Does Medicare Cover Mental Health and Therapy Services?

Mental health is a fundamental part of overall well-being, and for the more than 67 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, access to affordable behavioral health care is a critical concern. Depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions are common among older adults and people with disabilities — the two primary populations Medicare serves. The good news is that Medicare provides meaningful coverage for a wide range of mental health and therapy services, from outpatient counseling to inpatient psychiatric care to substance abuse treatment.

Yet many beneficiaries do not realize how extensive their mental health benefits are. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, fewer than half of Medicare enrollees with depression receive treatment, often because they are unaware of what is covered. This guide explains exactly what Medicare Parts A and B cover for mental health, how Medicare Advantage plans may expand those benefits, what you will pay out of pocket, and how to find a therapist or psychiatrist who accepts Medicare in 2026.

How Medicare Covers Mental Health: Part A vs. Part B

Medicare divides mental health coverage between its two main parts. Understanding the distinction is essential for knowing what services you can access and what you will pay. For a broader overview of how the entire program is structured, see our guide to the four parts of Medicare explained.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient mental health care. This includes psychiatric treatment you receive during a stay in a general hospital, a psychiatric hospital, or a skilled nursing facility. Part A pays for the room, meals, nursing care, therapy, medications administered during your stay, and other services provided as part of your inpatient treatment plan.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient mental health care. This is where most beneficiaries access their therapy and counseling services. Part B pays for visits to psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and other qualified mental health providers. It also covers partial hospitalization programs, outpatient substance abuse treatment, and preventive screenings. To learn more about Part B costs, see our article on Medicare Part B costs in 2026.

Outpatient Mental Health Services Covered by Part B

Medicare Part B provides comprehensive coverage for outpatient mental health services. This is the benefit most beneficiaries use regularly, and it covers a broad range of providers and treatment types. The following services are covered when provided by a Medicare-participating mental health professional:

• Individual psychotherapy: One-on-one talk therapy sessions with a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, licensed professional counselor, or licensed marriage and family therapist
• Group therapy: Therapy sessions conducted in a group setting with other patients, led by a qualified mental health professional
• Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis: Initial assessments to diagnose mental health conditions, including comprehensive psychiatric evaluations
• Medication management: Visits with a psychiatrist or other prescribing provider to monitor and adjust psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics
• Psychological testing: Neuropsychological and psychological testing when ordered by a physician to assess cognitive function, personality, or specific mental health conditions
• Diagnostic services: Lab tests, imaging, and other diagnostic procedures needed as part of a mental health assessment or treatment plan
• Partial hospitalization programs: Intensive outpatient programs that provide structured psychiatric treatment during the day without requiring an overnight hospital stay (covered under Part B, not Part A)

There is no annual or lifetime limit on the number of outpatient therapy sessions Medicare Part B will cover. As long as the services are deemed medically necessary by your provider and properly documented, Medicare will continue to pay its share of the cost.

Eligible mental health providers under Medicare

Medicare Part B covers services from the following types of mental health professionals, as long as they are enrolled in Medicare and accept Medicare assignment:

• Psychiatrists (MDs or DOs specializing in psychiatry)
• Clinical psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs)
• Clinical social workers (LCSWs)
• Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)
• Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)
• Psychiatric nurse specialists and nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants (PAs) working under a psychiatrist's supervision

An important change occurred in 2024 when Medicare began covering services from licensed professional counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists for the first time. Previously, these provider types were not eligible for Medicare reimbursement, which significantly limited the pool of available therapists. This expansion gives beneficiaries far more options when seeking mental health care.

Preventive Mental Health Services at No Cost

Medicare Part B covers several preventive mental health services with no deductible, copay, or coinsurance. These free screenings are designed to catch mental health conditions early, when treatment is most effective:

• Annual depression screening: Covered once per year when performed in a primary care setting that can provide follow-up treatment or referrals. This is typically done using a standardized questionnaire like the PHQ-9.
• Annual alcohol misuse screening: Medicare covers one alcohol misuse screening per year and up to four brief face-to-face counseling sessions per year for beneficiaries who screen positive and are seen in a primary care setting.
• Annual Wellness Visit: During your free Annual Wellness Visit, your provider can screen for cognitive impairment, discuss your mental and emotional health, and create or update a personalized prevention plan that includes mental health considerations.

These preventive services require no out-of-pocket cost when you receive them from a provider who accepts Medicare assignment. If a screening identifies a concern and your provider proceeds with diagnostic testing or treatment during the same visit, the additional services may be subject to normal cost-sharing.

