Does Medicare Pay for Therapy for Depression?
Discover how Medicare covers therapy for depression, understand your costs, and learn how to access the mental health care you need.
Depression affects millions, impacting daily life. Recognizing mental health as an integral part of overall health, Medicare, the federal health insurance program, provides coverage for therapy related to depression. This supports beneficiaries in accessing necessary mental health services.
Medicare Parts and Mental Health Coverage
Original Medicare consists of Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care, and Part B, which covers outpatient medical services. For mental health services, Part A applies when a beneficiary requires inpatient treatment in a general hospital or a psychiatric hospital. Part B is the primary component for outpatient mental health care, including therapy sessions and doctor visits.
Medicare Advantage Plans, known as Part C, offer an alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are provided by private companies approved by Medicare and must cover at least everything that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers. Medicare Advantage plans may have different rules, costs, and provider networks for mental health services compared to Original Medicare.
Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription medications, which can be an important part of depression treatment. This includes various psychiatric medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. Beneficiaries typically enroll in a Part D plan separately or receive it as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Covered Therapy Services for Depression
Medicare Part B covers a wide range of outpatient mental health services deemed medically necessary for treating depression. This includes individual psychotherapy, where a beneficiary meets one-on-one with a therapist. Group therapy sessions are also covered, allowing beneficiaries to engage with others facing similar challenges.
Family counseling is covered if its primary purpose is to help treat the beneficiary’s condition. Medicare also covers diagnostic evaluations to assess the mental health condition and determine appropriate treatment. Medication management by a psychiatrist or other qualified professional is another covered service.
An annual depression screening is covered if provided in a primary care doctor’s office or clinic that can offer follow-up treatment. Services from specific professionals like psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and, as of 2025, marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors, are covered.
Understanding Your Costs
Beneficiaries incur certain financial obligations for therapy services under Original Medicare. For outpatient mental health services covered by Part B, the annual deductible for 2025 is $257. After meeting this deductible, beneficiaries typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for most covered services.
Medicare Advantage plans may feature different cost-sharing structures, such as copayments for each therapy session or a different deductible. These plans often have out-of-pocket limits, which can provide financial predictability. It is advisable to check specific plan details for cost-sharing information.
Medigap, or Medicare Supplement Insurance, can help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. These policies can assist with expenses like the Part B coinsurance, reducing the beneficiary’s financial responsibility. Medigap plans do not offer standalone mental health coverage but supplement Original Medicare benefits.
Steps to Access Covered Therapy
Accessing covered therapy services begins with identifying Medicare-approved providers. Beneficiaries can use tools like Medicare.gov’s Physician Compare website to search for mental health professionals who accept Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans may require referrals from a primary care doctor.
It is important to confirm that the provider accepts Medicare assignment, meaning they agree to accept Medicare’s approved amount as full payment. This ensures the lowest out-of-pocket costs for covered services. Discussing billing practices and confirming provider credentials upfront helps prevent unexpected expenses.
Telehealth services are covered by Medicare for mental and behavioral health, allowing beneficiaries to receive care from home. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility challenges. Checking with local mental health organizations can also provide resources for finding therapists who accept Medicare.