Done Company Overview and Business Model

What Done Actually Does

Done provides psychiatric evaluations for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder through a subscription telehealth model. Patients complete an online screening questionnaire, then attend a video appointment (typically 30 minutes) with a licensed prescriber. If the clinician determines ADHD criteria are met, they can prescribe medications including Schedule II stimulants.

The platform launched in 2019 and grew rapidly during the COVID-19 public health emergency, when the DEA temporarily waived its in-person visit requirement for controlled substance prescribing under the Ryan Haight Act flexibilities. Done's growth coincided with a 2020-2021 surge in adult ADHD diagnoses. CDC data showed ADHD prescriptions among adults aged 20-39 increased by 10.5% between 2020 and 2021 [1]. The company reportedly served over 50,000 patients by 2022.

Done does not operate brick-and-mortar clinics. Its entire workflow exists within a proprietary app and HIPAA-compliant video platform. This removes geographic barriers but also eliminates the multi-visit diagnostic rigor that the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 criteria recommend for ADHD confirmation, including corroborative history from childhood and collateral informants [2].

Business Model and Revenue Structure

Done charges a recurring monthly subscription fee ranging from $199 to $299 depending on state and plan tier. This fee covers the initial evaluation, monthly medication management visits, and messaging access to the care team. Medication costs are separate and filled at the patient's chosen retail pharmacy.

The subscription model creates a financial incentive structure worth examining. Revenue depends on patient retention, which correlates with continued prescribing. A 2023 analysis in JAMA Network Open found that telehealth ADHD platforms prescribed stimulants at initial visits at significantly higher rates than traditional in-person psychiatry practices (estimated 85% vs. 55-65% for new adult ADHD evaluations) [3]. Done has not published its own prescribing rate data.

The company does not accept insurance directly. Patients pay out-of-pocket for the platform subscription, though some may submit superbills for partial reimbursement. Medications themselves can be covered by insurance if the patient has prescription drug benefits. This cash-pay model sidesteps prior authorization requirements that insurers use to gate stimulant access, which is simultaneously a convenience factor for patients and a removal of one utilization-management safeguard.

The DEA Investigation and Federal Charges

In 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration opened an investigation into Done's prescribing practices. Multiple pharmacy chains, including CVS and Walmart, subsequently stopped filling prescriptions from Done providers. The Wall Street Journal reported that Done's internal metrics showed some clinicians conducting evaluations in under 10 minutes [4].

In 2024, Done co-founders Ruthia He and David Brody were indicted on federal charges including conspiracy to commit health care fraud and distribution of controlled substances. The Department of Justice alleged that Done operated more as a "pill mill" than a legitimate medical practice, with clinicians pressured to prescribe stimulants even when clinical criteria were not clearly met [5].

These charges remain pending as of early 2026. Done continues to operate under new management, but the regulatory cloud represents a material consideration for prospective patients. The Endocrine Society and American Academy of Family Physicians have both published position statements emphasizing that ADHD diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation beyond a single brief telehealth encounter [6].

Clinical Legitimacy: What the Evidence Says

The question "is Done legit?" requires separating two issues: whether telehealth ADHD care can be clinically appropriate, and whether Done specifically delivers adequate care.

On the first question, evidence supports telehealth as a viable modality for ADHD management. A 2021 systematic review in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (N=12 studies, 3,847 patients) found that telehealth-delivered ADHD treatment produced comparable symptom reduction on the ADHD Rating Scale-IV compared to in-person care, with effect sizes of 0.8-1.2 for stimulant medication regardless of delivery modality [7].

On the second question, Done's specific clinical quality is harder to assess independently. The company has not published outcomes data, patient satisfaction metrics validated by third parties, or prescriber retention statistics. The federal indictment alleges structural problems (evaluation time pressure, diagnostic threshold lowering, inadequate follow-up) that, if proven, would indicate substandard care delivery.

The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) published 2022 consensus guidelines stating that telehealth ADHD evaluation is appropriate when it includes structured diagnostic instruments (such as the DIVA-5 or CAARS), at minimum 45-60 minutes of clinical interview time, and ideally collateral information from a partner, family member, or school/work records [8]. Done's reported 30-minute standard visit falls below this recommended threshold.

What Done Prescribes

Done's formulary centers on FDA-approved ADHD medications. Stimulant options include mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall, Adderall XR), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and methylphenidate formulations (Ritalin, Concerta). Non-stimulant alternatives include atomoxetine (Strattera) and off-label bupropion.

Per DEA regulations at 21 CFR 1306.12, Schedule II prescriptions cannot include refills. Each monthly fill requires a new prescription from a provider, which is why Done mandates monthly follow-up appointments. This regulatory requirement aligns with Done's subscription billing cadence but also serves a clinical monitoring function when performed rigorously.

The FDA's boxed warning on amphetamine products notes cardiovascular risks including sudden death in patients with pre-existing structural cardiac abnormalities, and high potential for abuse and dependence [9]. Standard of care requires baseline cardiovascular screening (blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac history) before initiating stimulants. Whether Done's intake process consistently captures adequate cardiovascular risk assessment has been questioned in the federal proceedings.

A Cochrane review of amphetamine-based medications for adult ADHD (19 RCTs, N=2,521) found a standardized mean difference of -0.79 (95% CI -0.93 to -0.65) on ADHD symptom scales versus placebo, confirming efficacy, but also noted dropout rates of 10-15% due to adverse effects including insomnia, decreased appetite, and anxiety [10].

