Yes, Medicare Covers Talk Therapy Now—But It’s Not Always Clear How to Actually Use It

Key Takeaways

• In 2025, Medicare covers talk therapy through both inpatient and outpatient services, including sessions with licensed therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and newly added providers like marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors.

• You must meet specific requirements, including seeing Medicare-approved providers and paying applicable deductibles and coinsurance. Not all providers accept Medicare, and navigating referrals and billing can get complicated.

What Medicare Covers When It Comes to Talk Therapy

If you’re enrolled in Medicare and thinking about getting mental health support, you now have more options than ever. Medicare covers a wide range of talk therapy services in 2025, but it’s important to know what you’re entitled to, how to access it, and what it may cost you.

Outpatient Talk Therapy Under Part B

Most talk therapy services fall under Medicare Part B. These include outpatient mental health services you receive in an office, clinic, or from home via telehealth.

Covered services under Part B include:

• One-on-one therapy (individual sessions)

• Group therapy sessions

• Family therapy, if it’s part of your treatment

• Diagnostic evaluations and assessments

• Medication management with a psychiatrist

• Services from licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), psychologists, and psychiatrists

• As of 2025, services from marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and mental health counselors (MHCs) are also covered

To qualify, the therapist or mental health professional must accept Medicare and be licensed in your state. Always check whether your provider is Medicare-approved before starting treatment.

Inpatient Mental Health Care Under Part A

If you need more intensive treatment, Medicare Part A covers inpatient mental health services provided in a hospital setting.

Here’s what Medicare Part A typically covers:

• Room and board in a psychiatric or general hospital

• Nursing care

• Therapy sessions during your hospital stay

• Medications and related treatment

However, there’s a lifetime limit of 190 days for inpatient psychiatric care in a freestanding psychiatric hospital. This limit does not apply to psychiatric care received in a general hospital.

Who Can Provide Talk Therapy Under Medicare in 2025

In past years, Medicare only covered mental health services from psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. That list has expanded.

Providers Now Covered

As of January 1, 2025, Medicare now covers talk therapy services provided by:

• Psychiatrists (MDs and DOs)

• Clinical psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs)

• Clinical social workers (LCSWs)

• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants (when trained in mental health)

• Marriage and family therapists (MFTs)

• Mental health counselors (MHCs)

This expansion gives you access to more choices, especially in underserved areas where finding a psychiatrist can be difficult.

What You Pay for Talk Therapy in 2025

Even though Medicare covers talk therapy, it’s not completely free.

Part B Costs

If you receive therapy as an outpatient (the most common scenario), you’ll be responsible for:

• The annual Part B deductible: In 2025, this is $257.

• Coinsurance: After the deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each session.

Part A Costs

If you’re hospitalized for mental health reasons:

• You must pay the Part A deductible, which in 2025 is $1,676 per benefit period.

• Additional coinsurance may apply depending on how long your hospital stay lasts.

Some Medicare Advantage plans may have different costs, but keep in mind that coverage must include at least what Original Medicare offers.

Using Telehealth for Therapy in 2025

Medicare has permanently expanded coverage for telehealth mental health services. This makes it easier to receive care from your home, especially if you have mobility issues or live in a rural area.

In 2025, you can use telehealth for:

• Therapy sessions via video

• Therapy sessions via audio-only (for certain situations)

• Visits with psychiatrists and medication management

To be eligible:

• You must use a provider who accepts Medicare

• You must have had an in-person visit with the provider within the past 12 months (this rule applies to mental health telehealth services)

There are exceptions to the in-person rule, especially for those who are physically unable to travel or who live in rural areas.

Getting Started: How to Find a Therapist Who Accepts Medicare

Even though coverage is available, not every therapist accepts Medicare. Here’s how to go about it:

Step 1: Talk to Your Primary Care Doctor

Your doctor can help refer you to a Medicare-approved mental health provider. In some cases, your doctor may need to provide a treatment plan or documentation.

Step 2: Use Medicare’s Provider Search Tool

You can search for therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists who accept Medicare using the official Medicare website. Filter results by location, specialty, and accepted insurance.

Step 3: Verify Credentials and Acceptance

Before booking, confirm:

• The provider is licensed in your state

• The provider accepts Medicare assignment (this affects billing)

• The type of therapy offered matches your needs (e.g., trauma-focused therapy, CBT, couples therapy, etc.)

Common Issues That Make It Harder to Use This Benefit

While Medicare covers talk therapy, you might still run into hurdles. Here are a few challenges people often face:

1. Lack of Medicare-Participating Therapists

Many therapists, especially in private practice, do not accept Medicare due to low reimbursement rates. This limits your options.

2. Referrals and Prior Authorization

Some services may require a referral or prior approval. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to check your plan’s rules.

3. Misunderstanding of Billing

Even if a therapist accepts Medicare, they may not accept Medicare assignment, which means they can charge you more than the Medicare-approved amount. Understanding this ahead of time avoids surprise bills.

4. Limited Availability

Long waitlists are common, especially in areas with mental health provider shortages. Telehealth may help bridge this gap, but you must still meet eligibility criteria.

Mental Health Screenings: Prevention is Also Covered

In addition to therapy sessions, Medicare also covers screenings for depression, substance use, and other mental health concerns.

What’s included:

• Annual depression screening: Free when performed in a primary care setting

• Alcohol misuse screening and counseling

• Opioid use disorder treatment services

• Behavioral health integration services

These services can help detect problems early, making it easier to treat them before they escalate.

Talk Therapy for Specific Needs: What Medicare Covers

Medicare covers talk therapy for a range of mental health needs, including:

• Depression and anxiety

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Grief and bereavement (if diagnosed as a mental health condition)

• Substance use disorders

What Medicare does not cover:

• Life coaching or personal development services

• Therapy from unlicensed individuals or providers who don’t accept Medicare

• Missed appointments or cancellation fees

If You Have Medicare and a Secondary Insurance

If you have a Medigap plan (Medicare Supplement Insurance), it may help pay for some of the out-of-pocket costs like coinsurance or deductibles. Check your specific plan to understand what’s included.

If you have Medicaid in addition to Medicare (known as dual eligibility), you may have expanded access to providers and reduced costs.

A Few Things to Do Before Booking Your First Therapy Session

Before you begin therapy, take these steps:

• Verify eligibility: Check that your provider accepts Medicare.

• Understand costs: Know what portion you’ll be responsible for.

• Ask about specialties: Choose a therapist who has experience with your particular concern.

• Confirm location and format: In-person or telehealth?

• Prepare your Medicare number: You’ll need it when making appointments.

How Medicare Makes Talk Therapy Possible If You Know What to Ask

Medicare now gives you the tools to access mental health support through talk therapy, but it does require careful navigation. From understanding what services are covered, to knowing which providers to seek out, to being clear on the costs involved—you play a vital role in making it all work.

The good news is that you no longer have to face mental health challenges alone. Whether it’s managing anxiety, navigating grief, or coping with depression, Medicare’s expanded mental health benefits are a step in the right direction. To make the most of them, speak with a licensed agent listed on this website who can walk you through your options and help you find a provider who fits your needs.