This TRICARE coverage extension is also thought to include coverage for telemental health, a term that explicitly defines TRICARE mental health services that are delivered remotely. In addition, TRICARE covers remote psychiatric services in some cases, such as medication management.*
TRICARE Expansion & Health Care Coverage For Service Dependents
Medically reviewed by Karen Foster, LPC
Updated February 18th, 2026 by BetterHelp Editorial Team
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The TRICARE dependent mental health expansion – Has it worked?
The TRICARE program is a health insurance system that connects current and former United States service members with various forms of healthcare. Members of the US Armed Forces face unique challenges that can impact their well-being. Through comprehensive TRICARE coverage, the government can promote better health outcomes among enlisted and retired servicepeople.
You may be eligible for TRICARE if you or your family works for the United States Armed Forces. Health care coverage through TRICARE includes benefits managed by the Defense Health Agency for military personnel and retirees. TRICARE's coverage has changed in recent years, including an expansion of the TRICARE network and options for remote medicine and therapy. One of the goals of the expansion was to help deliver mental health services to more TRICARE beneficiaries, including dependents. This article can help you understand what TRICARE changes might mean for you or a family member.
Perhaps the most significant recent change within TRICARE is the decision to make online or phone-based mental health treatment a permanent option for people with TRICARE. This might make it easier to make an appointment or maintain consistent health care even when you’re required to change locations for your job.
TRICARE expansion: Mental health care coverage by the Department of Defense & Defense Health Agency
Keep reading for a more detailed look at how therapy will look following these revisions to what TRICARE covers.
What are possible mental health challenges for military families?
Many military personnel and their loved ones may face greater difficulties with mental health than others in the civilian world. Service members on active duty may be exposed to traumatic experiences that can increase the risk of disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and depression.
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Changes in health care services affirmed by the Department of Defense & Defense Health Agency
As a result, the military has placed a priority on addressing mental health challenges, leading to various changes to TRICARE health services network. As of 2022, the Department of Defense publicly affirmed that it was launching an independent committee to review the effectiveness of the military’s programs, including TRICARE coverage, for suicide prevention and mental health. The recent expansion of TRICARE benefits may also represent an attempt to curb worrying trends in mental health outcomes for service members, veterans, and their families in Texas, Louisiana, and other states.
What the expansion entailed: Covering dependents for mental health care
An expansion of dependent benefits took effect in 2025, providing comprehensive TRICARE coverage to survivors of National Guard or Reserve members. These individuals are now able to utilize healthcare services for up to three years after the primary beneficiary’s death. If you’re eligible for benefits, remember that the 2025 TRICARE Open Season—the period during which you can enroll in or change a plan—runs from November 10 to December 9 (enrollment fees may apply).
Covered therapeutic services
Your specific TRICARE coverage for mental health care will depend on which TRICARE insurance plan you have (for example, TRICARE Prime). In most cases, TRICARE covers medically necessary services that are proven, including visits to a primary care manager and inpatient and outpatient therapy. However, the costs of therapy can vary, with therapy costs generally being lower with in-network TRICARE versus out-of-network TRICARE providers.
We are working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, our flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from our extensive therapist network.
Premium payments and enrollment fees may apply to certain beneficiaries within the TRICARE program; for example, retired service members may have to pay a TRICARE Prime enrollment fee, even if they didn’t do so while they were active. (Note: TRICARE is providing expanded coverage to individuals in designated geographic areas that can eliminate enrollment fees in some situations).
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BetterHelp currently accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers. Get started today.
Mental health services covered by TRICARE
For non-emergency outpatient services like counseling and therapy from a civilian provider, active duty service members (ADSMs) are typically covered with a referral or pre-authorization. However, those who are enrolled in TRICARE Prime are advised to seek non-emergency mental and behavioral healthcare at a military treatment facility or clinic first.
TRICARE Prime members are not required to obtain a referral for consultations with TRICARE network providers for office-based therapy or other types of TRICARE outpatient services. Individuals with TRICARE Select also have the freedom to visit any TRICARE-authorized provider without needing a referral. TRICARE members can find a provider or therapist by first asking their primary care provider or checking the TRICARE website.
However, TRICARE may not cover all mental health therapy and services. One example of something TRICARE may not cover would be medication-assisted therapy that may be considered controversial (like narcotherapy with LSD). If your TRICARE plan does not cover therapy, you may have to explore other in-person and remote options for therapy. TRICARE covers some forms of therapy and some therapists. If you have questions about what therapy TRICARE covers, you can reach out to TRICARE_help@amedd.army.mil.
Exploring the remote therapy policies
Many people began seeing healthcare providers remotely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and acceptance of this practice is statistically suggested to be growing. This may influence how many therapists TRICARE covers for service members. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 37% of U.S. adults have used telemedicine within the previous 12 months.
TRICARE began offering coverage of telehealth services on a provisional basis during the pandemic.
