Does TRICARE Cover Marriage & Couples Therapy?

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Insurance may be able to help cover the cost of therapy.

Athena Care offers comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents and adults. Unlike many mental health clinics, we’re in-network with most major insurance. If you or someone you love would benefit from talking to a mental health professional, contact us through the form below. One of our care coordinators will help you get the care you need.

Does TRICARE Cover Marriage or Couples Counseling?

Yes, TRICARE, the healthcare program for military and military family members, covers marriage or couples counseling under certain circumstances. In addition, TRICARE provides coverage for mental health services, including counseling for relationship problems.

To be eligible for TRICARE marriage counseling, the counseling must be provided by authorized and licensed marriage counselors that accept TRICARE. Additionally, the counseling must be medically necessary and related to a diagnosed mental health condition.

Some of the mental health conditions that TRICARE deems medically necessary include:

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

TRICARE covered couples therapy does not include counseling for general relationship issues, such as communication or intimacy problems. However, if these issues are related to a diagnosed mental health condition, TRICARE may provide coverage.

It’s important to note that TRICARE insurance coverage may vary depending on several factors, including your specific plan. Therefore, reviewing your policy to fully understand your coverage details is best. Additionally, you may need to get a referral from your primary care provider before seeking marriage counseling that accepts TRICARE.¹

How to Verify TRICARE Couples Counseling Coverage

Athena Care’s therapy clinics in Tennessee are in-network with most major insurance plans, including TRICARE insurance. Find out if TRICARE covers marriage counseling or couples therapy by calling your insurance provider. Alternately, contact us below and one of our care coordinators will help you navigate your insurance coverage and get the care you need.

What is Marriage or Couples Counseling?

Marriage therapy, sometimes known as couples counseling, focuses exclusively on the marriages and relationships of intimate partners. It involves examining partner conflicts, is typically short-term, and focuses on specific issues.²

Marriage and family therapists, also known as MFTs, are one of the five core mental health professions, along with clinical social workers, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatric nurse specialists. Marriage and family therapists are licensed to diagnose and treat mental health and substance abuse issues and provide family services. They must have a master’s degree and two years of supervised clinical practice.³

In marriage therapy, you can expect to work with a licensed therapist specializing in helping couples improve their relationships. Here are some common aspects of what you can expect during marriage counseling:⁴

• Assessment: At the beginning of therapy, the therapist will likely ask you and your partner questions about your relationship and history. This assessment can help the therapist understand your unique challenges and therapy goals.
• Goal-setting: Once the assessment is complete, you and your partner will work with the therapist to identify specific goals. These goals may include improving communication, building trust, or resolving conflicts.
• Communication exercises: Many marriage therapists use communication exercises to help couples improve their ability to communicate effectively. These exercises may include active listening, mirroring, or using “I” statements instead of “you” statements.
• Conflict resolution: One of the main goals of marriage therapy is to help couples learn how to resolve conflicts healthily and productively. The therapist may teach you and your partner specific strategies for managing conflicts and finding solutions for both of you.
• Homework: Marriage therapy often involves homework assignments, such as practicing specific communication techniques or completing exercises designed to improve your relationship. These assignments are meant to help you and your partner continue working on your relationship outside therapy sessions.
• Progress reviews: Throughout therapy, the therapist will periodically review your progress toward your goals. This can help you and your partner stay on track and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Marriage or couples counseling can occur in various settings, including private practices, community centers, or religious institutions. Some therapists may offer online counseling services as well. The length and frequency of counseling sessions can vary depending on the couple’s needs and the therapist’s approach.

Marriage or couples counseling aims to help couples understand the root causes of their conflicts, working toward finding solutions to build stronger, healthier relationships. During the counseling process, couples may learn new communication skills, problem-solving techniques, and strategies for managing conflict in a healthy way.

How Much Does Couples Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

The cost of couples therapy in Tennessee can vary depending on several factors, such as the experience and qualifications of the therapist and the length of each session. On average, couples therapy without insurance in Tennessee can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 per session.⁵

However, depending on the region in Tennessee, the cost of therapy may differ. For instance, couples counseling may cost more in bigger cities like Nashville or Memphis than in smaller towns or rural areas.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that therapy treatment can be expensive overall because most couples need several sessions to see improvement. However, investing in counseling could prove to be priceless, benefitting your relationship and general well-being.