TRICARE for Mental Health

Mental health issues are common, with nearly a quarter of all people in the United States suffering from a mental illness. That number is even higher for those who are serving or have served in the U.S. military, often due to the stress and trauma that service members endure.

If you are a military member or retiree, you and your family may be eligible for TRICARE, which covers many mental heath services. You do not have to suffer with mental health issues alone. Help is available.

What Is TRICARE?

TRICARE, a program of the United States Department of Defense Military Health System, provides civilian health benefits for military members, retirees, and their dependents. TRICARE offers several plan options depending on eligibility, but active military members are eligible for TRICARE Prime, which comes with few out of pocket costs.

Why Mental Health Services Matter

Often, people hesitate to seek mental health care, in part because of the stigma of mental illness. However, it’s important to recognize that people with mental health issues are not weak or defective. They simply suffer from a disorder that many other people also struggle with, and those disorders are treatable. With treatment, people with mental health disorders can get better and feel better and live more fulfilling lives. No one should suffer in silence when help is never more than a phone call away.

TRICARE Plan Options

TRICARE has seven main plan options.

• TRICARE Prime: Prime is offered to active military members and their families and has the lowest out of pocket costs compared to other plans. It is similar to a health maintenance organization (HMO) plan and features the use of military hospitals and clinics.
• TRICARE Select: Select is similar to a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan and allows you to choose your TRICARE providers. However, out of pocket costs with this plan are higher.
• US Family Plan: The family plan is only available in certain areas and covers care only by their authorized providers. Care at military hospitals and clinics is not covered.
• TRICARE Reserve Select: This plan is premium based and covers care with TRICARE authorized providers. It is available to Selected Reserve members and their families.
• TRICARE Retired Reserve: Available to members of the Retired Reserve, this plan is similar to TRICARE Reserve Select.
• TRICARE Young Adult: A premium based plan for young adult children of eligible military members. Prime or Select coverage may be chosen.
• TRICARE For Life: A plan that supplements Medicare coverage.

Outpatient Mental Health Services Covered

Outpatient services are available at some military facilities and through TRICARE authorized providers. Some common outpatient services that are covered include:

• Psychological testing and assessment
• Psychotherapy
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) – Therapy several times per week
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) – Daytime treatment, six or more hours a day, up to seven days a week

Inpatient Services Covered

Inpatient services covered include:

• Inpatient hospital services for psychiatric emergencies and substance abuse withdrawal
• Psychiatric residential treatment centers for children and adolescents

Mental Health Emergency Services

In the case of a mental health emergency, emergency room visits are covered as long as you contact TRICARE within 72 hours of admission. You can also call 988, the Veterans Crisis Line.

Common Mental Health Disorders Among Veterans

The most common mental health disorders among veterans are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

PTSD is generally caused by one or more traumatic events that occurred while serving. Active duty service members often live through traumatic events, which is why nearly 25% of veterans who are cared for by VA services have had PTSD at some point in their lives. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatic event or events.

Depression often occurs due to feelings of isolation after transitioning back to civilian life. Symptoms of depression include loss of interest in activities, persistent sadness, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite.

Anxiety is often caused by being consistently exposed to stressful situations while in service. Symptoms include constant worrying, restlessness, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, and rapid heartbeat.

Substance use disorders, which include alcohol and drug use disorders, are common as well, and often co-occur with other common mental health disorders among veterans. Bridges of Hope is a TRICARE authorized provider offering several treatment options for substance use disorders.

This list is not all-inclusive, so if you are suffering with symptoms that don’t fit these disorders, you should still seek mental health care. Everyone responds differently to the extreme stress and trauma associated with military service, so reach out for help no matter what you’re struggling with.

In Closing

Serving in the military is honorable, and the people who do so deserve the utmost respect. However, service sometimes comes with a price in terms of mental health. The most important things to remember are that you are not alone, and that help is available.  If you do not have TRICARE, call to find out your options. Getting coverage can be your first step on the road to recovery.