Need a Lorazepam prescription? Learn which doctors prescribe it, how to find a provider near you, and what to expect at your appointment in 2026.
If you're dealing with anxiety, insomnia, or another condition that Lorazepam can treat, your first step is finding the right doctor. Lorazepam (brand name Ativan) is a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means not every provider will prescribe it — and some may have specific requirements before writing a prescription.
This guide walks you through the types of doctors who prescribe Lorazepam, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your first visit.
Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Lorazepam. The right one for you depends on your specific situation and medical history.
Psychiatrists are the most common specialists who prescribe Lorazepam for anxiety disorders. They specialize in mental health conditions and are very comfortable managing benzodiazepines. If you have moderate to severe anxiety, panic disorder, or anxiety that hasn't responded to other treatments, a psychiatrist is often your best bet.
Your family doctor or internist can also prescribe Lorazepam. Many primary care providers will prescribe it for short-term anxiety relief or insomnia related to stress. However, some may prefer to refer you to a psychiatrist for ongoing management, especially if you need the medication long-term.
If you need Lorazepam for seizure-related conditions, a neurologist may be the prescribing doctor. Lorazepam is commonly used in emergency settings for status epilepticus.
In most states, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can also prescribe Lorazepam. Many work in psychiatry or primary care settings and are experienced with benzodiazepine prescribing.
While emergency doctors can administer Lorazepam in urgent situations, they typically won't write ongoing prescriptions. If you receive Lorazepam in an emergency room, you'll usually be referred to a follow-up provider.
Once you know what type of doctor you need, here's how to find one in your area.
If you have health insurance, check your plan's provider directory. Most insurance companies have an online search tool where you can filter by specialty (psychiatry, family medicine, etc.) and location. This ensures the provider is in-network and your visits will be covered.
Several websites can help you find providers who prescribe Lorazepam:
Telehealth has made it easier to see a psychiatrist or primary care doctor without leaving home. However, there are important limitations for controlled substances like Lorazepam. Federal regulations have been evolving, and as of 2026, some telehealth platforms can prescribe Schedule IV medications like Lorazepam after an initial evaluation. Check with the specific telehealth service about their policies on benzodiazepine prescribing.
Popular telehealth platforms that may be able to help include Cerebral, Talkiatry, and Done — though policies change frequently. Always verify before booking.
If you already have a primary care doctor, ask them for a referral to a psychiatrist. This is often the fastest way to find a qualified provider, and some insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits anyway.
If you're uninsured or underinsured, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer mental health services on a sliding fee scale. Find one at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Walking into a new appointment can feel intimidating, especially when you're seeking medication for anxiety. Here's what to expect.
Prepare the following information:
The doctor will likely:
Be honest about your symptoms and history. Doctors are more likely to prescribe Lorazepam when they have a complete picture of your health. Trying to hide information can actually make it harder to get the treatment you need.
Many providers follow a step-therapy approach. They may recommend trying non-benzodiazepine options first, such as:
If these haven't worked for you in the past, let your doctor know. This history is important in their decision-making.
Once your doctor writes a Lorazepam prescription, there are a few things to keep in mind.
As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Lorazepam prescriptions have some specific rules:
If you're having trouble finding Lorazepam at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that have it in stock near you.
Expect regular follow-up visits, especially in the beginning. Your doctor will want to:
Most providers will want to see you every one to three months while you're taking Lorazepam.
Lorazepam is available as an affordable generic, typically costing $3 to $30 for a 30-day supply. If cost is a concern, check out our guide on how to save money on Lorazepam with coupons and discount programs.
Finding the right doctor to prescribe Lorazepam doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with your primary care doctor or look for a psychiatrist through your insurance directory. Be prepared for your appointment, be honest about your symptoms and history, and understand that your provider may want to try other treatments first.
If you already have a prescription and need help finding a pharmacy with Lorazepam in stock, try Medfinder to search pharmacies near you in real time.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