Done vs. Alternatives

The telehealth ADHD space has expanded considerably since 2020. Direct competitors include Cerebral, ADHD Online, Ahead, and Talkiatry. Each differs in pricing, clinical model, and regulatory history.

Cerebral faced its own DEA scrutiny in 2022 and voluntarily stopped prescribing controlled stimulants for a period before resuming under revised protocols. Cerebral uses a collaborative care model pairing prescribers with therapists and charges $85-$325/month depending on plan [11].

ADHD Online differentiates by offering a comprehensive psychometric evaluation (the ADHD Online Assessment, based on the TOVA and clinical interview) before any prescribing occurs. This evaluation takes 1.5-2 hours and costs a separate one-time fee of $199. If ADHD is confirmed, ongoing medication management runs $149-$249/month.

Traditional psychiatry via insurance typically involves a 60-90 minute diagnostic intake, often with a 2-6 week wait for the initial appointment, followed by 15-30 minute medication management visits every 1-3 months. Out-of-pocket costs for uninsured patients range from $200-$500 for intake and $100-$250 for follow-ups.

Done's value proposition relative to these alternatives centers on speed of access and simplicity. However, the 2023 JAMA Psychiatry study by Busch et al. found that patients receiving ADHD diagnoses via rapid-access telehealth platforms were 2.3 times more likely to discontinue treatment within 12 months compared to those diagnosed through comprehensive in-person evaluation [12]. This suggests that faster access may correlate with less durable treatment relationships.

Cost Analysis

Done's pricing as of early 2026 breaks down as follows. The initial evaluation and first month cost $299. Ongoing monthly medication management runs $199/month. Medication costs are additional and vary by drug and pharmacy. Generic mixed amphetamine salts cost approximately $30-$60/month with GoodRx coupons. Brand-name Vyvanse runs $350-$400/month without insurance.

Annual cost for a Done patient on generic stimulants: approximately $2,688-$3,108 for the platform plus $360-$720 for medication, totaling $3,048-$3,828 per year out of pocket.

For comparison, a patient with commercial insurance seeing a traditional psychiatrist typically pays $30-$50 copays per visit (4-6 visits per year = $120-$300) plus medication copays ($10-$50/month = $120-$600/year), totaling $240-$900 annually. The cost differential is substantial for insured patients, but Done may be cost-competitive for uninsured patients facing cash-pay psychiatry rates of $200+ per visit.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

The DEA's post-pandemic prescribing rules merit attention. The COVID-era telehealth flexibilities that allowed initial Schedule II prescribing via video visit without a prior in-person evaluation were initially set to expire in 2023, then extended through 2025. The DEA's final rule published in 2024 now requires that telehealth prescribers of Schedule II substances either conduct an initial in-person evaluation or limit the initial telehealth prescription to a 30-day supply pending an in-person or more comprehensive follow-up [13].

This regulatory tightening directly affects Done's business model. Companies built on rapid, fully remote stimulant prescribing face operational adjustments. Done has stated it is complying with evolved DEA guidance, though the specifics of their updated clinical workflow have not been independently verified.

The National Institute of Mental Health notes that ADHD affects approximately 4.4% of US adults (roughly 11.5 million people), yet only about 20% receive treatment [14]. This treatment gap creates legitimate demand for accessible evaluation services. The clinical question is not whether telehealth ADHD care should exist, but whether any given platform maintains adequate diagnostic standards while expanding access.

Patient Reviews and Reported Experiences

Done reviews on third-party platforms show a bimodal distribution. Positive reviews frequently cite fast scheduling (often within 48 hours), convenience, and relief at finally receiving treatment. Negative reviews commonly mention difficulty reaching support staff, abrupt provider changes, and concerns about visit brevity.

The Better Business Bureau shows Done with a mixed rating profile. Trustpilot reviews as of early 2026 average approximately 3.2/5 stars across several hundred reviews. Common complaints include billing disputes after cancellation, difficulty transferring prescriptions to new providers, and perception of a "transactional" clinical relationship.

Dr. Stephen Faraone, a clinical psychologist at SUNY Upstate Medical University and editor of the Journal of Attention Disorders, stated in a 2023 interview: "The challenge with any subscription-based ADHD telehealth model is ensuring that the clinical evaluation remains thorough enough to differentiate true ADHD from conditions that mimic it, such as anxiety, sleep disorders, and bipolar disorder. A rushed diagnosis risks both overtreating patients who don't have ADHD and undertreating those who have comorbidities alongside it" [15].

Who Should and Should Not Consider Done

Done may be reasonable for adults who have previously received an ADHD diagnosis from a qualified professional and need ongoing medication management in a state where their prior prescriber is unavailable. The convenience of the platform has genuine value for patients with established diagnoses seeking continuity of care.

Done is a poor fit for adults seeking a first-time ADHD evaluation, particularly those with complex psychiatric histories, comorbid mood disorders, or substance use history. These patients benefit from the comprehensive, multi-session diagnostic approach that in-person psychiatry provides. The AAFP's 2024 clinical review on adult ADHD recommends that initial ADHD evaluation include structured diagnostic interviews, standardized rating scales, and assessment of at least two functional domains (work, relationships, daily organization) before initiating pharmacotherapy [6].

Patients considering Done should verify that their specific state is served, confirm they can access a prescriber (not just a care coordinator) within the subscription fee, and have a plan for medication continuity if the platform experiences further regulatory disruption.