Does Medicare Cover Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Does Medicare Cover Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Yes, Medicare part B covers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Tennessee when deemed medically essential.¹ The majority of mental health services take place in an outpatient setting. However, the CBT psychologists providing these treatments must meet the state’s license requirements. In addition, Medicare participants must pay any deductible and coinsurance amounts before Medicare CBT benefits apply.

MEDICARE INSURANCE ELIGIBILITY

• United States citizen
• Aged 65 or older
• Or younger than 65 with disabilities or End Stage Renal Disease.

Jump to Section

• Does Medicare Cover Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
• How to Verify Medicare CBT Coverage
• What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
• What Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treat?
• How To Find Medicare CBT Clinics Near Me?
• How Much Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

How to Verify Medicare CBT Coverage

Athena Care is in-network with most major insurance plans. Find out more about your insurance coverage by calling your insurance company or contacting Athena Care at 877-641-1155.

Let our highly experienced, expert care coordinators handle the difficulties of contacting your insurance carrier for more information about CBT Medicare insurance coverage.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy treatment also known as talk therapy. It includes a structured relationship with a mental health professional and several sessions.

CBT helps you become aware of your incorrect or negative thinking to equip you with the coping skills to better understand and respond to difficult situations.²

How Does CBT Work?

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be done one-on-one or as group therapy with family members or others dealing with similar problems.

CBT usually includes the following steps:

• Identify any difficult situations or circumstances in your life.
• Recognize your feelings, emotions, and beliefs concerning these issues.
• Understand when you’re thinking negatively or incorrectly.
• Reinterpret any negative or incorrect thinking.

CBT may not be able to cure your illness or eliminate an uncomfortable situation. Still, it can help provide you with the ability to cope with your condition in a healthy manner, making you feel better about yourself and your life.

What Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treat?

Alongside treating emotional challenges, CBT can aid in treating the following mental illnesses:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disorders
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance use disorders
• Bipolar disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Sexual disorders

How To Find Medicare CBT Clinics Near Me?

With Athena Care, gaining access to a CBT clinic in Tennessee has never been easier. A care coordinator can assist you with any questions or concerns about cognitive behavioral therapy Medicare coverage at one of our multiple locations, open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

When choosing mental and behavioral health professionals, it’s important to ask many questions and keep the following in mind:

• Education, training, license, and years of experience
• Specialties and services offered
  • Ask about the therapist’s expertise and experience treating your specific symptoms or area of concern, such as substance use disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Treatment methods and philosophies
• Insurance companies they work with
• Office hours
• Pricing
• Session length

Here, you’ll find a list of practitioners organized by city and information about their backgrounds and specialties.

How Much Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

The following are average costs, though they may vary by location and other factors. Therefore, these costs may not reflect the actual cost of what you’ll pay for mental health testing services or treatment in Tennessee.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions are usually 45 – 60 minutes long and cost between $100 and $200 per session.³ CBT is typically considered short-term therapy, requiring anywhere from five to twenty sessions.