TriCare & Therapy: Getting Mental Health Support

Covered mental health services include individual, group, and family counseling — including Charlie Health’s military-specific programming.

Learn more about our Clinical Review Process

Mental health has become a serious point of concern for the military community. Research shows that veterans and active duty service members are at risk for depression, substance use disorder (SUD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health concerns extend to family members as well due to the unique issues associated with having a loved one in the military. 

“Access to mental health services is crucial for military personnel and veterans due to the unique stressors associated with military life, including combat exposure and frequent relocations,” says Meghan Jensen, LPC, Clinical Supervisor with Charlie Health. “Untreated mental health issues can lead to decreased readiness, impaired decision-making, and increased risk of suicide. Addressing these concerns is vital for the well-being of service members,” she explains. 

The good news is that mental health support is available for those who need it. Many active service members, veterans, and their families are eligible for a health insurance plan called TriCare. Managed by the Defense Health Agency, TriCare provides medical and behavioral healthcare coverage for 9.5 million people worldwide. Continue reading to discover what services are covered by TriCare and how to use them to access personalized mental health support with Charlie Health.

What mental health treatment does TriCare insurance cover?

In addition to medical care, TriCare insurance covers mental health treatment. Covered mental health services can include outpatient treatment and inpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment refers to both in-person and online therapy services for common mental and behavioral health conditions, including anxiety, depression, SUDs, and PTSD. It also includes more intensive treatment options like substance abuse treatment or intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) — the service Charlie Health offers. Inpatient treatment refers to residential treatment programs, like rehab or a partial hospitalization program (PHP). 

TriCare offers multiple plans which cover individual, group, and family counseling sessions. Covered services often include prescription medications and medication assisted treatment (MAT), as well as services like art, music, and dance therapy in certain settings. 

Ask these questions to see if TriCare will pay for your therapy

Similar to other health insurance plans, TriCare coverage may vary based on your specific plan. If you’re interested in therapy or other mental health services with TriCare, here are three cost and accessibility considerations.

1. Is your therapist in-network? 

Your out-of-pocket cost will be lower if you choose a therapist who is in-network with TriCare. 

2. Is this a medically necessary therapy service? 

TriCare covered services that are deemed medically and psychologically necessary for mental health and substance use disorders.

3. Do I have a deductible and copay? 

A deductible means you’ll spend a set amount of money out-of-pocket before TriCare starts sharing the cost, while a copay is a fixed cost for specific services like therapy appointments and prescription medications.

Does Charlie Health Work with TriCare?

Yes, Charlie Health accepts TriCare health insurance! We even specialize in trauma-informed treatment programs that focus on the specific needs of the military community. 

“Charlie Health probably saved my life,” says one young woman enrolled in the program. “It’s the common support and common ground that we all have. Even if we don’t all have the same traumas, we may have gone through something similar and have advice for each other. I think it’s a beautiful thing,” she explains. 

Charlie Health supports military family members as well. “At the start of college last year, I was having a really hard time. I ended up having to go to the hospital, and that’s when Charlie Health was recommended to me,” explains the sister of an active-duty member. “Before treatment, I was not in a very good relationship with my significant other. After treatment, I told [my ex] I didn’t trust him in the way I needed for a relationship. I never expected myself to be able to stick up for myself, and it definitely showed how much I changed through Charlie Health.”

How to get military-focused therapy at Charlie Health

If you have TriCare and are interested in learning more about Charlie Health’s Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), here’s how to get started. 

1. Contact the Charlie Health Admissions Team

The Admissions Team is available 24/7 to support your healing journey whenever you feel ready. You can call 1 (866) 959-1162 or complete this form to learn about your plan’s specific benefits. We’re in-network with TriCare and most other major health insurance providers.

2. Complete a mental health assessment 

Once the Admissions Team verifies your TriCare benefits, the Clinical Team will conduct a thorough mental health assessment and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. This is completely online, so you can discuss your current situation, health history, and treatment goals at a time and place that works for you. 

3. Begin healing

Charlie Health is dedicated to creating effective and accessible care solutions so that you can focus on long-term growth and healing. Once you complete your mental health assessment, you can begin your personalized treatment plan in as little as 24 hours.

Our expert clinicians have military-specific training and understand that being part of a military family comes with unique mental health challenges. If you or someone in your life is struggling with mental or behavioral health issues, Charlie Health is here to help. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start the conversation with Charlie Health today.