Military service comes with unique challenges, and taking care of your mental health is just as important as physical fitness. TRICARE understands this, offering service members and their families access to quality mental health care. From therapy to crisis support, it covers stress, anxiety, PTSD, and more, because mental wellness is essential for thriving during and after service.
No one should face these challenges alone, and TRICARE ensures they don’t. Whether you’re active duty, a veteran, or a family member, there are resources designed for your needs. Counseling, psychiatric care, and telehealth services make it easier to focus on mental health, no matter where you’re stationed. Let’s dive into how TRICARE supports you every step of the way.
What Is A Mental Health Emergency?
A mental health emergency happens when your emotional or psychological state poses an immediate risk to yourself or others, or when you are unable to care for yourself. Recognizing these situations is crucial for ensuring timely and appropriate support.
What Are The Signs Of A Mental Health Emergency?
Recognizing a mental health emergency can be challenging, especially when emotions are intense and overwhelming. Here are some signs that indicate immediate attention may be necessary:
Expressing a desire to end your life, making plans for suicide, or attempting self-harm are critical warning signs that require urgent intervention.
Engaging in actions that cause physical harm, such as cutting or burning, often signifies deep emotional distress and the need for immediate support.
Experiencing rapid and extreme changes in mood, from euphoria to deep depression, can disrupt daily functioning and may indicate a serious mental health issue.
Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there, or holding strong false beliefs, can be symptoms of a severe mental health condition requiring prompt medical attention.
Sudden confusion, trouble recognizing familiar people or places, or difficulty understanding simple concepts can be signs of a mental health crisis.
Uncharacteristic aggression or threats of violence toward yourself or others are serious indicators that immediate help is needed.
A sudden desire to isolate yourself from friends, family, or usual activities can be a red flag for a mental health emergency.
Struggling with basic self-care, such as eating, bathing, or getting out of bed, may signal a severe decline in mental health.
Using drugs or alcohol excessively, especially as a coping mechanism, can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to dangerous situations.
Experiencing unexplained physical issues like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue can sometimes be linked to mental health problems.
What Mental Health Conditions Does TRICARE Treat?
TRICARE provides comprehensive mental health coverage for service members and their families. Here’s a breakdown of the conditions they address:
Including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, other mood disorders, and certain phobias.
Such as major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
Often resulting from traumatic experiences during service.
Depression related to the changes of the seasons.
Including alcohol and drug misuse.
TRICARE also covers treatment for other mental health issues that are medically or psychologically necessary.
What Mental Health Services Does TRICARE Cover?
TRICARE offers a wide range of mental health services tailored to support service members and their families. Here’s a breakdown of the services available:
Including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, other mood disorders, and certain phobias.
Such as major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
Often resulting from traumatic experiences during service.
Depression related to the changes of the seasons.
Including alcohol and drug misuse.
TRICARE also covers treatment for other mental health issues that are medically or psychologically necessary.
What Mental Health Services Does TRICARE Cover?
TRICARE offers a wide range of mental health services tailored to support service members and their families. Here’s a breakdown of the services available:
Access to individual therapy, group sessions, and family counseling to address various mental health concerns.
Comprehensive treatment in a hospital setting for severe mental health conditions requiring intensive care.
Structured day programs providing therapy and support for people who don’t require 24-hour hospitalization.
24/7 therapeutic environments for individuals dealing with serious psychiatric conditions.
Comprehensive services including detoxification, rehabilitation, and counseling for substance misuse.
Evaluations to diagnose mental health conditions and inform treatment plans.
Coverage for psychotropic medications prescribed as part of a treatment plan.
Remote therapy sessions via secure video or audio platforms, offering flexibility and convenience.
Immediate assistance for crises, including suicidal thoughts or behaviors, without the need for prior authorization.
Tailored services addressing the unique mental health needs of children and adolescents in military families.
How Can Military Families Access Mental Health Care Through TRICARE?
