The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how healthcare is delivered across the U.S.—and one of the most dramatic shifts occurred in behavioral health. As in-person care became more difficult, Telehealth for Substance Use Disorder Treatment surged, providing essential access to care during a critical time. Now, new research from the RAND Corporation and Georgia State University suggests that state-level policies played a pivotal role in this rapid adoption.
A Rapid Rise in Telehealth Availability
Between 2019 and 2022, the number of outpatient facilities offering Telehealth for Substance Use Disorder Treatment skyrocketed. Just 18% of facilities provided telehealth services in 2019. By 2022, that number jumped to an astounding 79%. While the pandemic created the demand, state-level policy changes provided the structure to meet it.
Before COVID-19, federal law limited the use of telehealth for addiction treatment. In-person visits were often required, and audio-only care was generally not permitted. But as the virus spread and hospital systems grew overwhelmed, the federal government eased restrictions in 2020, for the first time allowing audio-only SUD treatment. This marked a significant turning point in the development of Telehealth for Substance Use Disorder Treatment.
How State Policy Made a Difference
Researchers analyzed data from a national database of licensed outpatient SUD treatment facilities and found a strong link between state policies and increased telehealth offerings. States that permitted audio-only care saw significantly more facilities adopt telehealth solutions. However, it often took about two years after policy implementation before providers actually rolled out these services.
This delay highlights a critical insight: changing laws is only the first step. Implementing Telehealth for Substance Use Disorder Treatment also requires infrastructure, training, and resources—especially in organizations that may already be underfunded or operating in rural areas.
Bridging the Gap for Rural Communities
One of the most impactful aspects of this policy shift was its benefit to underserved areas. States with limited broadband access—mostly rural regions—were the most likely to adopt audio-only treatment policies. In these areas, video-based care simply wasn’t feasible for many residents. Audio-only options allowed people to engage in Telehealth for Substance Use Disorder Treatment with nothing more than a phone.
For patients living hours away from the nearest treatment center or without reliable internet, this accessibility can be life-changing. In that context, audio-only telehealth isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline.
The Limitations and Opportunities Ahead
Despite these positive findings, the study had its limits. Researchers could not track how often Telehealth for Substance Use Disorder Treatment is actually used. There’s currently no national data capturing the frequency or quality of virtual care sessions. The study focused solely on whether facilities offer telehealth, not whether patients use it or how effective it is.
That leaves room for future research. The authors noted the need for deeper investigation, especially into how Telehealth for Substance Use Disorder Treatment supports those with opioid use disorder (OUD), a particularly vulnerable population. Understanding usage patterns, patient outcomes, and long-term success rates will be critical in shaping policy and practice going forward.
A Policy Success Worth Building On
Ultimately, the surge in Telehealth for Substance Use Disorder Treatment is a testament to how responsive policy can drive meaningful change. The pandemic forced rapid innovation, and many of those innovations—like expanded telehealth access—are proving to have lasting value.
For policymakers and providers alike, the message is clear: when states embrace flexible, patient-centered regulations, care becomes more accessible. The story of Telehealth Treatment isn’t just about technology—it’s about equity, opportunity, and removing barriers to recovery.
