As you explore options for remote recovery support, the sublocade telehealth treatment program delivers a once-monthly injectable buprenorphine solution directly into your care plan. By combining extended-release medication with virtual visits, counseling and psychosocial services, this model streamlines opioid use disorder management while minimizing daily medication routines.
In this article, you’ll learn how a virtual Sublocade program works, who qualifies, what to expect from injections and follow-up, the benefits and safety considerations, cost and insurance options, and how to choose the right provider partner for your recovery journey.
Telehealth MAT overview
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) pairs FDA-approved medications like Sublocade with counseling and behavioral therapies to reduce cravings, prevent relapse and support lasting recovery. When delivered via telehealth, MAT becomes more accessible, private and flexible—ideal if you face transportation barriers, work demands or live in a rural area.
What is MAT
MAT integrates three core elements:
- Medication: buprenorphine extended-release injection (Sublocade)
- Counseling: one-on-one and group support
- Psychosocial services: life-skills training, peer support
This comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of opioid addiction, increasing your chances of long-term success.
Telehealth advantages
Virtual delivery transforms MAT by:
- Offering same-day telehealth visits for assessments and follow-ups
- Coordinating medication delivery to local clinics for injections
- Conducting most counseling sessions online, reducing travel time
- Ensuring HIPAA-compliant care for confidentiality [1]
- Allowing flexible scheduling around your lifestyle
Regulatory updates from the DEA and SAMHSA now permit remote buprenorphine prescribing—including a six-month supply via telemedicine—before requiring an in-person visit [2]. Sublocade injections still require certified healthcare providers under the REMS program, but assessments, counseling and follow-up can be entirely virtual.
Understanding Sublocade telehealth
What is Sublocade injection
Sublocade is a once-monthly extended-release buprenorphine injection designed for adults with moderate to severe opioid use disorder who have already stabilized on oral buprenorphine. The prefilled syringe contains buprenorphine in a biodegradable polymer that slowly releases medication over a month, reducing daily dosing reminders and lowering risk of diversion.
Monthly dosing schedule
Your first Sublocade injection is followed by a second dose one week later to build therapeutic levels quickly, then monthly injections thereafter. Each administration is performed by a certified provider at a local clinic or partner site. Counseling and psychosocial support continue online between injections, ensuring integrated care.
Program workflow and scheduling
Initial telehealth consult
When you enroll in a sublocade telehealth treatment program, you’ll start with:
- A virtual intake appointment to review your medical history and treatment goals
- A brief oral buprenorphine test dose (if you’re new to buprenorphine) to confirm tolerability
- Education on injection timing, potential side effects and remote support options
You may schedule this same-day through platforms like Ascend Health’s virtual MAT model, which provides rapid appointment booking and insurance verification.
Injection coordination
Once cleared for Sublocade:
- Your provider sends an electronic order to a partnered clinic near you
- You visit that clinic for injections under medical supervision
- Appointment reminders and transportation assistance (where available) help you stay on track
This hybrid approach blends telehealth convenience with in-person administration, eliminating the need for daily pharmacy visits.
Ongoing counseling
Between injections, you’ll engage in:
- Virtual addiction recovery counseling [3]
- Evidence-based therapies like CBT and DBT
- Telehealth Suboxone maintenance care (for those transitioning from sublingual buprenorphine)
- Peer support groups via secure video sessions [4]
These services foster accountability, teach coping strategies and address underlying triggers.
Eligibility and candidacy criteria
Stabilization on buprenorphine
You must have begun and tolerated an oral buprenorphine regimen before starting Sublocade. A test dose confirms you’ll not experience precipitated withdrawal when switching to the extended-release form.
Medical considerations
Your provider reviews:
- Allergy history (especially to buprenorphine or delivery system components)
- Respiratory, liver, kidney, adrenal and thyroid function
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Current medications that may interact with buprenorphine
Contraindications include hypersensitivity to buprenorphine and severe hepatic impairment.
