Therapists Accepting Medicare
13,961 in-network mental health providers across 53 states
Updated
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, covers mental health services including therapy. With nearly 14,000 in-network mental health professionals participating in Medicare, coverage is available across all 50 states. Medicare coverage for therapy includes both traditional fee-for-service Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
If you're on Original Medicare (Part A and B), therapy is covered under outpatient behavioral health services. Start by visiting Medicare.gov to understand your coverage. Medicare covers individual therapy at 80% of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You're responsible for the remaining 20%, though many supplemental insurance policies cover this cost-sharing.
Importantly, Medicare has eliminated the historical 190-day lifetime limit on inpatient psychiatric hospitalization - a change that significantly improved access to intensive mental health treatment for older adults. Combined with improved telehealth coverage, Medicare now provides reasonably comprehensive access to mental health services for seniors.
Medicare Coverage at a Glance
13,961
In-Network Providers
53
States Covered
$145
Avg Session Fee
$20-$620
Fee Range
Top Specialties Among Medicare Therapists
Number of Medicare-accepting therapists specializing in each area (from 87K+ therapist profiles)
Understanding Your Medicare Therapy Benefits
Original Medicare's mental health coverage applies the same rules as other medical services - you pay 20% coinsurance after meeting your annual Part B deductible. However, many therapists participate in Medicare, reducing your out-of-pocket costs. Always verify that your therapist participates in Medicare before starting treatment to avoid surprise bills.
Medicare-participating therapists agree to accept Medicare's approved amount as payment in full (except for your copay and deductible). Non-participating therapists can balance-bill you for amounts above the Medicare approved amount - potentially significantly increasing your out-of-pocket costs. When searching for a therapist, specifically look for Medicare-participating providers in your area.
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, also called Part C, are an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies. MA plans typically cover therapy with lower copays than Original Medicare (often $0-$50 per visit after meeting a lower deductible). Most MA plans include telehealth mental health services with comparable copays to in-person visits.
Telehealth therapy is well-covered by Medicare - both Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans cover virtual mental health visits at the same rate as in-person sessions. This is particularly valuable for Medicare beneficiaries who may have mobility limitations or live in rural areas with limited therapist access.
What Medicare Covers for Mental Health
Medicare covers evidence-based psychological treatments including individual therapy, psychiatric evaluation and management, and psychological testing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other standard psychotherapy modalities are covered without limitation when provided by Medicare-participating mental health professionals.
Substance abuse and addiction treatment are covered by Medicare, including counseling and evaluation for substance use disorders. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, including buprenorphine and methadone, is covered through both psychiatric providers and specially licensed clinics. Medicare also covers naltrexone and other medications for addiction treatment.
Family and couples therapy coverage under Medicare depends on whether the session is coded as an individual session with participation by a family member or as a true family session. Most Medicare-participating therapists can appropriately code multi-person sessions using CPT codes 90846-90847, allowing couples and family therapy to be reimbursed.
Psychological and neuropsychological testing for dementia, cognitive impairment, and other conditions are covered by Medicare. Testing typically requires prior authorization through your MA plan (if applicable) or demonstration of medical necessity for Original Medicare. This coverage is particularly important for older adults being evaluated for cognitive decline or age-related mental health conditions.
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Browse TherapistsFrequently Asked Questions About Medicare Therapy Coverage
How many therapists accept Medicare?
Based on our data covering 87,000+ therapist profiles, approximately 13,961 therapists accept Medicare across 53 states. This makes Medicare one of the more widely accepted insurance plans for mental health services in the United States.
What specialties can I find with Medicare coverage?
Therapists accepting Medicare cover a wide range of specialties including Anxiety (9,433 providers), Depression (8,027 providers), Trauma and PTSD (4,816 providers), Relationship Issues (2,828 providers), Coping Skills (2,802 providers). This breadth of coverage means you can find specialized care for most mental health concerns.
How much does therapy cost with Medicare?
Among therapists who accept Medicare, listed session fees average around $145, ranging from $20 to $620. Your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific plan's copay, coinsurance, and deductible. Many in-network visits have a copay of $20-$60. Contact your plan for exact benefit details.
Can I see a Medicare therapist online?
Yes. Most Medicare plans now cover telehealth therapy at the same rate as in-person visits. Many therapists in our directory who accept Medicare offer virtual sessions, giving you access to in-network care from anywhere in your plan's service area.
How do I verify my Medicare therapy benefits?
Call the member services number on the back of your Medicare card and ask about your behavioral health benefits. Key questions: What is my copay for outpatient therapy? Do I need a referral? What is my deductible for behavioral health? Is there a session limit? You can also check the Medicare member portal online.
Are there Medicare therapists who speak languages other than English?
Yes. Therapists accepting Medicare include providers who speak Spanish (588), French (89), Hindi (59), Arabic (45), Portuguese (43) and more. Multilingual therapists can provide more effective treatment when you're working through complex emotions in your primary language.