Navigating mental health care with TRICARE is straightforward once you understand the steps. Here’s a guide tailored for military families:
Your access to mental health services depends on your specific TRICARE plan. Common plans include TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and TRICARE For Life. Each has its own guidelines regarding referrals and provider networks.
Use the Find a Doctor tool on the TRICARE website to locate authorized mental health providers in your area. Choosing a network provider can help minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Depending on your plan, you may or may not need a referral to see a mental health specialist. For example, TRICARE Prime often requires referrals, while TRICARE Select typically does not.
Once you’ve identified a suitable provider and confirmed referral requirements, contact the provider’s office to schedule an appointment. Be prepared to provide your TRICARE information and any necessary referrals.
Telemental health services are offered through TRICARE, allowing you to receive care through secure video or phone consultations. This can be especially convenient for families with busy schedules or limited access to in-person providers.
If you or a family member is experiencing a mental health crisis, immediate help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
When Are Referrals Or Authorizations Required For Mental Health Services?
Navigating TRICARE’s mental health services is made easier once you understand when referrals or authorizations are necessary. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine what’s needed based on your TRICARE plan and the type of care you’re seeking.
- Referral and Pre-Authorization Required: For most non-emergency mental health care, ADSMs must obtain a referral and pre-authorization from their primary care manager (PCM) before seeing a civilian provider. This ensures that care is coordinated and appropriate for their needs.
- Military Treatment Facility (MTF) Care: ADSMs are encouraged to receive non-emergency mental health services at a military hospital or clinic when possible, as these facilities are equipped to handle such care.
- Referral Required: For specialty mental health services, including outpatient therapy and counseling, a referral from your PCM is typically needed.
- Pre-Authorization Required: For inpatient mental health care, such as psychiatric hospitalizations, pre-authorization is required to confirm that the services are covered and medically necessary.
- Referral Needed: You can be seen by any TRICARE-authorized mental health provider without a referral. This offers greater flexibility in choosing providers.
- Pre-Authorization Required: For inpatient mental health care, pre-authorization is necessary to ensure coverage and medical necessity.
Referral and Pre-Authorization: If your Medicare benefits are exhausted, TRICARE may require a referral and pre-authorization for mental health services to ensure coverage.
- Active Duty Service Members: A referral is required to access telemental health services, ensuring that the care is coordinated and appropriate.
- Other TRICARE Beneficiaries: Typically, no referral is needed for telemental health services, providing convenient access to care.
- Emergency Mental Health Care: In the case of a mental health emergency, such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors, immediate care is available without the need for a referral or pre-authorization. It’s crucial to seek help promptly in such situations.
- Authorization Letters: If a referral and pre-authorization are required, you will receive an authorization letter outlining the approved services and any specific instructions. It’s important to follow these instructions and schedule your appointments accordingly.
What Telehealth Options Does TRICARE Offer For Mental Health Care?
TRICARE provides several telehealth services to support mental health care for military members and their families. Here’s a concise overview:
TRICARE covers both video conferencing and audio-only telemedicine visits, allowing flexibility in how you connect with mental health professionals.
Your regional contractor has established a network of providers who can evaluate, treat, and refer you as necessary through telemedicine.
Active duty service members require a referral for telemental health care. However, TRICARE Prime active duty family members and retirees don’t need a referral or authorization to set an online care appointment with a distant provider.
TRICARE has partnered with several telemedicine providers, including Doctor On Demand, Telemynd, and others, to offer mental health services.
If you’re overseas, the country where you live must allow telemedicine, and your provider must be licensed to practice where you live.
Westwind Recovery® Is Now In Network With TRICARE Insurance
Westwind Recovery® is now in-network with TRICARE insurance. That means high-quality addiction and mental health care just became a lot easier to access. If you or someone you love is connected to the military, this could be a big deal. No complicated steps, no wrestling with paperwork, no hopping from office to office. Solid treatment is covered by your TRICARE benefits. Therapy, support, and real tools to help you rebuild and move forward.
Military life has its struggles, and your recovery should meet you where you are. We design our care around what you need, not some generic plan. Ready to start? Contact us today. TRICARE supports you, and we do too.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