Inpatient Psychiatric Care Under Medicare Part A

When mental health conditions require intensive treatment that cannot be managed on an outpatient basis, Medicare Part A covers inpatient psychiatric care. This includes care in a general hospital's psychiatric unit or in a freestanding psychiatric hospital. Part A pays for the following during an inpatient psychiatric stay:

• A semi-private room and meals
• General nursing care and psychiatric nursing
• Individual and group therapy sessions during your stay
• Medications administered during inpatient treatment
• Diagnostic tests and lab work related to your psychiatric care
• Activity therapies, occupational therapy, and other therapeutic activities that are part of your treatment plan

The 190-day lifetime limit for psychiatric hospitals

One critical rule to understand is that Medicare Part A imposes a lifetime limit of 190 days for inpatient care in a freestanding psychiatric hospital. This means that over the entire course of your Medicare enrollment, you can receive up to 190 total days of care in a dedicated psychiatric facility. Once you have used all 190 days, Medicare will no longer cover inpatient care at a freestanding psychiatric hospital.

However, this 190-day limit does not apply to psychiatric care received in a general hospital. If you are admitted to the psychiatric unit of a general hospital, your stay is covered under the same rules as any other Part A inpatient hospitalization, with no separate lifetime cap. For beneficiaries who require long-term or repeated inpatient psychiatric care, receiving treatment in a general hospital's psychiatric unit is the more sustainable option from a coverage standpoint.

Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial hospitalization programs, sometimes called day treatment programs, occupy a middle ground between inpatient care and standard outpatient therapy. These programs provide intensive, structured psychiatric treatment during the day — typically five to seven days per week — while allowing the patient to return home in the evening. Medicare Part B covers partial hospitalization when your doctor certifies that you would otherwise need inpatient care.

Covered services in a partial hospitalization program include individual and group therapy, medication management, occupational therapy, and other structured therapeutic activities. The program must be provided by a hospital outpatient department or a community mental health center that is certified by Medicare. You will pay the standard Part B coinsurance of 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for each day of the program after meeting your annual deductible.

Substance Abuse and Addiction Treatment

Substance use disorders, including alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder, are among the most serious mental health challenges facing Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare provides coverage for a full continuum of substance abuse treatment under both Part A and Part B.

Inpatient substance abuse treatment (Part A)

Medicare Part A covers medically necessary inpatient detoxification and rehabilitation services in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. This includes the medical supervision needed to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, as well as counseling and therapy provided during the inpatient stay. Coverage follows the same benefit period rules and cost-sharing structure as other Part A inpatient admissions.

Outpatient substance abuse treatment (Part B)

Medicare Part B covers outpatient substance abuse treatment services, including:

• Individual and group counseling for substance use disorders
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) including buprenorphine, naltrexone, and other FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder
• Structured outpatient treatment programs, including intensive outpatient programs
• Opioid treatment program services, including methadone maintenance therapy (covered since 2020)
• Annual alcohol misuse screening and up to four brief counseling sessions at no cost

The expansion of Medicare's opioid treatment program benefit in 2020 was a significant step forward. Medicare now covers bundled payments for opioid treatment programs that include medication dispensing, counseling, toxicology testing, and intake activities, making it easier for beneficiaries to access comprehensive addiction treatment.

Telehealth for Mental Health: Permanent Access in 2026

One of the most important developments in Medicare mental health coverage is the permanent expansion of telehealth for behavioral health services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare temporarily relaxed its telehealth restrictions, allowing beneficiaries to receive therapy and psychiatric care from home via video and phone calls. Congress has since made many of these flexibilities permanent for mental health and substance use disorder services.

Here is what the telehealth rules look like for Medicare mental health services in 2026:

• Home-based telehealth: You can receive mental health and substance use disorder telehealth services from your home. There is no requirement to travel to a medical facility or clinic to connect with your provider.
• Audio-only visits allowed: Medicare covers audio-only (telephone) mental health visits for beneficiaries who lack access to video technology or prefer phone-based appointments. This is particularly important for older adults who may not be comfortable with video platforms.
• No geographic restrictions: For behavioral health telehealth, Medicare has removed the previous requirement that patients must live in rural areas. Beneficiaries in urban, suburban, and rural locations can all use telehealth for mental health care.
• In-person requirement: You must have an in-person visit with a new mental health provider within the first six months of beginning telehealth treatment with that provider, and then at least once every 12 months thereafter. This requirement can be waived under certain circumstances.
• Same cost-sharing: The coinsurance for telehealth mental health visits is the same 20 percent you would pay for an in-person visit. There is no additional charge for choosing telehealth.

The permanence of these telehealth expansions is a game-changer for Medicare beneficiaries who face transportation barriers, mobility limitations, live in areas with few mental health providers, or simply prefer the convenience and privacy of at-home appointments. Studies conducted during and after the pandemic have consistently shown that telehealth therapy produces outcomes comparable to in-person therapy for many mental health conditions.

