Mental health care (outpatient)
Medicare Coverage Information
Overview
Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for outpatient mental health services, helping beneficiaries access essential psychiatric care, counseling, and therapy. Patients can receive treatment from licensed mental health professionals with partial coverage under Part B.
- Covers individual and group psychotherapy sessions
- Includes visits with psychiatrists, psychologists, and other licensed mental health professionals
- Annual depression screenings are covered at no cost
- Telehealth mental health services are available
- Requires a referral from a Medicare-approved healthcare provider
- Medicare Part B beneficiaries
- Individuals 65 and older
- Some younger individuals with qualifying disabilities
- Those diagnosed with specific mental health conditions
- Beneficiaries typically pay 20% of Medicare-approved costs after meeting Part B deductible
- Annual wellness visits that include mental health screenings are covered at 100%
- Some preventive mental health services have no additional cost
- Services must be deemed medically necessary
- Limited to treatments provided by Medicare-approved professionals
- Annual visit limits may apply for certain specialized services
- Requires ongoing documentation of medical necessity
- Consult with your primary care physician about mental health referrals
- Verify provider accepts Medicare assignment
- Review your specific Medicare plan's mental health benefits
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE for detailed coverage information
Last updated: 6/15/2025
Quick Information
- Provider
- Medicare
- Last Updated
- 6/15/2025
- Topics
- Medicare mental healthoutpatient therapyMedicare counselingmental health coveragepsychiatric services
Related Coverage Topics
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