What mental health services does TRICARE cover?
Quick Answer
TRICARE covers outpatient therapy, psychiatry, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient programs, substance abuse treatment, and crisis intervention.
Related Video
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive mental health coverage
- No referral for first 8 sessions (Prime)
- Telehealth widely available
- Crisis support 24/7
Detailed Answer
TRICARE provides comprehensive mental health coverage for eligible beneficiaries.
Covered Services
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Psychiatry (medication management)
- Psychological testing
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Partial hospitalization
- Inpatient psychiatric treatment
- Residential treatment
- Substance abuse treatment
Access
- No referral for first 8 outpatient sessions (Prime)
- Select: No referral needed
- 24/7 crisis line available
- Telehealth options
Providers
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Licensed clinical social workers
- Marriage and family therapists
- Professional counselors
- Certified psychiatric nurses
Special Programs
- Military OneSource (free counseling)
- inTransition program
- FOCUS program for families
- Adolescent treatment programs
Related Questions
How does TRICARE cover PTSD treatment?
TRICARE covers evidence-based PTSD treatments including cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, EMDR, and medication management.
Does TRICARE cover ABA therapy for autism?
Yes, TRICARE covers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for autism spectrum disorder, requiring a diagnosis from a qualified provider and authorization.
What do most military families add to their TRICARE coverage?
Supplemental health insurance is the most common addition — it covers dental, vision, and out-of-pocket costs that TRICARE leaves uncovered. Life insurance and a legal will are also highly recommended.
See What's AvailableShare this page
Was this FAQ helpful?
Need personalized help with this?
Most military families leave benefits on the table. Our free 2-minute coverage check identifies gaps, finds potential savings, and gives you personalized recommendations.
Check My Coverage