TRICARE Reserve Select Mental Health Coverage Guide
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) is a premium-based health plan for Selected Reserve members and their families who are not on active duty. It provides comprehensive coverage including mental health services.
For Military Servicemembers & Families
TRICARE provides comprehensive mental health coverage for active-duty servicemembers, retirees, and their dependents. You do not need a referral for outpatient mental health visits with a TRICARE-authorized provider.
How to Verify Your Mental Health Benefits
Before your first appointment, verify your specific benefits so you know what to expect. Here is a step-by-step process for TRICARE Reserve Select members:
- Call 1-800-874-2273 and have your member ID card ready.
- Ask to speak with the behavioral health benefits department.
- Ask: "What is my deductible for outpatient mental health services, and how much have I met?"
- Ask: "What is my copay or coinsurance for an in-network therapy session?"
- Ask: "Do I have out-of-network benefits, and what is the reimbursement rate?"
- Ask: "Is prior authorization required for outpatient therapy?"
- Ask: "Is there a session limit per year?"
- Ask: "Are telehealth sessions covered at the same rate as in-person?"
Know Your Rights: Mental Health Parity Act
Federal law requires TRICARE Reserve Select to cover mental health services at the same level as medical and surgical benefits. If you are denied coverage, ask for the denial in writing and reference the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
Want to keep track of all these details? Use our free benefits verification worksheet to organize your coverage information.
Finding an In-Network Therapist
Search TRICARE Reserve Select's provider directory directly: Find a therapist in your area
Tips for Using the TRICARE Reserve Select Directory
- Filter by "Behavioral Health" or "Mental Health" specialty.
- Check that the provider is accepting new patients before calling.
- Confirm the provider is in-network for your specific plan (not just TRICARE Reserve Select generally).
- Look for providers who specialize in your specific concern (anxiety, depression, trauma, etc.).
Types of Providers Covered
Telehealth Coverage
TRICARE Reserve Select covers telehealth therapy sessions, so you can meet with a therapist from home via video or phone.
Couples & Family Therapy
Family therapy covered.
Understanding Your TRICARE Reserve Select Coverage
Available Plan Types
Prior Authorization
No referral required for in-network care. Prior auth may be needed for intensive services.
Substance Use Treatment
TRICARE Reserve Select covers substance use disorder treatment, including outpatient counseling, intensive outpatient programs, and inpatient rehabilitation.
Common CPT Codes for Therapy
These are the billing codes your therapist will use when filing claims with TRICARE Reserve Select:
| CPT Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 90791 | Psychiatric diagnostic evaluation |
| 90834 | Individual therapy (45 minutes) |
| 90837 | Individual therapy (60 minutes) |
| 90847 | Family / couples therapy (with patient present) |
| 90846 | Family therapy (without patient present) |
| 90853 | Group therapy |
How to Get Reimbursed (Out-of-Network)
If you are seeing a therapist who is not in TRICARE Reserve Select's network, you may still be able to get reimbursed. Here is how:
- Pay your therapist directly at the time of your session.
- Request a superbill from your therapist after each session. This is a detailed receipt with the information TRICARE Reserve Select needs to process your claim.
- Submit your claim to TRICARE Reserve Select using one of these methods:
- Online: Submit through the member portal
- Wait for processing. Most claims are processed within 30 days. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing what was covered.
TRICARE Reserve Select Claims Note
Claims process is similar to TRICARE Select. File through your regional TRICARE contractor.
What Your Superbill Should Include
- Therapist's name, credentials, NPI number, and tax ID
- Date of service
- CPT code (e.g., 90834 or 90837)
- ICD-10 diagnosis code
- Amount charged
- Your name and date of birth
TRICARE Reserve Select tip: File claims through your regional TRICARE contractor. TRS has a separate premium from other TRICARE plans.
Save Money on Therapy with TRICARE Reserve Select
Use Your HSA or FSA
Therapy is an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). You can use these pre-tax dollars to pay for copays, coinsurance, and out-of-network therapy costs, effectively saving 20-35% on your therapy expenses.
Ask About Sliding Scale Fees
Many therapists offer reduced rates based on your income. If you have a high deductible TRICARE Reserve Selectplan or high out-of-pocket costs, ask your therapist about sliding scale options. Some therapists will also offer "single-case agreements" with TRICARE Reserve Select at a negotiated rate.