What Does Medicare Mental Health Care Cost in 2026?

Understanding your out-of-pocket costs for mental health care is essential for budgeting and planning. For a comprehensive overview of all Medicare costs, see our guide on how much Medicare costs in 2026. Here is what you can expect to pay for mental health services specifically:

Outpatient mental health costs (Part B)

• Part B deductible: You must meet the annual Part B deductible before Medicare begins paying for outpatient mental health services. In 2026, the Part B deductible is $257.
• Coinsurance: After meeting the deductible, you pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for outpatient therapy visits, psychiatric appointments, medication management sessions, and other Part B mental health services.
• Estimated per-visit cost: For a typical 45-minute psychotherapy session with a Medicare-approved amount of approximately $130 to $160, your 20 percent coinsurance would be roughly $26 to $32 per visit. Medication management appointments are generally shorter and less expensive, with your share typically ranging from $15 to $25.
• Free preventive screenings: Annual depression screenings and alcohol misuse screenings are covered at 100 percent with no cost to you.

Inpatient psychiatric costs (Part A)

Inpatient psychiatric care follows the same cost-sharing structure as other Part A hospital stays:

1. Days 1 through 60: You pay the Part A deductible of $1,676 in 2026 for the benefit period. After meeting the deductible, Medicare covers the remaining costs with no daily coinsurance.
2. Days 61 through 90: You pay a daily coinsurance of $419 per day in 2026.
3. Days 91 and beyond: You can use your 60 lifetime reserve days at a coinsurance rate of $838 per day in 2026. Once these are exhausted, you are responsible for all costs.

One important difference to note: Original Medicare (Parts A and B alone) has no annual out-of-pocket maximum. This means there is no cap on how much you could pay in a given year for mental health or any other medical services. A Medigap supplemental insurance policy or a Medicare Advantage plan can help protect you from unlimited cost exposure.

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare for Mental Health

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are required by law to cover at least everything that Original Medicare covers, including all mental health and substance abuse treatment services. However, many Medicare Advantage plans go beyond the minimum requirements and offer additional mental health benefits that can be valuable for beneficiaries who need ongoing behavioral health care. For a deeper look at the trade-offs, read our article on Medicare Advantage pros and cons.

Potential advantages of Medicare Advantage for mental health

• Annual out-of-pocket maximum: All Medicare Advantage plans must include an annual limit on your total out-of-pocket spending for in-network services. In 2026, the maximum allowable limit is $9,350 for in-network services. This cap protects you if you need extensive mental health treatment in a given year.
• Lower per-visit copays: Many Medicare Advantage plans charge a flat copay for therapy and psychiatry visits — often $20 to $40 per visit — rather than 20 percent coinsurance, which can be more predictable and sometimes lower.
• Integrated telehealth platforms: Some Medicare Advantage plans partner with digital behavioral health platforms that make it easy to schedule and attend therapy appointments online, with streamlined access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists.
• Care coordination: Many plans offer care management programs for beneficiaries with chronic mental health conditions, including assigned care coordinators who help ensure you receive appropriate and consistent treatment.

Potential drawbacks of Medicare Advantage for mental health

• Provider network restrictions: You must generally see in-network mental health providers to receive the lowest cost-sharing. If your preferred therapist or psychiatrist is not in the plan's network, you may face significantly higher out-of-pocket costs or have to switch providers.
• Prior authorization requirements: Some Medicare Advantage plans require prior authorization for inpatient psychiatric care, partial hospitalization programs, psychological testing, or intensive outpatient programs. This adds an administrative step that can delay access to care.
• Narrower provider availability: Mental health provider shortages are a nationwide challenge, and some Medicare Advantage plan networks may have a limited number of in-network therapists and psychiatrists in your area, leading to longer wait times for appointments.

When comparing plans, pay close attention to the plan's mental health provider directory, copay or coinsurance amounts for therapy and psychiatry, rules around prior authorization, and the annual out-of-pocket maximum. If you are currently seeing a specific mental health provider, verify that they participate in the plan's network before enrolling.

Prescription Drug Coverage for Mental Health Medications

While Medicare Part B covers the physician visits where your medications are prescribed and monitored, the medications themselves are generally covered under Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). This includes antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and medications used for substance use disorder treatment that you take at home.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, all Medicare Part D plans now have an annual out-of-pocket cap of $2,000 for prescription drug costs starting in 2025. This cap provides critical financial protection for beneficiaries who take multiple or expensive psychiatric medications. Additionally, Part D plans must include at least two drugs in each therapeutic class on their formulary, which includes mental health medication categories. However, the specific drugs covered and their tier placement vary by plan, so it is important to check that your medications are on a plan's formulary before enrolling.

