Florida Telehealth Laws for Mental Health: What Patients Should Know

Nov 23

Author: Mokshvi Shah, BS Northeastern University Student

Published: November 2025

Telehealth has transformed the way people access mental health care, offering convenience, flexibility, and continuity of treatment no matter where you are. For individuals and families across Florida, online therapy has become a vital option, especially for those managing conditions like anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and autism.

At The FLOAAT Center in Gainesville, we provide secure, evidence-based teletherapy services to clients throughout Florida. Whether you’re a parent juggling school schedules, a college student at UF, or a professional with a busy calendar, telehealth can help you stay connected to care that fits your life.

This guide explains what Florida patients need to know about telehealth laws, privacy, and access, so you can feel confident about choosing virtual mental health services.

1. What Is Telehealth in Florida?

In Florida, “telehealth” refers to health care services delivered remotely using secure technology such as video conferencing, phone calls, or online messaging.

Under Florida Statute §456.47, telehealth includes services provided by licensed professionals like:

Psychologists
Therapists and counselors (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT)
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners

At The FLOAAT Center, telehealth sessions are conducted through HIPAA-compliant video platforms, ensuring your privacy and confidentiality.

2. Who Can Receive Mental Health Telehealth in Florida?

Anyone in the state of Florida can access telehealth services from a licensed provider. You must physically be in Florida at the time of your session, as most therapists are licensed only for the state in which they practice.

This makes telehealth ideal for:

Busy families who can’t travel to appointments regularly
College students attending universities like UF or Santa Fe College
Adults working full-time or balancing caregiving duties
Individuals in rural or underserved areas of Florida

If you’re temporarily out of state, your provider can only continue sessions if they’re licensed in that location, so it’s always a good idea to confirm before scheduling.

3. Insurance Coverage for Telehealth Mental Health Services

Florida has made significant progress in expanding insurance coverage for telehealth. Most major insurers, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, cover telehealth sessions at the same rate as in-person visits.

Additionally:

Florida Medicaid covers telehealth for behavioral health services, including therapy and psychiatric care.
Private pay clients can often use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for telehealth sessions.

At The FLOAAT Center, our team helps clients navigate insurance verification and reimbursement so you can focus on your well-being, not the paperwork.

4. Privacy and Security Protections

Florida law requires telehealth providers to use HIPAA-compliant platforms, not public apps like FaceTime or Zoom. This ensures that all communication is encrypted and that your information stays confidential.

Your therapist must also:

Confirm your identity and physical location at each session.
Obtain informed consent for telehealth treatment.
Maintain the same professional standards as in-person care.

The FLOAAT Center’s clinicians are trained to protect client privacy and ensure ethical standards across all virtual services.

5. Benefits of Telehealth for Mental Health

Telehealth has quickly become one of the most effective ways to receive ongoing therapy and psychological support. Benefits include:

Convenience: Attend sessions from home, work, or school.
Accessibility: Connect with specialists who may not be available locally.
Consistency: Maintain therapy even during travel or holidays.
Reduced stigma: Many clients feel more comfortable opening up from a familiar environment.

Our Gainesville-based clinicians use telehealth to reach clients across the entire state, offering care continuity for those who relocate, attend college, or have transportation barriers.

6. Limitations to Be Aware Of

While telehealth is highly effective for many mental health concerns, it may not be appropriate in every situation. For example:

Crisis situations requiring immediate intervention should be handled through 911 or local emergency services.
Clients needing intensive therapy or in-person assessments may require hybrid care.

At The FLOAAT Center, our team helps you determine whether telehealth, in-person sessions, or a combination of both best suits your needs.

7. How The FLOAAT Center Uses Telehealth to Support You

The FLOAAT Center’s telehealth program makes it easier for individuals and families across Florida to access high-quality, personalized care. Our services include:

Individual therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression, ADHD, and more
Parent coaching for behavioral and emotional challenges
Neurodiversity-affirming support for autism and ADHD
Psychological consultation for schools and families

Our clinicians are licensed in Florida and trained to create a warm, engaging virtual environment that mirrors the effectiveness of in-person therapy.

8. Getting Started with Telehealth in Florida

Starting teletherapy is simple. To begin, you’ll typically:

Schedule an intake session online or by phone.
Complete consent and intake forms through a secure client portal.
Log in for your first session using a private, encrypted video link.

You’ll need a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection, but no special software or technical setup.

Empowering Mental Health Access Across Florida

Telehealth continues to reshape mental health care, making therapy more inclusive, flexible, and responsive to real-life needs. Florida’s supportive laws and insurance coverage make it easier than ever for residents to receive effective treatment, wherever they are.

At The FLOAAT Center in Gainesville, our mission is to make mental health care accessible to everyone, from children with developmental needs to adults managing stress and anxiety.