Mental Health Therapeutic Services
| Covered by TRICARE? | Limits |
|---|
| Yes
|
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TRICARE covers a variety of services for mental health and substance use disorder:
| Service |
What is it? |
| Psychotherapy |
Also known as “therapy” or “counseling.” TRICARE covers inpatient and outpatient services, including:
- Individual sessions
- Group sessions
- Family/Conjoint sessions
|
| Psychoanalysis |
TRICARE covers psychoanalysis if the provider is a graduate or candidate of a psychoanalytic training institution recognized by the American Psychoanalytic Association and when preauthorized by the Director, or a designee.
|
| Psychological Testing & 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 |
Psychotropic drugs change your perception, mood, or consciousness. TRICARE covers them when prescribed by an authorized provider as part of your treatment plan.
|
| Electroconvulsive Treatment |
Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) may be covered. ECT uses electric currents to cause a seizure. It seems to change brain chemistry and reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses.
|
| Collateral Visits |
TRICARE covers collateral visits when needed. During a collateral visit, the psychiatrist or other physician for a mental health patient explains results of psychiatric or medical examinations and procedures to a family member or other responsible person. They also give advice on how to help the patient.
|
| Medication Assisted Treatment |
Medication assisted treatment combines medication and mental health therapies for the treatment of substance use disorder.
|
| Ancillary Therapies |
Includes art, music, dance, occupational, and other ancillary therapies. TRICARE only covers ancillary therapies as part of the treatment plan at one of the following types of facilities:
- Inpatient facility
- Substance use disorder facility
- Residential treatment center
- Partial hospital program
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