Mental Health Therapeutic Services

TRICARE covers a variety of services for mental health and substance use disorder.

Service   What is it, and how does TRICARE cover it? 
Psychotherapy

Also known as “therapy” and “counseling.”

TRICARE covers inpatient and outpatient services, including:

  • Individual sessions
  • Group sessions
  • Family and conjoint sessions 
Psychoanalysis

TRICARE covers psychoanalysis if your:

  • Provider has the correct certification
  • Treatment is pre-authorized
Psychological testing and assessment

TRICARE covers psychological testing and assessment to help diagnose a patient and develop a treatment plan.

TRICARE doesn’t cover psychological testing for academic placement.
Psychotropic drugs Covered when prescribed by an authorized provider as part of a treatment plan
Electroconvulsive treatment

Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) may be covered.
Collateral visits Collateral visits are visits between a provider and a family member or other responsible person. TRICARE covers collateral visits, when needed. 
Medication assisted treatment

Medication assisted treatment combines medication and mental health therapies for the treatment of substance use disorder.  
Ancillary therapies

TRICARE only covers ancillary therapies as part of the treatment plan at one of the following types of facilities:

  • Inpatient facility
  • Residential substance use disorder treatment
  • Psychiatric residential treatment center (children and adolescents under age 21)
  • Partial hospital program
  • Intensive outpatient program

Therapies include:

  • Art
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Occupational
  • Other ancillary therapies

Last Updated 10/29/2024