HOW TO LEVERAGE TRICARE MENTAL HEALTH COVERAGE FOR EFFECTIVE ONLINE THERAPY
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and TRICARE mental health coverage is available. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, or other mental health issues, TRICARE can cover a variety of healthcare services to provide you with the help you need.
This includes one-on-one therapy, group or family sessions, and much more. TRICARE will even cover a psychological test to help you understand which treatment works best for you, as well as your medication when prescribed by an authorized provider.
How to Use TRICARE for Online Therapy
Getting mental health support shouldn’t be complicated—or expensive. With TRICARE, you and your family can access online or in-person therapy and psychiatry services that are flexible, confidential, and often covered at little to no cost. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, or just need someone to talk to, TRICARE makes it easier to prioritize your mental well-being.
TRICARE does cover a wide range of mental health services—and how you access that care will depend on your specific plan. The good news is that support is within reach, and we’re here to help you navigate your options.
Active Duty Service and Activated/Called Guard/Reserve Members
If you’re serving on active duty or have been activated in the Guard or Reserves, mental health care is available to you—and fully covered by TRICARE. To get started, you’ll typically begin with your Military Treatment Facility (MTF) or Primary Care Manager (PCM), who can help guide you to the right support.
Need to see a civilian provider instead? No problem—just ask your PCM for a referral and pre-authorization. This applies even if you're enrolled in TRICARE Prime Remote, and your provider will walk you through what to expect. The process is in place to make sure you get care that fits your needs, wherever you’re located.
Mental Health Support for Military Spouses and Family
As a military spouse, you carry a lot—supporting your family through transitions, deployments, and the daily stress of military life. That’s why TRICARE makes it easy for you to access confidential, convenient online therapy without needing a referral.
You can connect directly with a TRICARE-network provider offering virtual therapy—no extra paperwork or approvals required. Just make sure the provider is in-network to keep your costs as low as possible.
TRICARE covers a wide range of mental health services through telehealth, including therapy for anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and more. While coverage is broad, it’s a good idea to confirm with your provider or regional contractor that they offer telehealth before scheduling.
Below is a simple breakdown of TRICARE Prime, discussing the difference between outpatient and inpatient mental health coverage.
Understanding Your TRICARE Coverage for Mental Health: Outpatient & Inpatient
Getting the right mental health support starts with understanding what TRICARE covers—and the good news is, you have more options than you might think.
TRICARE Prime will cover mental health services, which include inpatient and outpatient care, as long as the services are deemed medically necessary and psychologically appropriate.
Outpatient Mental Health Care (Including Online Therapy)
If you're enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you can access outpatient mental health services like individual counseling, psychological testing, and therapy sessions—with or without a referral or pre-authorization. This includes telehealth therapy, which means you can talk to a licensed professional from home at times that work for your schedule.
Spouses and dependents can self-refer for these services as long as they’re seeing an in-network provider.
Inpatient Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment
Sometimes, more intensive care is needed. TRICARE does cover inpatient mental health treatment, including for substance use, when it's determined to be clinically necessary. If you're unsure what level of care is right, a provider can help you assess your options.
Special Notes for US Family Health Plan (USFHP) Members:
If you're enrolled in the USFHP, you can search your plan's provider directory to schedule mental health appointments—no referral needed, just like with standard TRICARE Prime plans.
Other TRICARE Plans
If you’re a spouse enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you can schedule mental health appointments without needing a referral—spouses and dependents have the option to self-refer.
Just keep in mind: to avoid unexpected costs, it’s best to choose an in-network provider. Self-referring to an out-of-network provider may trigger the point-of-service option, which could lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses.
Checking ahead with your TRICARE regional contractor or provider directory can help you stay covered and keep your care affordable.
Marriage Counseling and Family Therapy
TRICARE does cover marriage and family counseling, especially when it's connected to a diagnosed mental health condition. This means you can access support through licensed counselors or therapists via telehealth, helping your family stay connected and supported, even during challenging times.
Use Your TRICARE Therapy Benefits With Talkspace
You don’t have to navigate this alone. TRICARE supports a wide range of mental health services for both individuals and families. Whether you're managing stress, going through a tough transition, or just need someone to talk to—help is available, and it's covered.
Getting mental health support should be simple—and with Talkspace, it is. As an in-network provider with TRICARE, Talkspace offers therapy and psychiatry services that are fully covered for many military families, including spouses, teens (13+), and active-duty dependents.
Whether you’re managing stress, relationship challenges, or just need someone to talk to, you can connect with a licensed therapist right from your phone—anytime, anywhere. No long waits, no commuting, and no added costs when using TRICARE-covered providers.
Their team understands the military lifestyle and the unique pressures that come with it. They’re here to help you take that first step toward feeling more grounded, supported, and connected.
Start your journey with Talkspace today—TRICARE makes it easy.
This article is part of a paid partnership with Talkspace.
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