TRICARE Coverage for Mental Health and Dual Diagnosis Care
TRICARE, the military health program, typically covers mental health and substance use treatment — including dual diagnosis care — for active duty service members, retirees, and their families across all plan options. Referral requirements and cost-shares vary by beneficiary category and plan, so verifying benefits before treatment is recommended.
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TRICARE Coverage for Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment
TRICARE, the military health program, typically covers mental health and substance use treatment — including integrated dual diagnosis care — for active duty service members, retirees, and their families across all levels of care.
Active Duty Coverage
Active duty service members receive mental health and substance use treatment at no cost through military treatment facilities or TRICARE-authorized civilian providers. The Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC) program provides specialized care coordination for service members managing co-occurring conditions.
Family Member Coverage
TRICARE covers mental health and dual diagnosis treatment for eligible family members under all plan options. Dependents and retirees may have copays or cost-shares depending on their TRICARE plan (Prime, Select, or For Life).
Covered Levels of Care
TRICARE typically covers psychiatric evaluation, medical detoxification, inpatient care (up to 30 days per admission), partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient counseling, and medications used in dual diagnosis treatment. All inpatient care requires pre-authorization.
Verifying Your TRICARE Benefits Before Admission
TRICARE benefits for mental health and dual diagnosis care are generally standardized, but verification confirms your specific eligibility and plan details.
Eligibility & Benefits
- Confirm DEERS enrollment and TRICARE plan type
- Verify beneficiary category (active duty, retiree, dependent)
- Check copay/cost-share amounts for your plan
- Confirm pre-authorization requirements for inpatient care
- Identify your regional TRICARE contractor
- Check if the treatment facility is TRICARE-authorized
Contact Information
Contact your regional TRICARE contractor (East: Humana Military, West: TriWest Healthcare) or call the Defense Health Agency at 1-800-874-2273 for assistance with mental health and dual diagnosis benefits. TRICARE differs from CHAMPVA, which serves certain veterans and their dependents — confirm which program applies to you.
Getting Started with TRICARE for Behavioral Health Care
Accessing mental health and dual diagnosis care through TRICARE depends on your beneficiary category and plan type.
TRICARE Prime
TRICARE Prime members generally need a referral from their primary care manager (PCM) for mental health and dual diagnosis treatment. Your PCM can refer you to military or civilian treatment facilities. Active duty members should contact their unit's behavioral health program first.
TRICARE Select
TRICARE Select allows self-referral to TRICARE-authorized outpatient behavioral health providers. Inpatient treatment still requires pre-authorization through your regional TRICARE contractor. Select offers more provider flexibility than Prime.
Find TRICARE Providers
Search for TRICARE-authorized mental health and dual diagnosis providers through the TRICARE provider directory, or use our treatment center search to find facilities accepting TRICARE and other military insurance.
