Does Medicare Cover Therapy? A Complete Guide to Your Benefits

Overview

Therapy is an essential component of mental, emotional, and physical well-being. If you’re on Medicare or caring for someone who is, you may wonder: Does Medicare cover therapy? Yes—but coverage depends on the type of therapy, the provider, and your Medicare plan.

This guide outlines what Medicare typically covers, what you may be responsible for, and how to find a qualified therapist, enabling you to make informed decisions about your care.

Many older adults hesitate to seek therapy because they’re unsure about costs or coverage. Medicare does pay for a range of services—including counseling, mental health evaluations, and rehabilitative therapies. Understanding the basics can help you confidently access support for conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, or daily functioning challenges.

How Medicare Covers Therapy

Medicare covers therapy under different parts of the program depending on:

1. Where you receive care (inpatient vs. outpatient)

2. The type of therapy you need

3. Your Medicare plan (Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage)

Here’s a breakdown of how therapy fits into each Medicare component:

Does Medicare Cover Outpatient Therapy?

Yes. Medicare Part B typically covers outpatient therapy when it is considered medically necessary and provided by qualified clinicians.

Services Commonly Covered

• Individual psychotherapy

• Group therapy

• Family counseling related to a mental health diagnosis

• Psychiatric evaluations

• Medication management

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Substance use disorder counseling

• Behavioral health integration

Medicare typically covers these services when provided by:

• Psychiatrists

• Clinical psychologists

• Clinical social workers

• Nurse practitioners

• Physician assistants

• Certain licensed counselors

Cost: After meeting your Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% coinsurance for therapy visits.

Does Medicare Cover Telehealth Therapy?

Medicare covers telehealth therapy provided by approved clinicians.
This includes:

• Live video therapy sessions

• Medication management

• Substance use counseling

• Psychiatric evaluations

Some phone-only services may be covered depending on current CMS guidance. Because policies can shift, confirm with your provider.

Does Medicare Advantage Cover Therapy?

Yes. Every Medicare Advantage plan must cover the same therapy services as Original Medicare. Many plans go further and offer additional benefits, such as:

• Lower copays for mental health visits

• Expanded therapy networks

• Virtual therapy platforms

• Care coordination programs

Because Medicare Advantage benefits vary, always review:

• Copays

• Network requirements

• Prior authorization rules

Tip: Compare Medicare Advantage plan benefits through Healthcare.com to find one that fits your mental health needs.

Explore the best Medicare Advantage Companies to compare options that fit your health needs.

Does Medicare Cover Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy?

Medicare isn’t limited to mental health therapy—it also covers several rehabilitative therapies when medically necessary.

Physical Therapy (PT)

Helps restore strength, mobility, and function after illness, injury, or surgery.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Helps with activities of daily living, independence, and cognitive functioning.

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Addresses speech, swallowing, and cognitive communication challenges.

These services must be provided by licensed therapists and deemed medically necessary by your provider.

Does Medicare Cover Therapy for Substance Use Disorders?

Yes. Medicare covers multiple services related to substance use treatment, including:

• Individual and group counseling

• Medication-assisted treatment (e.g., buprenorphine)

• Structured outpatient therapy programs

• Alcohol misuse screenings

Inpatient treatment may be covered if medically necessary.

Does Medigap Cover Therapy?

Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) doesn’t expand therapy benefits, but it can help reduce therapy costs by covering:

• Part B coinsurance

• Part B copayments

If you expect ongoing therapy, a Medigap plan may help manage out-of-pocket expenses.

What You’ll Pay for Therapy Under Medicare

How to Find a Medicare-Approved Therapist

1. Visit the Medicare.gov Care Compare tool.

2. Search for mental health professionals in your area.

3. Confirm they accept Medicare assignment.

4. Ask whether they offer telehealth appointments.

Want one-on-one help comparing coverage? A licensed Medicare agent can walk you through therapy benefits and plan options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover therapy for depression or anxiety?

Yes. Therapy for common mental health conditions is usually covered under Part B.

Does Medicare cover marriage counseling?

Only when part of family therapy related to the beneficiary’s diagnosis.

Is there a limit on the number of therapy sessions?

Medicare generally does not limit session count as long as therapy remains medically necessary.

Does Medicare cover therapy from licensed counselors?

Original Medicare (Part B) now covers therapy services from licensed mental health counselors and marriage & family therapists who enroll under Medicare, and previously covered certain other provider types. Some counselor-types still depend on state licensure and Medicare enrollment status, so always confirm with your provider if they accept Medicare.

Bottom Line

Therapy can be a powerful tool for managing mental health and improving your quality of life. Thankfully, Medicare does cover therapy, from counseling and psychiatric services to rehabilitative care like physical and occupational therapy.

Costs and coverage can vary by provider type and Medicare plan, so always review your benefits and confirm a therapist accepts Medicare. When in doubt, compare plans on Healthcare.com or speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you understand your options.

Your well-being matters—and Medicare offers meaningful support to help you get the care you need.