Mental Health Crises in the Military: The Urgency to Understand Tricare Benefits
Every day, approximately 17 veterans die by suicide in the United States. Many more struggle silently with depression, PTSD, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders. What’s even more alarming? Many don’t realize the mental health care options available to them through Tricare—the health insurance program for U.S. military members, veterans, and their families.
Tricare mental health coverage includes therapy, medication, and advanced treatments for conditions like depression and PTSD. But understanding what’s covered and how to access it can be confusing—especially when you or a loved one is already overwhelmed. Whether you live in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, or Gilbert, knowing how to use your benefits can change lives—and even save them.
What Does Tricare Cover for Mental Health?
Tricare depression treatment benefits go far beyond basic therapy visits. Depending on the plan and authorization, they may include:
- Individual and group psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR
- Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
- Intensive outpatient or inpatient care
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for treatment-resistant depression
- Ketamine and Spravato® therapy (nasal esketamine for severe depression)
This wide range of services exists for a reason: mental health issues are complex and often require multiple approaches. That’s why clinics like Bella Vida TMS emphasize multi-modal care—combining talk therapy, TMS, medication, and ketamine treatment to create lasting change.
Understanding Tricare Plans: Active Duty, Retirees & Family Members
There are several Tricare plans, and coverage varies depending on your status:
Tricare Prime
- Typically for active-duty members
- Requires referrals and prior authorizations
- Often has no out-of-pocket cost
Tricare Select
- For retirees and families
- Offers flexibility in choosing providers
- May have copays or cost shares
Tricare for Life
- A supplemental option for Medicare-eligible retirees
- May cover costs not picked up by Medicare
The good news is that mental health services are a core part of all Tricare plans, and you are entitled to care that supports your recovery.
The Hidden Danger: When Veterans Don’t Seek Help
Far too often, stigma and confusion prevent military families from getting the care they need. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that more than 50% of returning veterans never seek mental health treatment. This leads to higher rates of divorce, job loss, addiction, and—tragically—suicide.
In cities like Phoenix or Scottsdale, mental health clinics like Bella Vida TMS are making it easier than ever to bridge the gap between need and access. We help Tricare beneficiaries understand their options, navigate authorizations, and access advanced treatments like TMS and ketamine—especially when medications or traditional therapy haven’t worked.
TMS & Ketamine Therapy: Covered by Tricare & Life-Changing
Let’s talk results. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and covered by Tricare. It works by stimulating underactive brain regions involved in mood, and most patients experience significant improvements within 4 to 6 weeks.
Similarly, Spravato® (nasal esketamine) and IV or IM ketamine therapy are rapidly gaining traction for those with suicidal ideation or chronic depression. Studies show that up to 70% of patients respond positively to ketamine treatments after failing multiple antidepressants.
At Bella Vida TMS in Gilbert, Glendale, and Phoenix, we support Tricare patients with a team-based, personalized approach that often includes:
- Psychiatric evaluations
- TMS sessions covered by Tricare
- Ketamine-assisted therapy
- Talk therapy including EMDR and DBT
Our mission is simple: help military members and families recover faster, feel better, and live fuller lives.
How to Get Started with Tricare Mental Health Benefits
Here’s how to take the first step:
1. Confirm Your Tricare Plan
Know whether you’re on Prime, Select, or another plan, and whether a referral is needed.
2. Choose a Tricare-Authorized Provider
Bella Vida TMS is Tricare-approved and specializes in military mental health.
3. Schedule a Free Assessment
We’ll help determine if TMS, ketamine, or therapy is the right first step for you or your loved one.
4. Get Support With Paperwork
We’ll help you with prior authorizations, FMLA documentation, and follow-up care.
Why Tricare Mental Health Services Matter
When depression, PTSD, or anxiety go untreated, it affects the entire family. Children may struggle in school, spouses may carry unbearable emotional weight, and service members may feel isolated and ashamed.
But with the right support, healing is possible.
“Mental health needs a great deal of attention. It’s the final taboo and it needs to be faced and dealt with.” – Adam Ant
At Bella Vida TMS, we’re proud to support military heroes and their families. We offer compassion, expertise, and the most advanced treatment options—including those often unknown to or underutilized by traditional VA clinics.
Are You or a Loved One Covered by Tricare? We’re Here to Help.
Whether you’re based in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, or Gilbert, our team is here to help you unlock your Tricare mental health coverage and finally get the care you deserve.
You served us—now let us serve you.
FAQ
💬 What mental health services are covered by Tricare?
Tricare covers a wide range of mental health services including individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and inpatient care. It also covers advanced treatments like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and Spravato® (nasal ketamine) for treatment-resistant depression when medically necessary.
💬 Does Tricare cover depression treatment for veterans and active-duty members?
Yes, Tricare covers depression treatment for both active-duty service members and veterans. Covered treatments may include talk therapy, medication, TMS, and ketamine-based treatments such as Spravato®, depending on medical necessity and prior authorization.
💬 How do I find a Tricare-approved mental health provider near me?
You can find a Tricare-approved mental health provider by using the Tricare online provider directory or contacting a clinic like Bella Vida TMS, which is in-network with Tricare and serves patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Gilbert.
💬 Is TMS therapy for depression covered by Tricare?
Yes, Tricare covers TMS therapy for depression if you’ve tried and not responded to at least one antidepressant and talk therapy. Bella Vida TMS offers Tricare-approved TMS sessions for veterans and families struggling with treatment-resistant depression.
💬 Can Tricare help with mental health support for military families?
Absolutely. Tricare provides mental health benefits not only for service members and veterans but also for spouses and children. This includes counseling, psychiatric care, and therapies like CBT, EMDR, and DBT, all of which are available at clinics like Bella Vida TMS.
References
- TRICARE Mental Health Services
https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental/Therapy - TRICARE Covered Treatments – Depression & PTSD
https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental/Depression - TRICARE Provider Directory
https://www.tricare.mil/FindDoctor - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Veterans and Active Duty
https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Veterans-Active-Duty - Defense Health Agency – TMS & Ketamine Coverage Guidelines
https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Policies/2021/10/20/Mental-Health-Treatment-Guidelines - Veterans Affairs – Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/
