TRICARE Mental Health Providers: Search & Cost Guide

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not a government agency or the official TRICARE program. For official policy and the most current data, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Quick answer To find a TRICARE mental health provider, you generally don't need a referral for outpatient therapy if you are an active duty family member or retiree. You can use any TRICARE-authorized provider, but you will pay significantly less if you choose one who is "In-Network" with Humana Military (East) or TriWest (West).

In detail

TRICARE splits mental health care into two categories: **outpatient** (office visits) and **inpatient/residential** (facilities). Your access to these providers depends on your plan type and your military status.

### Authorized vs. Network Providers * **Authorized Providers:** These are licensed professionals who meet TRICARE's quality standards. TRICARE will only pay for care from these providers. * **Network Providers (Preferred):** These providers have a contract with Humana Military or TriWest. They agree to lower rates and handle all the paperwork for you. * **Non-Network Providers:** These providers are authorized but haven't signed a contract. If they are "Non-Participating," they can charge you up to 15% above the TRICARE-allowable amount.

### The Referral Rules * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** You **always** need a referral and prior authorization for any mental health care outside of a military clinic. Start with your Primary Care Manager (PCM). * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** No referral is needed for outpatient therapy (e.g., sessions for depression or anxiety). You can seek care from any TRICARE-authorized provider. * **Retirees and their Families:** No referral is needed for outpatient therapy, but your costs (copays) will be higher if you use a non-network provider.

### Specialist Types Covered TRICARE-authorized mental health providers include: * Psychiatrists (MD/DO) * Clinical Psychologists (PhD/PsyD) * Certified Psychiatric Nurse Specialists (CPNS) * Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) * Certified Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) * Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)

### 2026 Costs for Mental Health Visits Costs vary based on your "Group" (Group A joined before 2018; Group B joined after). Below are typical 2026 rates for an outpatient office visit:

### How to Find a Provider 1. **East Region:** Use the [Humana Military provider directory](https://www.humanamilitary.com). 2. **West Region:** Use the [TriWest Healthcare Alliance directory](https://www.triwest.com) (Contractor as of Jan 1, 2025). 3. **Telemental Health:** Use **Doctor On Demand** or **Telemynd**, which are the primary telemental health partners for TRICARE beneficiaries.

## Who this applies to * **Active Duty Service Members:** Directly affects their readiness; requires strict PCM coordination. * **Active Duty Families:** Provides "open access" for therapy without needing a doctor's note first. * **Retirees (Under 65):** Affects out-of-pocket costs and choice between Prime and Select networks. * **TRICARE For Life (65+):** Medicare acts as the primary payer; providers must be Medicare-certified first, with TRICARE acting as the secondary payer.

Common scenarios

**The Self-Referral (ADFM):** Sarah is an active duty spouse in South Carolina (East Region). She feels overwhelmed and wants to see a therapist. Because she is an ADFM, she does not go to her PCM. She searches the Humana Military directory, finds a network LCSW, and schedules an appointment. As a Prime enrollee, her copay is **$0**.

**The West Region Retiree:** John is a retired Navy commander in California. He sees a non-network psychologist for PTSD. Because he is in TRICARE Select (Group A), his 2026 copay for a network visit would be $35. However, because his provider is "non-participating," John pays the 25% cost-share plus an additional 15% "excess charge," totaling significantly more out of pocket.

**The Active Duty Member:** Sergeant Miller is struggling with sleep and anxiety. He cannot go straight to a civilian provider. He visits his base clinic (MTF). If the base cannot see him, his PCM issues a referral to a civilian psychiatrist. The Defense Health Agency (DHA) authorizes 12 sessions. Miller pays **$0**.

## Related terms * **Prior Authorization:** A requirement where the contractor must approve the medical necessity of a treatment (like Residential Treatment) before care is received. * **Telemental Health:** Video-based therapy sessions through approved platforms that are covered the same as in-person visits. * **Non-Participating Provider:** An authorized provider who hasn't agreed to TRICARE's rates and may "balance bill" the patient. * **Residential Treatment Center (RTC):** A live-in facility for children and adolescents requiring 24-hour mental health care. * **Point of Service (POS) Option:** An expensive cost-sharing trap where Prime members see a provider without a required referral.

## Sources * TRICARE.mil Mental Health Care: [https://www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth](https://www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth) * Humana Military (East Region): [https://www.humanamilitary.com](https://www.humanamilitary.com) * TriWest Healthcare Alliance (West Region): [https://www.triwest.com](https://www.triwest.com) * TRICARE Costs and Fees: [https://www.tricare.mil/costs](https://www.tricare.mil/costs)