Your Medicare Coverage
Is my test, item, or service covered?
Mental health care (outpatient)
How often is it covered?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient mental health services in an office setting, clinic, or hospital outpatient setting. The services must be provided by a doctor, clinical psychologist, clinical social worker, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant.
Medicare only covers these visits when they’re provided by a health care provider who accepts Medicare payment.
Who's eligible?
All people with Medicare are covered.
Your costs in Original Medicare
You pay:
- 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for visits to a doctor or other health care provider to diagnose your condition or to monitor or change your prescriptions.
- 40% of the Medicare-approved amount for outpatient treatment of your condition (such as counseling or psychotherapy) in a doctor's office setting. In a hospital outpatient setting, you pay a copayment.
Related resources
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Find hospitals
If you need immediate help for yourself or someone in a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-273-8255). TTY users should call 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889).
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Tell your friends and family with Medicare about the difference these benefits can make.