Key Takeaways

• Medicare covers a broad range of mental health services in 2025, including therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and preventive screenings.

• Out-of-pocket costs may apply, especially under Part B, so it’s essential to understand what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to reduce costs with Medicare-assigned providers.

Mental Health Coverage Isn’t Just a Side Benefit—It’s Built Into Medicare

Medicare doesn’t treat mental health as optional. In 2025, emotional and psychological wellness is firmly embedded in your Medicare benefits. Whether you’re coping with anxiety, depression, or a more complex psychiatric condition, Medicare offers real support for diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care.

But knowing what Medicare will actually cover is the first step. Let’s walk through the parts of Medicare that apply to your mental health needs, what services they pay for, and how to make sure you’re not missing out.

What Medicare Part A Covers for Inpatient Mental Health

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) pays for inpatient mental health care when you need treatment in a psychiatric hospital or a general hospital. Coverage includes:

• Semi-private room

• Meals

• Nursing services

• Medications administered during your stay

• Therapy services as part of inpatient care

• Lab tests and other hospital services

You are covered for up to 190 lifetime days in a freestanding psychiatric hospital. This cap does not apply if your care happens in a general hospital.

Cost Sharing Under Part A (2025)

• Deductible: $1,676 per benefit period

• Days 1–60: $0 coinsurance after deductible

• Days 61–90: $419 per day

• Days 91–120 (lifetime reserve days): $838 per day

If you reach the 190-day limit in a psychiatric hospital, Medicare will not cover additional days in that type of facility. However, coverage in a general hospital remains available.

What Medicare Part B Covers for Outpatient Mental Health

Part B handles most outpatient mental health services, which means any treatment you get without being formally admitted to a hospital. This includes:

• Psychiatric evaluations

• Individual and group psychotherapy

• Medication management

• Family counseling if it’s part of the patient’s treatment plan

• Depression and anxiety screenings

• Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)

• Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)

Who Can Provide Covered Services

As of 2025, Medicare-covered providers for mental health services include:

• Psychiatrists

• Psychologists

• Clinical social workers

• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants

• New in 2025: Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and mental health counselors (MHCs)

This expanded provider list means more access for you. You are no longer restricted to just psychiatrists or clinical psychologists.

Costs Under Part B (2025)

• Annual deductible: $257

• Coinsurance: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible

You can lower your out-of-pocket costs by choosing providers who accept Medicare assignment. These providers agree to Medicare’s approved amount and won’t charge more.

Preventive Mental Health Screenings Are Included

Your emotional health is important even if you’re not in crisis. That’s why Medicare includes preventive services to catch issues early. You can access:

• Annual depression screening: During a primary care visit

• Annual wellness visit: Includes a cognitive and mood evaluation

• Substance use assessments

These screenings cost nothing if your provider accepts Medicare assignment and includes them during covered annual visits.

Part D Prescription Drug Coverage for Mental Health

Part D plans (or equivalent drug coverage under Part C) cover mental health medications, including:

• Antidepressants

• Antipsychotics

• Anti-anxiety medications

• Mood stabilizers

Medicare requires plans to cover nearly all drugs in these categories. However, each plan has a formulary, which determines which specific medications are covered.

Drug Costs in 2025

• Deductible: Up to $590

• Out-of-pocket cap: $2,000 annually (new in 2025)

Once you hit the $2,000 cap, your covered prescription drugs cost nothing for the rest of the calendar year.

How Medicare Advantage (Part C) Handles Mental Health

Medicare Advantage plans must offer at least the same mental health benefits as Original Medicare. In 2025, most also include:

• Extra behavioral health services

• Access to wellness apps or support lines

• Broader provider networks (or more limited, depending on the plan)

However, rules about prior authorization, referrals, or network providers may apply. Always check the plan details.

Telehealth Services for Mental Health Are Still Covered

In 2025, Medicare continues to support telehealth mental health care, making it easier to get therapy from home. This includes:

• Video or audio-only therapy sessions

• Psychiatric medication check-ins

• Family or group therapy (if allowed)

Important Note for 2025:

Starting October 1, 2025, Medicare requires one in-person visit every 12 months with the mental health provider offering your telehealth care. Some exceptions apply.

What Medicare Does Not Cover

There are limits to what Medicare will pay for. The following services are not covered:

• 24-hour custodial care or residential treatment centers

• Services from providers who don’t accept Medicare

• Counseling not considered medically necessary

• Non-licensed counselors or life coaches

• Missed appointments or phone check-ins not classified as telehealth

If you are seeking long-term residential mental health care, that typically falls outside Medicare coverage and may require private payment or supplemental assistance.

Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs

If your needs fall between inpatient and outpatient, Medicare also pays for PHP and IOP services. These are structured programs where you attend therapy and other mental health services for several hours per day but return home afterward.

• PHP: At least 20 hours per week

• IOP: 9 to 19 hours per week

These programs must be provided by Medicare-approved facilities and overseen by qualified mental health professionals.

How to Find Medicare-Approved Mental Health Providers

The easiest way to ensure coverage is to use providers who accept Medicare assignment. You can:

• Search using Medicare’s official provider locator tools

• Ask your primary care physician for referrals

• Confirm with your provider directly if they accept Medicare and offer mental health services

If you use a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan’s network directory.

Coordinating Mental Health and Physical Health

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer integrated care, where mental and physical health services are coordinated through one system. This can include:

• Care managers to help schedule mental health appointments

• Wellness programs combining mental and physical well-being

• Screening for mental health at every doctor visit

Even if you’re on Original Medicare, asking your providers to coordinate with each other improves continuity of care.

How to Avoid Unexpected Costs

Mental health care under Medicare is not free, even when covered. To keep your costs manageable:

• Always confirm provider accepts Medicare

• Stick with in-network providers if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan

• Ask about referrals or authorizations in advance

• Review your Part D formulary before filling new prescriptions

What to Do If You Have Coverage Gaps

Some people may need extra coverage for things like residential mental health treatment or specialized services. In that case, you might consider:

• Medigap plans to help cover Part A and B cost-sharing

• Medicaid, if you qualify based on income or disability

• Veteran benefits if you served in the military

• Community mental health programs in your area

Your Emotional Well-Being Matters Under Medicare

Mental health is an essential part of your overall well-being, and Medicare treats it that way in 2025. From preventive screenings to therapy and medications, you have access to a comprehensive set of benefits designed to help you stay mentally healthy.

Understanding your options can prevent unexpected bills, delays in care, or missed opportunities for support. If you’re unsure about what your Medicare plan covers or need help choosing the right mental health provider, speak to a licensed agent listed on this website who can walk you through your options.