U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Melissa Leonardo, a 379th Expeditionary Medical Group mental health technician, poses for a photo at the Mental Health Office waiting room at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The Mental Health Office is a specialty clinic designed to treat significant depression, anxiety and trauma. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Michael J. Kelly)
5/21/2024By:TRICARE Communications
Recommended Content:
Information for Patients: About TRICARE | Mental Health is Health | Suicide Prevention - Connect to Protect | Mental Health Awareness Month: Defend Your Mental Health | Seeking Care with TRICARE | MHS Mental Health Hub
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. This resource connects you with trained counselors who can help you get the help you need, 24/7.
Staying healthy is more than just taking care of your body. Even when you’re feeling good physically, you may notice you’re unusually sad, anxious, or exhausted. If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health concern—and you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental illness.
TRICARE covers mental health services so you and your family can get the care you need. Using these covered services can help put you on a path to mental and physical wellness.
“Paying attention to your mental health is key to your overall well-being,” said Thomas Turnbaugh, LCSW-C, a behavioral health specialist at the Defense Health Agency. “If you notice that you’re feeling different than usual—or if you’re dealing with a major stressor—reach out to your provider right away to learn how you can get professional care.”
Here’s more information about TRICARE-covered mental health services and how you can access them
Getting emergency mental health care
If you or a loved one is at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, this is a mental health emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You don’t need a referral or pre-authorization. Just make sure to contact your TRICARE regional contractor within 24 hours (or the next business day) to coordinate care.
Getting non-emergency mental health care
Before seeking non-emergency care, talk with your primary care provider to determine which services are right for you. And check which services require a referral or pre-authorization.
Your options for getting non-emergency mental health care depend on your beneficiary category and health plan:
- Active duty service members (ADSMs): You should first seek non-emergency care at a military hospital or clinic. If you get services from a civilian provider, you’ll need a referral or pre-authorization. ADSMs may also seek a mental health evaluation by making a request to their supervisor. You don’t need to explain why you’re requesting one, and your information will stay confidential.
- All others with TRICARE Prime: You don’t need a referral to see a network provider for in-office outpatient mental health services. Active duty family members may get non-emergency care from TRICARE-authorized non-network providers without referrals. But point-of-service fees will apply.
- TRICARE Select: You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider for mental health services. But your out-of-pocket costs will be lower if you see a network provider.
- TRICARE For Life: You don’t need a referral or pre-authorization from TRICARE in most cases. This is because Medicare is the primary payer for mental health care. But if your Medicare benefits are exhausted, you’ll need a referral or pre-authorization from TRICARE before you get mental health care.
Still not sure if you need a referral or pre-authorization before getting care? Visit Referrals and Pre-Authorizations to learn more.
Covered mental health services
TRICARE covers certain outpatient and inpatient mental health services, as detailed in the TRICARE Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Fact Sheet.
Outpatient services
Outpatient treatment is available at some military hospitals and clinics. You can also get care from TRICARE-authorized civilian providers. Appointments may be in person or via telemedicine.
Some types of covered outpatient treatment include:
- Psychotherapy: Discussion-based therapy in individual, family, or group settings
- Psychological testing and assessment: Covered when medically or psychologically necessary, or during the assessment process under the Autism Care Demonstration
- Intensive outpatient program: Therapy and medication management where patients go to a treatment center for several days a week, a few hours at a time
- Partial hospitalization program: Daytime treatment, where the patient lives at home and commutes to get treatment for six or more hours per day, up to seven days a week
Inpatient services
You may need more intensive treatment that requires you to stay in a hospital or treatment center. If so, TRICARE covers:
- Inpatient hospital services: Treatment for concerns that require inpatient hospitalization (like psychiatric emergencies or substance use withdrawal symptoms)
- Psychiatric residential treatment centers: Extended care for children and adolescents who need 24/7 treatment in a therapeutic environment
Looking for a full list of covered mental health services? You can find more information on covered treatments. Or you can search for specific services on the Covered Services page.
Note: Some mental health services may not be available overseas. Check with the TRICARE Overseas contractor for more information.
