Getting Mental Health Care

Emergency Mental Health Care

What is a mental health emergency?

You have an emergency if the patient:

  • Is at immediate risk of serious harm to self or others as a result of mental disorder
  • Needs immediate continuous skilled observation at the acute level of care (based on a psychiatric evaluation)

When you have a mental health emergency:

  • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency roomThe hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention.
  • You don't need pre-authorization
  • If admitted, call your regional contractor within 24 hours or the next business day
  • Admissions must be reported within 72 hours

Non-Emergency Mental Health Care

You don’t need to get a referral or pre-authorization for any outpatient mental health (except psychoanalysis) and substance use disorder (SUD) care. This includes services like therapy and counseling.  If you choose a provider outside the network, you may pay higher costs. 
For psychoanalysis or care from an institutional provider outside of a military hospital or clinic, you must get a referral for non-emergency mental health and SUD care.  

We don't want to discourage you from getting help. We want to make sure your condition doesn't negatively affect your health and ability to perform your duties.

Note: If you are an active duty service member (ADSM) seeking care in the TRICARE network, you must get a referral and pre-authorization. You don’t need a referral or pre-authorization if you seek outpatient mental health services at a military hospital or clinic.

If you Then

Are an active duty service member

 

You need to get a referral and pre-authorization for all mental health care in the TRICARE network. You don’t need it if you seek outpatient mental health services at a military hospital or clinic.

 

Are a non-active duty TRICARE Prime beneficiary

 

You need to get a referral and pre-authorization for psychoanalysis and outpatient therapy for substance use disorder provided by a substance use disorder rehabilitation facility.

 

Use TRICARE For Life

 

Medicare is the primary payer for mental health care. You only need a referral or authorization from TRICARE if your Medicare benefits are exhausted.

 

Use any other TRICARE health plan

 

You need to get a referral and authorization for psychoanalysis and outpatient therapy for substance use disorder provided by a substance use disorder rehabilitation facility.

 

TRICARE-Videos inTransition - Connecting, Coaching, Empowering >> More Videos
  • The Defense Health Agency inTransition program is a free, confidential program that offers specialized coaching and assistance for active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans and retirees who need access to mental health care when: relocating to another assignment; returning from deployment; transitioning from active duty to reserve component or reserve component to active duty; preparing to leave military service; any other time they need a new mental health provider or need a provider for the first time. inTransition coaches are skilled counselors who understand military culture and who maintain privacy and confidentiality. inTransition services are available to ALL military members regardless of length of service or discharge status and there is NO expiration date to enroll. Learn more: https://health.mil/intransition
Do you need mental health services or substance use disorder treatment during the COVID-19 National Emergency?

Several telehealth services are available to TRICARE beneficiaries seeking mental health and substance use disorders treatments.

Some of these services include: Intensive Outpatient Programs, Medication Assisted Treatment, Opioid Treatment Programs, psychotherapy, crisis management, family therapy, group therapy, medication management, and occupational therapy. >> Learn more

Talking About Afghanistan. We’re Here For You.

Remember, you are not alone. If you need help, reach out to us to take advantage of additional Military Heath System mental health resources. >>Learn more

Do you need prescription drugs for a mental health condition?

You must be under the care of a provider who can prescribe drugs and manage your dosage. Some types of mental health providers can prescribe drugs, but others can't. >>Learn more

Last Updated 1/31/2023