10Nov
Does Medicare Cover Therapy? Costs, Coverage and What to Know (2026)

If you are on Medicare, you may wonder whether therapy is covered and what it will cost. The short answer is yes, Original Medicare covers many outpatient mental health services. This guide explains what Part B covers, what you may pay in 2026, how telehealth fits in and how to check your own coverage.

By the U Heal Life editorial team. Last updated: November 2026. This is general information, not medical, legal, tax or insurance advice. We are not licensed clinicians, lawyers or insurance agents.

Quick answer: Yes. Original Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health care, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric visits and diagnostic evaluations. After you meet the Part B deductible (reported as $283 in 2026), you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, unless you have a Medigap or other plan that covers it. Many therapy visits can be done by telehealth. Your provider must accept Medicare, so ask before you book.

Medicare and therapy key points: Part B covers outpatient therapy, you usually pay 20 percent after the deductible, telehealth may be covered, check provider accepts Medicare
Key points at a glance.

What Part B Covers

According to Medicare.gov, Part B covers a wide range of outpatient mental health services. These commonly include:

  • Individual and group psychotherapy
  • Family counseling, when it is part of treatment
  • Diagnostic evaluations and tests
  • Medication management visits
  • Annual depression screening
  • Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, when medically necessary

Prescription medicines are covered separately, usually under Part D.

What You Pay in 2026

CostTypical amount
Part B deductibleReported as $283 for 2026
CoinsuranceUsually 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible
Monthly Part B premiumReported as about $202.90 in 2026
Medigap plansSome cover the 20% coinsurance
Medicare AdvantageCosts and rules vary by plan

Check Medicare.gov for the current year’s exact numbers.

Which Providers Can You See?

Medicare generally covers visits with psychiatrists and other doctors, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers and some nurse practitioners and other professionals. The key rule is that the provider must be enrolled in Medicare. Ask whether they “accept assignment,” which affects what you pay.

Is Online Therapy Covered?

Medicare has covered many mental health visits by telehealth, including from home, though rules can change. The provider must offer telehealth and be enrolled in Medicare. Read more in online therapy vs in-person therapy.

Limits to Know

  • Inpatient care in a freestanding psychiatric hospital has a lifetime day limit reported at 190 days
  • Coverage must be medically necessary
  • Not every therapist accepts Medicare, so the pool can be smaller

How to Check Your Coverage

  1. Visit Medicare.gov or log in to your Medicare account
  2. Call 1-800-MEDICARE
  3. If you have Medicare Advantage or Medigap, call your plan
  4. Ask the therapist’s office if they accept Medicare, and what you will pay per visit

If You Need Lower Costs

Frequently Asked Questions: Does Medicare Cover Therapy

Does Medicare pay 100% for therapy?

Usually not. You typically pay 20% after the Part B deductible, unless another plan covers it.

Does Medicare cover talk therapy?

Yes, Part B covers outpatient talk therapy from enrolled providers.

Does Medicare cover online therapy?

Often yes, through telehealth, if the provider is enrolled and offers it. Rules can change.

Does Medicare cover marriage counseling?

Family counseling may be covered when it is part of treatment, but general relationship counseling usually is not.

How do I find a therapist who accepts Medicare?

Ask your plan, use Medicare.gov’s provider tools and call offices to confirm. See how to find a therapist.

Helpful resource: Medicare.gov: outpatient mental health care

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical, mental health, legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules, prices and availability change, so please confirm details with the official source, your plan or a qualified professional. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US) or your local emergency number right away.