The expansion of telemedicine in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has generated new opportunities for addressing substance use disorders (SUDs) and opioid use disorders (OUDs). From a transdisciplinary perspective that bridges social psychology and sociology, our work explores how telemedicine functions as a low-threshold practice—facilitating access to care by removing geographic and logistical barriers. Drawing on our experience as public policy analysts, we examine the promise and limitations of telemedicine in advancing more inclusive approaches to treatment.


While telemedicine has undoubtedly improved service availability and continuity of care, our analysis indicates that it has not led to a significant reduction in stigma associated with SUDs/OUDs. Stigma remains a critical obstacle that shapes how individuals seek and engage with treatment, influencing outcomes regardless of the delivery mode. By combining insights from social psychology, which highlight the dynamics of social identity, group perceptions, and prejudice, with sociological perspectives on structural inequality and systemic barriers, we reflect on the complexity of implementing effective, equitable interventions.


This interdisciplinary reflection emphasizes that technological innovations alone cannot dismantle deeply rooted social attitudes. Addressing stigma requires complementary strategies that integrate evidence-based communication, community engagement, and structural reforms in health systems. We argue that the future of applied psychology in this field lies in designing interventions that not only expand access through digital platforms but also transform the cultural and institutional contexts in which treatment is embedded.


Our contribution seeks to foster dialogue on how transdisciplinary collaborations can generate actionable knowledge to inform public policy and strengthen applied psychology's role in responding to complex global challenges such as the opioid crisis.