After recognizing the effectiveness of remote medicine, as well as its growing acceptance and usefulness, TRICARE made this change permanent, effective July 1, 2022.
*At the time of this publication, audio-only and videoconferencing options are covered through TRICARE. However, there may be exceptions for specific types of mental health treatment.
Like other types of medical care covered under TRICARE, only medically necessary telehealth services generally qualify. Active-duty service members also currently need a referral in order to use this TRICARE benefit. (Retirees and family members covered under TRICARE Prime do not.) When preparing to work with a mental health professional, especially outside of a TRICARE military hospital or clinic, you may want to double-check that they are a TRICARE-approved provider, meaning that TRICARE covers some or all of their costs.
Mental health services for dependents: Are they receiving care?
The expansion of mental health care to reach more beneficiaries and dependents has led to an increase in the availability of services. A 2023 report suggests that over half of mental health specialty care providers accepted TRICARE. Many people have reported experiencing better health outcomes and an improved patient experience.
Regional and pilot changes: What’s new in 2025 and beyond
In 2025, the Defense Health Agency announced that it was rolling out the TRICARE Prime Demo, which provides a range of benefits, including waived enrollment fees, online health services, and care coordination. The program is primarily for family members of individuals in active duty, reserve, or the National Guard, and it can only be utilized by people whose zip codes are within the Atlanta, Georgia, or Tampa Bay, Florida, metropolitan areas. Dr. David Krulak, the program’s director, explained how the demo may influence changes going forward: “The data we get from this demonstration will inform future TRICARE innovations nationwide.”
Evidence and oversight: What the data says so far
Recently, the TRICARE program has implemented changes to their mental health capabilities, based on the standards of care suggested by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and other agencies. There is evidence that this expansion has resulted in a greater number of TRICARE-authorized mental health providers. In 2023, a projected 2,295 mental health facilities accepted TRICARE, compared to 1,311 in 2022.
However, it is still unclear whether the expansion has led to better health outcomes. Researchers in one systematic review found that a “substantial proportion” of service members avoid pursuing care due to a fear of negative career outcomes, even though they are at higher risk of experiencing mental health conditions.
Paying for care and navigating costs: What families should know
Understanding how payments work for services through TRICARE can help service members and their families avoid financial burden. TRICARE beneficiaries can pay for enrollment fees, premiums, and other costs online. Learn about how to make TRICARE payments here. If you haven’t enrolled yet, or want to make changes to a plan you’re already enrolled in, remember that TRICARE Open Season runs from November 9 to December 10, 2025.
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Where gaps remain: Challenges in dependent mental health coverage
As discussed above, dependent mental health coverage under TRICARE has been expanded to include survivors of deceased National Guard and Reserve members. Further, programs like TRICARE Prime Demo have made it easier for family members of some service members to receive care. Still, the Prime Demo program is only available to individuals in certain designated geographic areas (Atlanta, Georgia, and Tampa Bay, Florida). A lack of providers is still impacting the patient experience for individuals in less populated regions. To address these gaps, officials are continuing to evaluate the best ways to ensure dependents can receive mental health care when they need it.
Why does telemental health matter for users?
Despite the general prevalence of mental health challenges among military personnel, studies suggest that many TRICARE service members don’t receive treatment. This may not be because the TRICARE service member does not want help, however. TRICARE covers plenty of services that are likely helpful to TRICARE members. The unique dynamics of military life can make seeking and maintaining treatment through TRICARE difficult — and online services could help through TRICARE. Here’s how:
Expanded providers
Many resources report that one of the major barriers to TRICARE mental health therapy is a lack of capacity. If you’re like many service members, you may reside in a heavily populated military installation with a limited number of mental health therapists nearby. However, when using telemedicine through TRICARE, your options might no longer remain restricted to therapists or psychiatrists in your area. This can make it much easier to find the help you need through TRICARE.
Better continuity of care
Telemental health could also make it easier for you or your family members to continue receiving therapy from the same provider if you have to relocate. The need to move frequently can be stressful for military families, and it can also disrupt your continuity of care—which can lead to worse mental health outcomes in some. The ability to stay in contact with a therapist who is already familiar with your unique challenges and with whom you’ve established trust can be a major advantage of telemental therapy.
Increased discretion
Another commonly reported reason many service members go untreated is the possible presence of a stigma surrounding mental health concerns within U.S. military culture. If you’ve been hesitant to seek therapy because you’re worried about how you’ll be perceived by others in the military, you may find the greater discretion of remote therapy helpful. It can empower you to conduct therapy sessions or psychiatric visits with your healthcare provider in your own home, on your own time.
Telehealth scheduling flexibility
Receiving therapy online can also be more convenient for many in terms of scheduling. Since there’s no need to commute to a therapist’s office to talk with them, you may find that receiving therapy takes up less of your time and is simpler to schedule into your day.
