FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. This resource connects you with trained counselors who can help you get the help you need, 24/7.
Did you know that you can get virtual mental health services with TRICARE? These options are a great way to get care when you can’t visit a provider’s office in person. Virtual mental health visits take place through secure technology platforms.
“Virtual mental health services offer you the flexibility to get the mental health care you need, when you need it,” said Thomas Turnbaugh, LCSW-C, a behavioral health specialist at the Defense Health Agency. “You have several different options for seeking this care, regardless of which TRICARE plan you have or where you live.”
Keep reading to learn more about getting virtual mental health care with TRICARE.
TRICARE-covered services
TRICARE covers a variety of
mental health services. These include:
- Outpatient
- Inpatient
- Emergency
- Nonemergency
- Substance use disorder services
Virtual mental health services have the same referral and pre-authorization requirements as in-person mental health care.
Getting virtual mental health care
Civilian care in the U.S.
Are you seeking virtual mental health care in the U.S.? You can contact your regional contractor to find a provider who offers these services:
Military hospital or clinic mental health services
If you get care at a
military hospital or clinic, you may be able to get virtual mental health services there. Contact your provider for more information. If you’re an active duty service member, you need a referral and pre-authorization from your primary care manager.
Overseas
Do you live outside the U.S.? You can still use virtual mental health services if:
- The care is a TRICARE-covered benefit and is appropriate for virtual health.
- The country where you get care allows virtual health.
- The provider is TRICARE-authorized and has a license to practice in the country where you get care. (Note: U.S.-based providers aren’t eligible to provide virtual health visits overseas.)
- The provider knows your location and how to contact help in a medical or mental health emergency.
- The provider follows all local health care and virtual health rules.
TRICARE will cover your virtual health care if you meet these requirements. Contact your TRICARE Overseas Program Regional Call Center to see if you need a referral and to find a provider who offers virtual visits.
TRICARE For Life and Medicare
Do you have
TRICARE For Life? You may have heard that
Medicare has
recently changed its virtual health coverage. As of Oct. 1, 2025, you must be in an office or medical facility located in a rural area (in the U.S.) for
most virtual health services. However, you
can still get virtual mental health services (including substance use disorder services) from your home.
Remember to check what Medicare and TRICARE cover before scheduling an appointment. TRICARE pays first if Medicare doesn’t cover a service.
What you need
To use virtual mental health services, you need:
- A computer or smartphone (for video care)
- A telephone (for telephone-only care)
- A secure phone or internet connection
- Referrals or pre-authorizations (if required)
Costs
Virtual health
costs are similar to in-person costs. Your costs depend on who you are, your health plan, and your type of appointment. Note that you’ll need to pay your usual cost-shares and copayments for virtual visits.
TRICARE remains committed to helping you unlock your health through accessible mental health care options for you and your family members.
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit TRICARE Subscriptions to get benefit updates, news, and more.