Medicare and mental health care: what's covered and what you pay

Outpatient therapy, psychiatric visits, inpatient psychiatric care and the 190-day limit, the newer marriage and family therapist coverage, and costs.

Medicare covers a broad range of mental health services under Parts A, B and D.

Part B: outpatient care

• Visits with psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers and nurse practitioners.
• Since 2024, licensed marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors.
• Yearly depression screening at no cost in primary care.
• Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs.

You pay 20% after the $283 Part B deductible. Medigap usually covers that 20%; see why the 20% matters.

Part A: inpatient care

Inpatient psychiatric care in a general hospital or psychiatric hospital. Stays in a freestanding psychiatric hospital are limited to 190 days in a lifetime.

Part D: medications

Most psychiatric drugs are covered by Part D plans, with the yearly $2,100 cap.

Questions people ask

Does Medicare cover therapy?

Yes, under Part B with 20% coinsurance after the deductible.

Are counselors covered?

Since 2024, licensed mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists are covered.

What is the 190-day limit?

A lifetime limit on freestanding psychiatric hospital stays.

Is depression screening free?

Yes, yearly in primary care.

Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.