Treatment benefits overview
Convenience and privacy
By eliminating daily dosing, Sublocade telehealth treatment:
- Reduces stigma—you don’t need to carry medication or visit a pharmacy daily
- Fits into busy schedules—appointments and counseling happen from anywhere
- Provides discreet care through HIPAA-compliant platforms
Increased adherence
Monthly injections ensure you receive a consistent buprenorphine dose, improving adherence compared to daily sublingual tablets. Clinical data show:
- 28% of patients treated with Sublocade plus counseling achieved at least 80% opioid-free weeks over 24 weeks, versus 2% on placebo plus counseling [5]
Integrated support
Telehealth MAT ties medication delivery to counseling, psychosocial services and primary care coordination. You can also explore complementary programs:
- Virtual suboxone induction appointments [6]
- Telehealth suboxone follow up visits [7]
- Private online suboxone counseling [8]
Safety considerations and side effects
Common adverse effects
Like any medication, Sublocade may cause side effects. Common reactions include:
| Symptom | Management |
|---|---|
| Constipation | Increase fluids, dietary fiber |
| Headache | Over-the-counter analgesics |
| Nausea | Take with food, smaller meals |
| Injection site itching | Topical anti-itch cream |
| Tiredness | Rest, maintain regular sleep schedule |
Providers monitor your liver enzymes before and during treatment to detect any elevations early [5].
Monitoring and precautions
Your care plan includes:
- Regular telehealth check-ins to assess cravings, mood and side effects
- Laboratory tests for liver and kidney function as indicated
- Coordination with your primary care or psychiatric provider for co-occurring disorders
Never inject Sublocade intravenously—this risks serious harm. Injections must occur under certified supervision through the REMS program.
Insurance and affordability options
Verified coverage
Most major insurance plans cover Sublocade when prescribed by a certified provider. Your telehealth platform will:
- Check benefits for medication and virtual visits
- Coordinate preauthorizations with your insurer
- Connect you to patient assistance programs if needed
Explore related options:
- Online addiction treatment covered by insurance [9]
- Telemedicine MAT program accepting BCBS [10]
- Telehealth MAT program accepting Medicaid [11]
Cost assistance programs
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, ask about manufacturer copay cards, sliding-scale fees or nonprofit grants. Many telehealth providers can connect you with financial resources to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Choosing your provider partner
Ascend Health model
Ascend Health’s virtual Suboxone and Sublocade treatment program offers:
- Same-day telehealth visits for eligibility and follow-up
- Medication delivery coordination to local clinics
- Integrated online counseling and life-skills training
- HIPAA-compliant platforms for confidential care [12]
This turnkey solution combines ease with evidence-based rigor, letting you focus on recovery.
Compliance and quality
When evaluating providers, look for:
- Certified Sublocade REMS clinicians
- Licensed therapists for virtual counseling
- Secure telehealth infrastructure [4]
- Proven outcomes and patient testimonials
Ensure your program aligns with federal and state telemedicine regulations, including DEA and SAMHSA guidelines.
How to get started
Scheduling your visit
- Contact your chosen telehealth provider or complete an online intake form
- Verify insurance coverage and benefits
- Book a same-day virtual appointment for medical evaluation
Many platforms also offer round-the-clock scheduling to accommodate your availability.
Preparing for telehealth
Before your first visit:
- Have a list of current medications and relevant medical records
- Ensure a stable internet connection and a private, quiet space
- Review educational materials on Sublocade injection and side effects
After your consult, your provider will guide you through the local injection scheduling process and introduce you to ongoing virtual counseling.
By understanding how a sublocade telehealth treatment program integrates monthly injectable buprenorphine with remote counseling, insurance verification and regulatory compliance, you can make informed decisions about your opioid use disorder care. Whether you prioritize convenience, privacy or consistent medication delivery, virtual MAT models like Ascend Health’s offer a reliable path toward sustained recovery. For more resources, explore our sublocade treatment program via telehealth page or learn about remote opioid treatment appointments to get started today.
References
- (hipaa compliant virtual mat program)
- (DEA, SAMHSA)
- (virtual addiction recovery counseling)
- (secure virtual mat support)
- (Sublocade)
- (virtual suboxone induction appointments)
- (telehealth suboxone follow up visits)
- (private online suboxone counseling)
- (online addiction treatment covered by insurance)
- (telemedicine mat program accepting bcbs)
- (telehealth mat program accepting medicaid)
- (confidential telehealth mat services)
