How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Naltrexone Near You [2026 Guide]

One of the best things about naltrexone — compared to other addiction treatment medications — is how accessible it is to get. Unlike methadone (which requires a daily clinic visit) or buprenorphine (which historically required a special DEA waiver), naltrexone can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider in the United States. There is no special training, no DEA certification, and no specialized licensing required.

This guide explains who can prescribe naltrexone, how to find a provider near you, and which telehealth options are available if in-person care isn't convenient or accessible.

Who Can Prescribe Naltrexone?

Because naltrexone is not a controlled substance, any healthcare provider who is licensed to prescribe medications can prescribe it. This includes:

Primary care physicians (PCPs) — family medicine doctors, internists, and general practitioners can all prescribe naltrexone without additional certification.

Psychiatrists and addiction psychiatrists — commonly prescribe naltrexone as part of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — can prescribe naltrexone in most states, as it's a non-controlled substance.

Addiction medicine specialists — physicians who specialize in substance use disorders and are experienced with the full range of MAT options.

Internal medicine physicians — often manage naltrexone for patients with comorbid medical conditions including liver disease monitoring.

OB-GYNs and other specialists — may prescribe naltrexone for patients who are already under their care and have AUD or OUD needs.

Why Is Naltrexone Easier to Get Than Other Addiction Medications?

Naltrexone has no abuse potential — it cannot produce a high and does not cause physical dependence. Because of this, it is not classified as a controlled substance by the DEA. This means:

No special DEA waiver or X-license required (unlike buprenorphine historically)

No specialized training required (unlike methadone dispensing)

Can be prescribed by telehealth in all states

Can be filled at any regular pharmacy (no specialty pharmacy or clinic required for the oral form)

How to Find an In-Person Naltrexone Prescriber Near You

Here are the most effective ways to find a naltrexone prescriber in your area:

Start with your primary care provider. Your family doctor or internist can prescribe naltrexone directly. If you haven't discussed AUD or OUD with them, the appointment is straightforward — naltrexone is a standard prescription that requires no special clinic or facility.

Use SAMHSA's treatment locator. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) maintains a searchable treatment locator at findtreatment.gov that can help you find addiction treatment providers near you who work with MAT, including naltrexone.

Contact a local addiction treatment center. Outpatient addiction treatment programs typically have prescribers on staff who are experienced with all forms of MAT, including naltrexone.

Ask a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). FQHCs provide care regardless of your ability to pay and often have providers trained in substance use disorders.

Telehealth Options for Naltrexone in 2026

One of the biggest advantages of naltrexone is that it can be prescribed via telehealth — in every state. Since it's not a controlled substance, there are no Ryan Haight Act restrictions that would require an in-person evaluation first.

Several telehealth platforms specialize in prescribing naltrexone for AUD and OUD:

Ophelia: OUD-focused telehealth platform offering MAT including naltrexone and buprenorphine. Available in multiple states.

OAR Health: Specializes in naltrexone for AUD, connecting patients with licensed providers online.

Monument: Telehealth platform focused specifically on alcohol use disorder, offering naltrexone prescriptions and therapy.

Confidant Health: Mobile-first MAT platform for both AUD and OUD.

Bicycle Health: Telehealth for OUD treatment including buprenorphine and naltrexone.

Most of these platforms accept insurance, and some have cash-pay options. Telehealth is particularly valuable if you live in a rural area where addiction treatment providers are scarce, if you have transportation barriers, or if stigma makes visiting a local clinic uncomfortable.

What to Expect at Your First Appointment

When you see a provider about starting naltrexone, expect:

A discussion of your substance use history and treatment goals

Basic labs, including liver function tests (LFTs) — naltrexone has a boxed warning for hepatotoxicity

For OUD patients: a urine drug screen and/or naloxone challenge test to confirm you are opioid-free for at least 7-10 days

A prescription for naltrexone (oral or injectable) and counseling about how to take it safely

Finding the Medication After You Have a Prescription

Once you have a prescription in hand, the next step is finding a pharmacy that has it in stock. The naltrexone tablet shortage means this isn't always straightforward. medfinder.com can help — it calls pharmacies in your area to check stock and texts you the results.

Also see our savings guide: How to Save Money on Naltrexone in 2026.