Are there any downsides to the recent TRICARE changes? Finding a new TRICARE doctor & TRICARE West regions
Though it’s good to know that coverage for remote therapy is a permanent part of TRICARE, certain other changes may not be as welcome. For example, at the time of this publication, the waiver of copays for remote visits with providers has ended. During the height of the pandemic, it was possible to use telemedicine services with TRICARE without paying out of pocket. However, in August of 2022, the Department of Defense announced that copays would once again be required moving forward.
TRICARE Expansion: From TRICARE East to new TRICARE West regions, overseen by the military health system
Another major change to possibly be aware of is the TRICARE reclassification of several U.S. states, moving them from TRICARE’s “East” to “West” regions. This isn’t generally related to remote therapy, but if you’re currently receiving therapy, you may need to find a new TRICARE doctor or therapist who is covered by your TRICARE plan. There is a chance your current TRICARE therapist might not be approved in your new region.
The states affected by the TRICARE change at the time of this publication may include:
- Arkansas
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Wisconsin
If you’re not enrolled in TRICARE, open enrollment occurs annually in Nov. and Dec. If you live in Texas, Louisiana, or one of these listed above states, you may want to stay tuned for further announcements from your TRICARE network. The change hasn’t yet taken effect — your healthcare coverage will generally remain unchanged through Dec. 2023. Beginning in 2024, though, you may be under TRICARE West rather than TRICARE East. You may benefit from speaking with your service provider or network representative to clarify your specific personal health needs and how TRICARE can support them.
Is online counseling effective?
Though we’ve outlined some of the possible benefits of online therapy above, you may still be skeptical. That can be understandable, and some people may always feel more comfortable consulting with their healthcare providers in person.
However, current research suggests that online therapy offers comparable results when compared to face-to-face therapeutic intervention. A comprehensive review of the scientific literature published in Cureus concluded that internet therapy was deemed effective for a wide range of mental health conditions. Among the diagnoses studied were:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Chronic pain
Takeaway: Taking stock of TRICARE’s expansion of dependent mental health services
Comprehensive TRICARE coverage can help service members and their families address psychological concerns and experience better health outcomes. The TRICARE program covers treatment for essential mental health and substance use disorders. TRICARE’s expansion to cover telemental health care permanently could support thousands of military personnel and family members. And future TRICARE innovations may help cover even more dependents. Online counseling may help if you’re facing obstacles to mental health treatment like:
- Relocation
- Scheduling
- Concerns about discretion
Open enrollment takes place annually in Nov. and Dec. and new TRICARE changes will take effect after Dec. 2024. Platforms like BetterHelp’s mental health care services can connect you or a loved one with a therapist in your area of need.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
Does the Defense Health Agency (DHA) provide TRICARE health insurance?
Yes, the DHA offers the TRICARE health plan, which provides health insurance through contracts with outside agencies.
Is TRICARE considered a Department of Defense health insurance program?
Yes, TRICARE is part of the Department of Defense. You can get more information from TRICARE's communications, such as one of their quarterly newsletters. You might be eligible to enhance your benefits with services through the VA.
Does TRICARE cover therapy and other mental health services?
Yes, coverage from TRICARE covers therapy sessions and a variety of other mental health services. In some cases, there may be a cost to you, depending on your benefits.
Does TRICARE cover telehealth or remote therapy sessions?
Yes, TRICARE covers telehealth, or remote therapy, for people who experience restrictions related to transportation and/or location. Still, even if you don’t have transportation limitations, TRICARE will cover remote therapy sessions.
Does TRICARE cover in-person therapy and depression treatment?
Yes, TRICARE covers in-person therapy, including both outpatient and inpatient services. TRICARE also covers treatment for depression and other mental health conditions.
What TRICARE changes are happening in 2025 and 2026?
New and upcoming changes to TRICARE include increased premiums and prescription medication charges. TRICARE is also expanding its survivor benefits and piloting a new program for retirees.
Why are some providers leaving TRICARE, and how does this affect coverage?
Many providers are leaving TRICARE due to billing problems and payment delays. This creates coverage gaps for military families looking for specialists and mental health care providers.
How much will TRICARE cost in the coming years, and are premiums expected to change?
Costs may vary depending on your specific TRICARE health insurance plan. Premiums are expected to rise in the coming years.
Do spouses or dependents keep TRICARE coverage when a service member turns 65 or transitions to TRICARE For Life?
When a service member turns 65, spouses and dependents can choose to stay on their current plan or switch to a different plan. They won’t qualify for TRICARE For Life until they themselves turn 65.
What is the TRICARE “15-year rule,” and who does it apply to?
The TRICARE 15-year rule allows spouses of service members to keep their health insurance plan for a year following a divorce. This rule only applies to spouses who have been married to a service member for 20 years, at least 15 of which occurred during the individual’s service.
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This article provides general information and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. Mentions of diagnoses or therapy/treatment options are educational and do not indicate availability through BetterHelp in your country.
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