Medicare covers mental health counseling, but the amount you pay depends on which type of counselor you see and whether you meet certain conditions.

Medicare Part B pays for outpatient mental health services — including individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric evaluations — when provided by a licensed professional. You typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. The catch is that not all counselors are covered the same way, and some settings have different rules.

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your coverage may differ. Some plans cover more mental health visits than Original Medicare does, or charge lower copays. Check your plan's summary of benefits, or call the plan directly to confirm what is covered before you schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers therapy from psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors when they are enrolled Medicare providers.
  • You pay 20% coinsurance after your Part B deductible is met, with no visit limit under Original Medicare.
  • Telehealth mental health visits are covered at the same rate as in-person visits.
  • Medicare Advantage plans may offer different copays or higher visit limits, so you should check your specific plan before scheduling.
  • Your counselor must be a Medicare-enrolled provider; seeing an out-of-network therapist usually means you pay the full cost.

Which Mental Health Professionals Medicare Covers

Medicare covers therapy from four main types of licensed professionals: psychiatrists (medical doctors who can prescribe medication), psychologists (who hold a doctoral degree in psychology), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Each must be enrolled as a Medicare provider in your state.

The key word is enrolled. Just because someone holds a license does not mean Medicare will pay for their services. Before you book an appointment, ask the office directly: "Are you enrolled with Medicare?" or search the Medicare provider directory at Medicare.gov under "Care Provider Search." If your counselor is not enrolled, Medicare will not pay, and you will owe the full fee.

Psychiatrists are the only type who can prescribe psychiatric medications. If you need both therapy and medication management, a psychiatrist can provide both. Psychologists, social workers, and counselors cannot prescribe (except in a few states with special licensing), so if you need medication, you may also see a psychiatrist or your primary care doctor.

What You Pay Out of Pocket

Under Original Medicare (Part A and B), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each mental health visit after you have met your Part B deductible. The deductible is the same for all Part B services combined — in 2024 it is $240, though this amount changes yearly. Once you reach that deductible, you pay the 20% coinsurance for the rest of the calendar year.

There is no limit on the number of mental health visits Medicare will cover in a year under Original Medicare, as long as the visits are deemed medically necessary. "Medically necessary" means your doctor or mental health provider documents that the treatment is appropriate for your condition. This is different from some other services that have visit caps.

If you have a Medigap supplemental policy, it may cover some or all of your 20% coinsurance, depending on which plan you hold. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you typically pay a copay per visit (often $0 to $50) rather than coinsurance, but your plan may limit the number of covered visits per year. Always check your plan documents or call your plan before your first appointment.

Telehealth Mental Health Visits

Medicare covers mental health counseling by video call at the same rate as in-person visits. You still pay 20% coinsurance after your deductible, and the provider must be a Medicare-enrolled professional in your state. This is true whether you use your own video setup at home or visit a clinic that offers telehealth.

Telehealth has made it easier for people in rural areas or those with mobility challenges to reach mental health care. If your regular counselor does not offer video visits, ask if they can refer you to someone who does, or search the Medicare provider directory and filter for telehealth options.

How to Find a Medicare-Enrolled Mental Health Provider

The fastest way is to use the Medicare provider search at Medicare.gov/care-compare. Select "Mental health professionals" from the provider type menu, enter your city or zip code, and the results will show enrolled psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and counselors near you. The listing shows their address, phone number, and whether they accept new patients.

You can also call your primary care doctor's office and ask for a referral. Many primary care practices have mental health providers on staff or have established relationships with local therapists who accept Medicare. Your insurance company (if you have Medicare Advantage) can also provide a list of in-network mental health providers.

When you call to schedule, confirm three things: that they are enrolled with Medicare, that they are accepting new patients, and what your out-of-pocket cost will be. Some offices will tell you the estimated copay or coinsurance over the phone if you give them your plan information.

What Is Not Covered

Medicare does not cover counseling from unlicensed therapists, life coaches, or counselors who are not enrolled Medicare providers. It also does not cover services that are primarily educational rather than therapeutic — for example, a class on stress management or a support group run by a non-licensed facilitator.

If you see a counselor who is not enrolled with Medicare, you will pay the full cost out of pocket. Medicare will not reimburse you later, even if the person is licensed in your state. This is why checking enrollment status before your first visit is important.

Mental Health Coverage in Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) must cover at least the same mental health services as Original Medicare, but many offer more. Some plans include a set number of free mental health visits per year, lower copays than Original Medicare's 20% coinsurance, or coverage for services like psychiatric nurse practitioners or marriage and family therapists.

The trade-off is that you usually must see providers in your plan's network. If you see an out-of-network mental health provider, you may pay more or nothing may be covered. Check your plan's summary of benefits (called the "Evidence of Coverage" document) or call your plan's customer service line to learn exactly what mental health services are included and what you will pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover therapy for depression or anxiety?

Yes. Medicare covers outpatient mental health treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions when provided by an enrolled mental health professional. Your doctor does not need to refer you; you can contact a mental health provider directly and request an appointment.

Will Medicare pay if I see a therapist who is not a psychiatrist or psychologist?

Yes, if the therapist is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed professional counselor (LPC) and is enrolled with Medicare. Check the Medicare provider directory to confirm enrollment before you schedule. If they are not enrolled, Medicare will not pay.

What happens if I reach my deductible partway through the year?

Once you meet your Part B deductible (currently $240 per year), you pay 20% coinsurance for all remaining Part B services, including mental health visits, for the rest of that calendar year. The deductible resets on January 1 each year.

Can I use my Medicare Advantage plan to see a mental health provider outside the network?

Most Medicare Advantage plans require you to use in-network providers for full coverage. Out-of-network mental health visits may cost more or may not be covered at all. Check your plan's provider directory or call customer service to confirm which providers are in-network in your area.

Does Medicare cover couples counseling or family therapy?

Medicare covers group therapy and family therapy when provided by an enrolled mental health professional and deemed medically necessary. The same 20% coinsurance applies. Ask your provider whether they offer these services and whether Medicare will cover them for your specific situation.