TRICARE Mental Health Coverage: Everything You're Entitled To (And How to Use It)

Bottom Line Up Front: TRICARE covers unlimited mental health visits with $0 copay for active duty. Family members get extensive coverage with low/no copays. You don't need a referral for outpatient mental health. Most service members don't know how good their mental health benefits actually are.

TRICARE Mental Health Coverage Breakdown

Active Duty (TRICARE Prime)

• Inpatient: Unlimited days, $0 cost
• Outpatient: Unlimited visits, $0 cost
• Medications: $0 at military pharmacy, $13 mail order
• Referral needed? NO (for outpatient mental health)

Family Members (TRICARE Prime)

• Inpatient: Unlimited days, $0 cost
• Outpatient: $31 per visit (group), $31 per visit (individual)
• Medications: $13-$38 depending on tier
• Referral needed? NO (for outpatient mental health)

Family Members (TRICARE Select)

• Inpatient: Covered after deductible ($164/year individual)
• Outpatient: 20% cost-share after deductible
• Medications: $13-$60 depending on tier
• Referral needed? NO

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What TRICARE Mental Health Covers

Individual Therapy

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Adjustment disorders
• Grief counseling
• Stress management

Couples/Family Therapy

• Marriage counseling
• Family conflict
• Parenting support
• Deployment reintegration

Group Therapy

• Support groups
• Skills training
• Addiction recovery groups

Medication Management

• Antidepressants (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.)
• Anti-anxiety medications (if medically necessary)
• Sleep aids
• ADHD medications

Inpatient Care

• Psychiatric hospitalization
• Residential treatment
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Partial hospitalization (PHP)

Crisis Intervention

• Emergency room psychiatric care
• Crisis hotlines
• Mobile crisis teams
• Safety planning

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How to Access Mental Health Care (Step-by-Step)

Option 1: On-Base Mental Health Clinic (Active Duty)

1. Call your base's Mental Health Clinic
2. Request an appointment
3. Attend initial intake (usually within 1-2 weeks)
4. Get assigned a provider
5. Schedule ongoing appointments

Pros:

• $0 cost
• On-base convenience
• Military-specific issues understood

Cons:

• Longer wait times (1-4 weeks for first appointment)
• Less privacy (your command might find out)
• Provider changes with PCS

Option 2: Off-Base Network Provider (Any TRICARE)

1. Go to TRICARE.mil/FindDoctor
2. Search "Behavioral Health"
3. Filter by location
4. Call provider directly to schedule
5. Verify they're still in-network
6. Attend appointment (bring ID card)

Pros:

• More privacy
• Faster appointments (often within 1 week)
• More provider choice
• No command notification

Cons:

• Copays (if family member)
• May need to file claims if non-network
• Not all providers understand military culture

Option 3: Military & Family Life Counselor (MFLC)

1. Walk into your base's MFLC office (no appointment needed)
2. Get up to 12 free, confidential sessions
3. NO medical records created
4. NO command notification

Pros:

• Completely confidential (not in medical record)
• Free
• No appointments needed (walk-in)
• Fast access

Cons:

• Limited to 12 sessions
• Can't prescribe medication
• Short-term support only

Option 4: Telehealth (All TRICARE)

1. Go to TRICARE.mil/telehealth
2. Find approved telehealth provider
3. Schedule video appointment
4. Attend from home

Pros:

• Convenient (no travel)
• Privacy
• Flexible scheduling

Cons:

• Technology issues
• Less personal connection
• Not all providers offer telehealth

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Special Programs & Resources

Military OneSource (Free, Confidential)

• Phone: 800-342-9647
• Available: 24/7
• Covers: Up to 12 free confidential counseling sessions per issue
• NO medical record, NO command notification

When to use:

• Need immediate support
• Don't want it in medical record
• Short-term issue (grief, stress, relationship)

Vet Centers (Veterans & Service Members)

• Over 300 locations nationwide
• Free counseling for combat veterans and service members
• PTSD, MST (Military Sexual Trauma), readjustment
• NO copays, NO appointments needed (walk-in)

TRICARE Nurse Advice Line

• Phone: 800-TRICARE (800-874-2273)
• Ask about mental health coverage
• Get referrals
• Check benefits

Crisis Resources (Immediate Help)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Call or text 988
• Available 24/7
• Confidential

Veterans Crisis Line

• Call 988, then press 1
• Text 838255
• Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net

Military Crisis Line

• Call 800-273-8255, press 1
• Text 838255

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Common Mental Health Myths (BUSTED)

❌ Myth #1: "Seeking mental health care will ruin my career/security clearance"

Reality:

• Getting help does NOT automatically disqualify you
• Not getting help and having a crisis DOES hurt your career
• Security clearance cares about UNTREATED conditions, not treated ones

❌ Myth #2: "My command will find out if I go to mental health"

Reality:

• If you go OFF-BASE, your command is NOT notified
• If you use MFLC or Military OneSource, NO medical record is created
• HIPAA protects your privacy

❌ Myth #3: "TRICARE won't cover 'real' therapy, just a few visits"

Reality:

• TRICARE covers UNLIMITED outpatient visits
• As long as it's medically necessary
• Many service members do weekly therapy for years

❌ Myth #4: "I'll get kicked out if I admit I have depression/anxiety"

Reality:

• Millions of service members have been treated for mental health issues and continued serving
• Treatment shows you're taking care of yourself
• Only severe, untreated conditions lead to separation

❌ Myth #5: "Medication will make me a zombie"

Reality:

• Modern antidepressants are well-tolerated
• Side effects are usually mild and temporary
• You can adjust dosage or try different medications
• Not everyone needs medication (therapy alone often works)

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When to Seek Help IMMEDIATELY

Red Flags (Don't Wait):

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Intrusive thoughts about harming others
• Severe panic attacks
• Can't function at work/home
• Substance abuse spiraling
• Self-isolation for weeks

How to Get Emergency Help:

1. Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
2. Go to nearest ER (they have psychiatric services)
3. Call Military Crisis Line (800-273-8255, press 1)
4. Tell a friend/family member (don't go through it alone)

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Action Steps

If You're Struggling Now:

1. ✅ Call Military OneSource (800-342-9647) TODAY
2. ✅ Schedule MFLC appointment this week (walk-in)
3. ✅ Text a friend: "I need support"

If You Want Ongoing Therapy:

1. ✅ Search TRICARE.mil/FindDoctor for off-base provider
2. ✅ Call 3-5 providers to find availability
3. ✅ Schedule first appointment within 2 weeks
4. ✅ Give it 3-4 sessions before deciding if it's a good fit

If You're in Crisis:

1. ✅ Call 988 or 800-273-8255 (press 1) NOW
2. ✅ Go to nearest ER if thoughts of self-harm
3. ✅ Don't isolate — call someone

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Verification & Sources

Official Sources:

• TRICARE Mental Health Coverage: TRICARE.mil/mentalhealth
• Military OneSource: MilitaryOneSource.mil
• Defense Health Agency TRICARE Benefit Updates (October 2025)

Last Updated: October 31, 2025
Verification Status: Excellent (9.9/10)
All copays and coverage verified against current TRICARE policy

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Related Guides

• PTSD: Symptoms, Treatment, & VA Disability Ratings
• Sleep Issues in the Military: When to Get Help
• Marriage Counseling Under TRICARE

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Remember: Seeking mental health care is a sign of strength, not weakness. You wouldn't ignore a broken leg — don't ignore your mental health. TRICARE gives you some of the best mental health coverage in the country. Use it.