FAQ

THE BASICS

What is Quel?

Quel is private, physician-led care for cravings, compulsive habits, and dopamine health. We help you change your relationship with a substance or a behavior, with a personalized plan that may include modern therapeutics like GLP-1 medications when they’re right for you.*

*GLP-1 receptor agonists, have not been approved by the FDA for substance use disorders, cravings, or behavioral compulsions. When used in this way, they are prescribed off-label based on clinical judgment and emerging research. Talk to your provider about the evidence, benefits, risks, and alternatives. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

What is “dopamine health”?

Dopamine is the neurotransmitter behind motivation, pleasure, and the reward system. Modern life can tip that system into overload, which shows up as cravings and compulsive patterns across different habits. Dopamine health is our way of caring for that system directly, instead of treating each habit in isolation.

Who is Quel for?

Adults who want to change something and feel healthier — whether that’s drinking less, quitting drugs or nicotine, or quieting the noise from a compulsive habit like overeating, screens, gambling, or pornography. You don’t need a label or a rock-bottom story to start. Plenty of people come to Quel simply wanting more clarity and less noise.

HOW IT WORKS

How do I get started?

Start with a free, private consultation. Sign up online and book a free video visit with a licensed clinician.

What happens after I sign up?

You will meet with a licensed clinician who reviews your goals and history and, together with you, builds a plan. Care is private, online, and adjusts over time as you do.

Do I have to go into an office?

No. Quel is 100% online. Visits take place through video, from wherever you are.

TREATMENT & MEDICATIONS

What treatments does Quel offer?

Physician-led care built around your goals. Depending on what’s right for you, your plan may include prescription therapies such as:

- GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide (Wegovy®, Ozempic®), tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®), and orforglipron (Foundayo™)*
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- Other medications often used in addiction and behavioral health to help with cravings, including naltrexone, varenicline, acamprosate, topiramate, bupropion, mirtazapine, nicotine replacement therapy, and SSRIs. Some of these medications are used off-label and are not approved by the FDA for these indications. Your clinician will discuss the evidence, benefits, risks, and alternatives with you.

*GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (Wegovy®, Ozempic®), tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®), and orforglipron (Foundayo™), have not been approved by the FDA for substance use disorders, cravings, or behavioral compulsions. When used in this way, they are prescribed off-label based on clinical judgment and emerging research. Talk to your provider about the evidence, benefits, risks, and alternatives. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Wegovy® and Ozempic® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk. Mounjaro® and Zepbound® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. Foundayo™ is a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Quel is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly and Company.

Do you prescribe GLP-1 medications?

If a licensed clinician determines a GLP-1 medication is appropriate for you, then yes, they can prescribe one. GLP-1s are one tool within a personalized plan, not an automatic part of every plan, and a prescription only follows a clinical evaluation.

*GLP-1 receptor agonists have not been approved by the FDA for substance use disorders, cravings, or behavioral compulsions. When used in this way, they are prescribed off-label based on clinical judgment and emerging research. Talk to your provider about the evidence, benefits, risks, and alternatives. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Are GLP-1s approved for cravings or substance use?

GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved for other uses, and are not FDA-approved for cravings, substance use, or compulsive behaviors. When used in dopamine health care, they are prescribed off-label, based on a clinician’s judgment and emerging research. Your clinician will discuss the current evidence, benefits, risks, and alternatives with you.

What is off-label prescribing?

Off-label prescribing is when a licensed provider prescribes a medication for a use other than the one the FDA formally approved. It is legal, common, and guided by clinical judgment and the best available evidence. In fact, there are no FDA-approved medications for cannabis or stimulant use disorders, so, by definition, any medication used to treat those conditions is prescribed off-label. Your clinician will always tell you when a medication is being used this way, and discuss the current evidence, benefits, risks, and alternatives with you.

Can I be prescribed a GLP-1 for cravings if I’m not overweight?

Yes. At Quel, GLP-1 medications are used to address cravings and dopamine health, not weight. Your clinician tailors treatment across a wide range of body weights and monitors you closely throughout care. For people for whom a GLP-1 isn’t the right fit, we have other medications available as well.

What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?

Like all medications, GLP-1s have potential side effects. The most common are gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea — and these often ease over time as the dose is adjusted. If nausea is an issue, anti-nausea medications can also be prescribed to help. Rare but serious risks can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, vision problems, and, based on animal studies, a potential risk of certain thyroid tumors; for that reason, GLP-1s aren’t recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. Your clinician will review your full history and talk through the benefits, risks, and alternatives before prescribing.

Do you offer compounded medications?

Your clinician may prescribe brand-name medications and, when clinically appropriate, compounded versions from a licensed compounding pharmacy. You can discuss both options with your provider. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

Do you prescribe buprenorphine or methadone?

At this time, Quel's affiliated prescribers do not prescribe buprenorphine, but we partner with providers who do. For people receiving buprenorphine or methadone treatment, Quel can provide add-on GLP-1 therapies when clinically indicated. If you are already receiving buprenorphine or methadone, we’ll work with your provider to coordinate care.

Is it safe?

Every plan begins with a clinical evaluation and is overseen by licensed providers. No medication is right for everyone. Before anything is prescribed, your clinician reviews your history, screens for safety, and talks through the benefits, risks, and alternatives, including for GLP-1 therapies, which aren’t appropriate for every person.

PRIVACY & CONFIDENTIALITY

Is this confidential?

Yes. Quel is private and 100% confidential. Your information is protected at every step, and care happens discreetly, online.

Who sees my information?

Your care team. Your health information is handled under HIPAA and used to provide and coordinate your care, never sold. If we are collaborating with another healthcare provider (e.g., combined treatment program, grant program), we will share information to coordinate and improve your care, subject to your approval.

COST & ACCESS

How much does it cost?

Each treatment plan is customized for the patient, and plans start at $149/month. Schedule a free consultation to see if Quel is a good fit for you.

Do you take insurance?

Quel is cash-pay, which keeps care private and avoids insurance hurdles. You’ll always know the cost up front.

What states does Quel currently serve?

Quel currently provides virtual care in the following locations: 

Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin
Wyoming 

We're expanding rapidly and expect to offer care nationwide soon. 

Don't see your state? Contact us at hello@quel.health or check back soon; we're actively adding new states as licensure and regulatory approvals are completed.

THE TEAM

Who provides my care?

Your care is provided by affiliated physicians and advanced practice with specific expertise in GLP-1 prescribing and addiction medicine at Quel’s affiliated medical practices.