What Medicare covers for mental health care

Medicare covers a wide range of mental health care, from a yearly depression screening to therapy and hospital care.

Outpatient care (Part B)

• Individual and group therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
• Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, which give structured treatment during the day without an overnight stay.
• One depression screening a year, plus your "Welcome to Medicare" visit and yearly wellness visit.

You can see psychiatrists and other doctors, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors.

Telehealth

Through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth from anywhere in the U.S., including your home. That includes therapy and depression screening.

What you pay (2026)

• Depression screening: nothing, if your provider accepts assignment.
• Therapy and other visits: 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible. A hospital outpatient clinic may add a copay.

To keep costs down, choose providers who accept assignment. Medicare Advantage plans cover the same services but set their own copays and networks.

Hospital care (Part A)

Part A covers inpatient mental health care in a general hospital or a psychiatric hospital. In 2026 you pay the $1,736 deductible for each benefit period, then $0 a day for days 1 to 60 and $434 a day for days 61 to 90. You also pay 20% for the services of doctors and other providers while you're there.

The 190-day limit: in a psychiatric hospital (one that only treats mental health conditions), Part A pays for up to 190 days in your lifetime. The limit doesn't apply to mental health care in a general hospital.

Medications

Most prescriptions you take at home, including mental health medications, are covered by Part D or your Medicare Advantage plan's drug coverage.