Therapists who accept Medicare

Using Medicare for therapy

Medicare covers outpatient mental-health care. The coverage is reasonably good — better than many people assume — though the specifics depend on whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

Under Original Medicare (Parts A and B), outpatient therapy with a licensed clinical social worker, licensed psychologist, or psychiatrist is covered under Part B. Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount; you're responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance unless you have a Medigap (supplemental) policy that covers it. The Part B annual deductible applies first ($240 in 2024, slightly more in 2025).

A significant change in recent years: Medicare now covers therapy with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) and Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) as of 2024, after decades of excluding these provider types. This dramatically expanded the in-network options for Medicare beneficiaries. If you previously couldn't find an in-network therapist, the change may have improved your options significantly.

For Medicare Advantage plans (Part C, offered by private insurers like Humana, Anthem, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare), coverage typically mirrors Original Medicare's structure but with the carrier's specific network and copay structure. Many Medicare Advantage plans have low copays for in-network therapy ($0-$40 is common) — sometimes lower than Original Medicare's coinsurance, but only with in-network providers. Out-of-network coverage on most Medicare Advantage plans is limited or nonexistent.

Telehealth coverage for mental-health under Medicare expanded significantly and the expanded coverage has become permanent for behavioral-health specifically. Audio-only telehealth visits are also covered in many circumstances, which matters for clients without strong internet access or who can't comfortably use video.

Medicare does not impose session limits for medically necessary outpatient psychotherapy. The therapist may need to document medical necessity for ongoing sessions, which is standard practice and doesn't usually create issues.

A few practical notes. Medicare requires therapists to be enrolled with Medicare to bill it; not all therapists are enrolled. The therapists in this directory who accept Medicare are enrolled providers. For psychiatric evaluation and medication management, you'd see a psychiatrist (also covered under Medicare); some therapists coordinate with prescribers for clients where medication is part of the plan.

To find a Medicare-accepting therapist, submit the matching form or browse the profiles below.