Mental health care doesn’t always fit neatly into duty schedules, deployments, or childcare gaps. For service members and spouses juggling field ops, PCS moves, or late-night watches, teletherapy has become more than a buzzword—it’s a bridge to timely support. Across the force, more military families are choosing virtual care on their own terms, yet many remain hesitant or unsure where to begin.

Services That Don’t Require Referrals

Are you enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan? If you are, you can get the following services from a TRICARE network provider in your region without a PCM referral:

• Preventive services
• Outpatient mental health care visits

Note: Active duty service members need a referral for most care received outside of their assigned military hospital or clinic.

TRICARE Select and All Other Beneficiaries

For TRICARE Select and all other beneficiaries, a referral is not required for services.

However, certain services (e.g., Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), inpatient admissions, some behavioral health services, adjunctive dental care, home health services, etc.) require prior authorization.

You can get care from any TRICARE-authorized provider, network, or non-network, and a new request for care does NOT require a referral/authorization (e.g., mental health). Thus, there is no need for you to contact TriWest for a new referral/authorization. You can choose to continue or start care at any time.

Why Many in the Military Community Still Hesitate

1. Cultural Stigma and Career Concerns

Despite Department of Defense guidance protecting most therapy disclosures, fears persist: service members worry that seeking help could affect security clearances, promotions, or peer perception.

In a performance-driven environment, some equate therapy—especially virtual therapy—with weakness or diminished readiness.

2. Mistrust of Virtual Platforms

Questions about data security and the “impersonal” feel of online sessions can deter first-time users. Without a physical office or handshake, some doubt teletherapy’s effectiveness or worry about confidentiality breaches.

However, it is important to note that all TRICARE in-network providers meet security features that protect confidential patient information. Additionally, providers, such as Talkspace, even offer a selection of specialists, demographics, and the ability to select and change therapists if there isn't a "connection."

3. Practical Barriers

Poor internet connections in rural duty stations or deployed environments can make virtual video sessions frustrating. Irregular schedules, field exercises, and solo parenting during deployments also complicate regular appointments, serving as a barrier to accessing therapy sessions.

However, an increasing number of providers have started offering telehealth services, helping eliminate traditional barriers to therapy. Talkspace is one such example, as they provide 24/7 asynchronous communication.

So, as long as you have enough coverage to send a text message, a voice note, or a video, you’ll always have access to therapy services.

4. Emotional Readiness and Past Experiences

Some prefer to “push through” stress or trauma rather than process it, fearing vulnerability. Others have had unhelpful therapy encounters and are reluctant to try again. For some, the thought of reopening emotional wounds feels more daunting than enduring current stress.

The Biggest Benefits of Teletherapy for Military Life

• Flexible Scheduling: Evening, early morning, and weekend options work around unpredictable duty schedules. Convenient for those always on the go, Talkspace offers access to therapy sessions at any time, anywhere, so that you can prioritize your mental health.
• Continuity Through PCS Moves: Providers can remain the same even after a cross-country relocation if they are registered in the state that you are moving to. However, if your current provider isn’t registered in your new home state, you’ll need to find a new one. In the meantime, you can continue having online access to therapy services through a select service, like Talkspace. However, you’ll need to take the appropriate steps to ensure that there is no lapse in care, and it’s important to note that waivers can sometimes be applicable.
• Privacy and Convenience: Virtual sessions can be done from a car, office, or kitchen table—reducing stigma and logistical hurdles. Offering sessions over video, voice, or live chat, Talkspace understands just how important accessibility and convenience are. That’s why their flexible sessions are perfect for busy military families.
• Faster Access: Avoiding referral delays under TRICARE East means you can start care sooner. Looking for fast access? Talkspace offers same-day matching and a first appointment within 5 days.
• Family Readiness and Resilience: Supporting mental health directly supports mission readiness and household stability. That’s why Talkspace offers care for the whole family, including dependents 13+.

Making Self-Referral Work for You

Whether you need a referral depends on your TRICARE plan and who you are. That is why it is important to look at the specific requirements for the plan that you are enrolled in.

You can find the requirement details as they relate to specific TRICARE plans and your status here. Below are some important steps to remember:

1. Confirm Regional Rules: Verify eligibility requirements before scheduling.

2. Search TRICARE’s Provider Directory: Look for in-network telehealth providers.

3. Plan Around Your Routine: Take advantage of flexible appointment times.

4. Explore TRICARE-Covered Platforms: Several secure, contractor-approved apps and services streamline the process without cold-calling clinics.

Note: If you are active duty, or guard/reserve on active status, you’ll need to inform your PCM or MTF.

Reducing resistance starts with open dialogue. Leaders and peers who share their own experiences can normalize seeking help.

Education campaigns clarifying referral rules and security clearance protections can reduce fear. Hearing success stories from other service members or spouses can encourage those on the fence to give teletherapy a chance.

Stay Informed and Take the First Step, With Talkspace

Teletherapy isn’t a cure-all, but for many, it’s a lifeline that fits the unique demands of military life. Rules and coverage can evolve with each fiscal year, so bookmark TRICARE’s website and check directly with your contractor to stay current.

While many large teletherapy platforms—including those now partnering with TRICARE—are expanding their networks, what matters most is finding a trusted therapy platform or provider who understands military life— that’s where Talkspace comes into play.

Talkspace is a quiet lifeline that is there to help you get the care you need and deserve. So, whether you’re stationed overseas or at a small stateside post, don’t wait for a crisis to start the conversation. Start today with Talkspace.

Your mental health is mission-critical—to your unit, your family, and yourself. Talkspace makes sure you don’t have to go it alone.

This article is a result of a collaboration with Talkspace.

Suggested reads:

• TRICARE Warns Military Families Could Face Medical Claim Delays as Shutdown Drags On
• Surviving Solo Parenting During Deployment: How Military Spouses Can Thrive Through Separation
• Caring For Yourself While Caring For Others: 8 Self-Care Strategies For Milspouses