Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Care?
Yes. Medicare covers mental health care. Part A covers inpatient mental health care (including a 190-day lifetime limit specifically in a freestanding psychiatric hospital). Part B covers outpatient services like therapy, counseling, an annual depression screening, and a yearly wellness visit. As of 2024, Medicare also pays for services from licensed marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors, and many mental health services are available via telehealth.
Outpatient mental health (Part B)
- Individual and group psychotherapy with licensed providers.
- A free annual depression screening in a primary-care setting.
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
- Services from marriage/family therapists and mental health counselors (added in 2024).
Inpatient mental health (Part A)
Part A covers inpatient mental health care in a general or psychiatric hospital, subject to the usual Part A deductible and coinsurance. There is a 190-day lifetime limit for care in a freestanding psychiatric hospital (this limit does not apply to psychiatric care in a general hospital).
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover therapy?
Yes. Part B covers outpatient therapy and counseling with Medicare-approved providers. You generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible.
Does Medicare cover telehealth for mental health?
Medicare covers many mental and behavioral health services delivered by telehealth, including from home. Confirm current rules and any in-person visit requirements at medicare.gov.
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Related guides
Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.