the company’s clinicians made digital health care history by successfully unionizing, joining a small but growing movement of labor organization within virtual medicine.
Despite these shifts, the company remains committed to innovating in the space of teen opioid treatment and beyond.
A Lifeline for Families
For many families, the road to recognizing and addressing a teen’s opioid use is overwhelming. The stigma, confusion, and lack of available treatment options can make it difficult to know where to turn. Bicycle Health’s new program offers a lifeline, providing professional, compassionate, and science-backed care—right from home.
With its innovative approach, the program has the potential to reshape teen opioid treatment not only in Maine but across the country. As the provider looks toward expansion, it brings a sense of hope that more families will soon have access to the support and treatment their teens need to recover and thrive.
