Does TRICARE cover therapy?

TRICARE provides comprehensive coverage for mental health therapy services, including individual psychotherapy, group therapy, family counseling, and couples therapy when provided by TRICARE-authorized mental health professionals. Covered providers include psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and psychiatric nurse practitioners. Under TRICARE Prime, beneficiaries need a referral from their primary care manager (PCM) for ongoing therapy, though the first eight outpatient mental health visits per year do not require pre-authorization. TRICARE Select allows direct access to any TRICARE-authorized mental health provider without a referral. Active duty service members have no out-of-pocket costs for therapy, while family members and retirees pay standard copays or cost-shares based on their plan and provider network status.