Mental health care costs
Use the Compare Costs tool to check your out-of-pocket costs for mental health services. You’ll have lower costs by getting care at military hospitals or clinics or from TRICARE-authorized network providers. ADSMs have no costs for mental health services from or authorized by the Military Health System.
Mental health is health—and it’s an important part of your overall wellness. Looking for a mental health provider? Check out the Find a Doctor tool. You can also find more resources and information on TRICARE’s Mental Health Care page.
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
You also may be interested in...
Page 5 of 10, showing items 61 - 75
Article
Jun 6, 2023Exploring different countries and cultures is exciting. As you plan your trip, you may have some questions about what coverage TRICARE offers when you travel overseas. It’s important to prepare for your trip with your health care in mind.
Article
Jun 6, 2023Military Health System Confronts Stigma Surrounding Mental Health Care
Stigma can be a barrier to a service member seeking support for their mental health. Recognizing mental health as part of overall health and changing attitudes are keys to addressing it.
Article
May 31, 2023Confidential Mental Health Resources Available to Military Families
“Checking in on your mental health can be as easy as making an appointment with a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist – and that can be done face to face or virtually,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anna Fedotova, mental health flight commander, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Article
May 31, 2023Mental Health Stigma Campaign Will Be New Hub of Hope
The Real Warriors Campaign expanding via partnership with the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.
Article
May 30, 2023Good Sleep is Key to Heart Health
How regularly you sleep, not just the length of sleep, has a connection to your heart health.
Article
May 24, 20235 Tips To Start a Conversation About Getting Mental Health Care
“How are you?” It’s a question almost everyone answers every day. Like most, your usual response is probably, “Fine, thanks. How are you?” But if you really think about it, are you fine? Maybe you haven’t been yourself in a while. You’re feeling sad, stressed, lonely, or just not how you want to feel. You’d like to start feeling better but aren’t ...
Article
May 17, 2023Targeted Care Pilot Aims to Match Demand for Mental Health Care
The DHA Targeted Care Pilot deployed to 10 sites in April 2023. The pilot, lasting six months, aims to alleviate the strained mental health system by matching service members to the care they need—wherever they are on a spectrum of mental health issues. Following the pilot, DHA will review results for the purpose of further refinement, continuation, ...
Article
May 10, 2023Key Things To Know About Your TRICARE Primary Care Manager
Are you enrolled in a TRICARE Prime plan? Whether you’re a new or longtime enrollee, you need to know about your primary care manager (PCM). Your PCM is the health care provider you’ll visit for most of your care.
Article
May 3, 2023Know Which Vaccines You Need and How TRICARE Covers Them
It’s easy to get the vaccines you need. TRICARE covers age-appropriate doses of vaccines, based on CDC recommendations.
Article
May 1, 2023New TRICARE Dental Program Premiums Start May 1
Premiums are what you pay each month for TRICARE Dental Program coverage. New TDP rates are effective May 1, 2023, through April 30, 2024.
Article
Apr 18, 2023Living Overseas? Here’s How TRICARE Covers Telemedicine
Do you live overseas and need health care? Depending on the country you’re in, you may be able to get telemedicine care from the comfort of your home.
Article
Apr 13, 2023Get Advice From a Nurse 24/7
With the coming of spring, the temperatures warm and the tempo of life picks up. Amid the busyness of these warmer months, the potential for minor injuries and health concerns may increase. It’s good to know that you have all-the-time access to health information and advice via the Military Health System Nurse Advice Line.
Article
Apr 11, 2023
Getting sick or injured is never convenient. Fortunately, getting urgent care can take away some of the inconvenience of minor illnesses and injuries.
Article
Apr 6, 20235 Reasons to Download MyCare Overseas App
If you live overseas, the MyCare Overseas app makes it easy to manage your health care at home and on the go.
Article
Apr 4, 2023How to Approve Your TRICARE Home Delivery Prescription Refills
Are your prescriptions enrolled in the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery automatic refill program, administered by Express Scripts? If they are, did you know you must approve your refills before they’re sent to you? Not only is the process easy and convenient, but it will also help prevent excess prescription waste.
Page 5 of 10, showing items 61 - 75