Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage now cover more mental-health professionals than ever—psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and, as of 2024, licensed professional counselors and marriage-and-family therapists. In this guide you will learn how to find therapists that take Medicare, understand today’s Medicare mental health coverage, and connect with virtual or in-home options while you wait.
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Burnout, Work/Life Balance, Peer Difficulties.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
Psychiatrist
1600 Olive Chapel Road, Apex, North Carolina 27502
Vinay Saranga is a Psychiatrist in Apex, North Carolina. They treat Anger Issues, Paranoid Personality, Substance Use.
Mental health disorders are unique. In addition to medication management, we offer TMS Therapy and IV Ketamine that can help when nothing else does.
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Psychotherapist
475 Cleveland Avenue North, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
Cassandra Janke is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Saint Paul, Minnesota and has been in practice for 2 years. They treat Pregnancy/Loss of Pregnancy, Depression, Sexual Identity.
I favor therapeutic approaches that provide a chance to connect the body, mind, behaviors, and emotions, such as CBT and mindfulness practice.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
206 North Randolph Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820
Kevin Shepherd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Champaign, Illinois and has been in practice for 11 years. They treat Self-Esteem, Grief and Loss, Spiritual/Religious Concerns.
I am experienced in working with people with a variety of challenges and mental health concerns especially those centered around academic stress.
Psychologist
Remote only
Joanne Perilstein is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Chronic Illness/Pain, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Peer Difficulties.
Therapy tailor-made to fit your needs, strengths, and goals.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
100 Trade Center Drive, Champaign, Illinois 61820
Megan K. Ramirez is a Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Champaign, Illinois. They treat Body Image, Bullying, Loneliness/Isolation.
Megan provides compassionate med management and therapy, supporting your mental health with personalized, trauma-informed care.
From overwhelmed to relieved in a matter of minutes—that was my experience with MiResource.
— Lucia
| Part | What It Covers | Typical Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Inpatient psychiatric hospital or general hospital stays | Standard Part A inpatient costs |
| Part B | Outpatient therapy, diagnostic testing, medication management | 20 % of Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). |
| Part D | Prescription drugs (antidepressants, mood stabilizers) | Plan-specific copay/coinsurance |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Must cover everything A & B cover; many add $0 teletherapy copays | Varies by plan |
*Medigap policies or Medicaid (for dual-eligibles) can pay the 20 % Part B coinsurance.
Key Coverage Facts:
| Provider Type | Typical Role |
|---|---|
| Medicare Therapist / Counselor (LPCC, LMFT, LCSW) | Weekly talk therapy, coping skills, family sessions |
| Medicare Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | Psychological testing, trauma-focused or specialty modalities |
| Medicare Psychiatrist (MD/DO) | Diagnosis, medication management, complex cases |
Walter, a 68-year-old semi-retired truck driver in Columbus, noticed creeping anxiety and insomnia. Here’s how he moved from symptoms to treatment in 15 days:
Day 1 — Annual Wellness Visit Walter tells his primary-care doctor about his mood. The doctor adds a brief depression screening (free once per year).
Day 1 — Referral & Directory The doctor prints a list of therapists that take Medicare within 20 miles and reminds Walter that referral paperwork isn’t required—but can speed scheduling.
Day 2 — Phone Calls Walter calls three names. Two have openings next month; one, Susan Lee, LPCC, offers a telehealth slot in 13 days.
Day 13 — First Session After meeting his deductible earlier in the year, Walter pays 20 % of the Medicare-approved rate—$30.80 for a 45-minute visit.
Day 14 — Medication Check Susan suggests a low-dose SSRI. Walter schedules a 30-minute video consult with a Medicare psychiatrist through his Part D plan’s telehealth partner.
Verify Your Coverage: Original Medicare: no networks—see any clinician who “accepts assignment.” Medicare Advantage: use the plan’s online directory to avoid out-of-network costs.
Run the Medicare.gov Care Finder (or your MA plan’s portal). Enter your ZIP code, select “mental health,” then filter for language, specialty, telehealth, or wheelchair access if needed.
Confirm the Clinician Accepts Medicare. Look for “Participating” (takes assignment) or “Non-participating” (can charge up to 15 % more). For the lowest cost, make sure to stick to participating whenever possible.
Check the Cost. Expect 20 % coinsurance after the deductible—or less if you have a Medigap policy, Medicaid, or a zero-dollar Advantage copay.
Schedule Your First Visit. Ask about paperwork, telehealth setup, and cancellation policy.
Bridge the Gap While You Wait. Use free Part B services—yearly depression screening, alcohol-misuse counseling—or tap Advantage-plan perks like SilverSneakers Mindful Movement classes.
| Coverage Type | Who Can You See? | Typical Cost* |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare | Any provider nationwide who accepts assignment | 20 % coinsurance after deductible |
| Medicare Advantage PPO | In-network → lowest copay; out-of-network → higher coinsurance | Plan-specific |
| Medicare Advantage HMO | In-network only (except emergencies) | Usually $0–$40 per visit |
*Medigap or state Medicaid may remove your remaining coinsurance.
Bottom line: with Original Medicare, your only “network” is the list of clinicians who accept Medicare. For Advantage plans, always cross-check the directory before booking for mental-health providers that accept Medicare.
| Telehealth Scenario | Covered Through 9/30/25? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Video therapy with your enrolled clinician | Yes | Any location—including your home |
| Audio-only therapy (if you can’t use video) | Yes | Allowed permanently for mental-health visits |
| After 10/1/25—routine video therapy at home (Original Medicare) | Likely no | Must be in a medical facility located in a rural area unless Congress extends current flexibilities |
Many Medicare Advantage plans advertise $0 mental-health tele-copays. Check your Evidence of Coverage to be sure.
| Service | Original Medicare Cost* | Typical Advantage Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 45-min individual therapy (CPT 90834) | 20 % of $154.00 → $30.80 | $0–$40 copay (varies) |
| Initial psychiatric evaluation (CPT 90792) | 20 % of $234.40 → $46.88 | $0–$50 copay |
| Annual depression screening | $0 | $0 |
| Intensive Outpatient Program (new benefit) | Part B cost-share | Often $0–$50 per day |
*After meeting the $257 Part B deductible. Rates reflect 2025 national unadjusted CMS fee schedule.
Remember, switching Medicare therapist if it doesn't feel like the right match is okay.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
