TRICARE Coverage for PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Overview
TRICARE provides comprehensive coverage for PTSD diagnosis and treatment. This is one of the most important mental health benefits available to military families, with no visit limits on outpatient mental health care and multiple evidence-based treatment options covered.
Treatment Options Covered by TRICARE
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Psychiatric medication management
- Individual psychotherapy (no visit limits)
- Group therapy
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
- Residential treatment programs
- Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization
- Telehealth therapy sessions
- Substance abuse treatment (co-occurring)
- Family therapy and support
How TRICARE Covers PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
TRICARE covers all evidence-based PTSD treatments with no annual visit limits for outpatient mental health care. Active duty service members can self-refer for the first 8 mental health visits. Family members have access to Military OneSource counseling (12 free sessions) in addition to TRICARE benefits.
Coverage by Plan
TRICARE Prime
Mental health visits at $0 for active duty. ADFMs: $0 copay with referral to network mental health provider. Active duty can self-refer for first 8 sessions.
TRICARE Select
Covered with standard outpatient cost shares. Individual therapy: $28 network copay (ADFMs group A). No visit limits. Can self-refer to any TRICARE-authorized mental health provider.
TRICARE For Life
Medicare covers mental health with standard cost shares. TFL covers remaining costs. No visit limits.
Estimated Costs
| Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Individual therapy session (Prime, active duty) | $0 |
| Individual therapy session (Prime ADFM) | $0 with referral |
| Individual therapy session (Select ADFM) | $28 copay (network) |
| PTSD medication (military pharmacy) | $0 |
| PTSD medication (retail pharmacy) | $14–$34 |
| Residential treatment (authorized) | $0 (Prime) / per-day charge (Select) |
Authorization Requirements
Outpatient therapy does not require authorization for the first 8 visits (active duty) or initial evaluation. Inpatient and residential treatment programs require prior authorization. Intensive Outpatient Programs require authorization after initial assessment.
Network & Provider Notes
TRICARE maintains a robust network of mental health providers experienced with military-related PTSD. The Military OneSource counseling program provides 12 free non-medical counseling sessions outside of TRICARE.