Some psychiatric medications, particularly those administered by injection in a doctor's office — such as long-acting injectable antipsychotics — are covered under Part B rather than Part D because they are classified as physician-administered drugs.

How to Find a Mental Health Provider Who Accepts Medicare

Finding a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist who accepts Medicare can be one of the more challenging aspects of accessing mental health care. Many mental health professionals in private practice do not accept Medicare, either because of lower reimbursement rates or the administrative burden of Medicare billing. However, there are several effective strategies for locating a provider:

1. Medicare Care Compare: Visit Medicare.gov and use the Care Compare tool to search for mental health providers in your area. You can filter by specialty, location, and whether the provider accepts Medicare assignment.
2. SAMHSA Treatment Locator: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration maintains a searchable directory at findtreatment.gov that includes therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and substance abuse treatment facilities. You can filter results to show providers who accept Medicare.
3. Community mental health centers: These centers are specifically designed to serve people regardless of their ability to pay, and most accept Medicare. They offer therapy, counseling, psychiatric services, and crisis intervention.
4. Hospital outpatient departments: Many hospitals have outpatient behavioral health departments staffed with psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists who accept Medicare. Contact your local hospital to ask about their mental health outpatient services.
5. 1-800-MEDICARE: Call 1-800-633-4227 (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) to speak with a representative who can help you find mental health providers in your area who accept Medicare.
6. Your Medicare Advantage plan directory: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, use your plan's online provider directory or call member services to find in-network mental health providers.

When you contact a mental health provider, ask two key questions: Do you accept Medicare? And do you accept Medicare assignment? A provider who accepts assignment agrees to charge no more than the Medicare-approved amount, which protects you from excess charges. Providers who accept Medicare but do not accept assignment can charge up to 15 percent more than the Medicare-approved rate.

What Medicare Does NOT Cover for Mental Health

While Medicare's mental health coverage is relatively comprehensive, there are some services and situations it does not cover:

• Long-term custodial care in a psychiatric residential facility or group home that is not providing active psychiatric treatment
• Inpatient care in a freestanding psychiatric hospital beyond the 190-day lifetime limit
• Therapy or counseling from providers who are not enrolled in Medicare or do not meet Medicare's licensing requirements
• Services that Medicare deems not medically necessary, such as couples counseling that is not part of a treatment plan for a diagnosed mental health condition
• Meals or transportation to and from outpatient mental health appointments (though some Medicare Advantage plans do cover transportation as a supplemental benefit)

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Medicare Mental Health Benefits

Navigating the mental health care system can feel overwhelming, but these practical steps can help you maximize your Medicare benefits and access the care you need:

1. Start with your primary care doctor. Your primary care provider can perform an initial screening, prescribe common psychiatric medications, and provide referrals to specialists. Many primary care doctors are comfortable managing mild to moderate depression and anxiety.
2. Use your free annual depression screening. This no-cost preventive benefit is a simple way to check in on your mental health each year. Request it during your Annual Wellness Visit or schedule a separate appointment.
3. Consider telehealth. If you have trouble finding a local therapist who accepts Medicare, telehealth dramatically expands your options. You can work with any Medicare-participating mental health provider in your state regardless of physical distance.
4. Verify Medicare assignment before your first appointment. Confirming that your provider accepts Medicare assignment protects you from excess charges and ensures you pay only the standard 20 percent coinsurance.
5. Review your Part D formulary. If you take psychiatric medications, make sure they are covered by your Part D plan at a tier that keeps your costs manageable. If they are not, you may be able to request a formulary exception or switch to a plan with better coverage during the Annual Enrollment Period.
6. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors provide free, personalized help with Medicare questions, including understanding your mental health benefits and finding providers. Call 1-877-839-2675 to find your local SHIP office.

The Bottom Line

Medicare provides substantial coverage for mental health and therapy services — more coverage than many beneficiaries realize. Part B covers outpatient therapy with no limit on the number of sessions, Part A covers inpatient psychiatric care, and both parts together address substance abuse treatment. Free preventive screenings for depression and alcohol misuse make it easy to stay proactive about your mental health. The permanent expansion of telehealth for behavioral health services in 2026 has removed many of the barriers that previously prevented beneficiaries from accessing care.

Your out-of-pocket costs are manageable in most cases: 20 percent coinsurance for outpatient visits after meeting the annual deductible, with free preventive screenings. If you want additional financial protection, a Medigap supplemental plan can cover most or all of your coinsurance, and a Medicare Advantage plan can provide an annual out-of-pocket cap along with potential extra benefits like lower copays and integrated telehealth platforms.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition, do not hesitate to use your Medicare benefits. Start by talking to your primary care doctor, scheduling your free annual depression screening, or calling 1-800-MEDICARE for help finding a mental health provider near you. For immediate crisis support, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.