Medicare Coverage for Depression Counseling

If you’re wondering whether Medicare covers counseling for depression, the answer is yes. Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services, which includes individual therapy and family counseling by psychologists, counselors, and other mental health professionals.

Understanding how your health insurance coverage works and what is covered can be a stressful experience. If you are transitioning to Medicare or even if you’ve had it for a while, you may be unsure how Medicare depression treatment works, what is covered, and how to find a provider who will take your insurance.

This guide will go over everything you need to know about Medicare depression management and coverage, so that you can get the care you need to feel more like yourself again.

Key takeaways

• Medicare Part B covers therapy for depression, including one-on-one therapy, marriage and family counseling, and group therapy.
• There is no limit to the number of sessions covered as long as your provider can show that your care is medically necessary.
• Medicare-covered depression therapy can take place in a therapist’s office, a therapy clinic, or in the privacy of your own home via telehealth services.

Why Medicare coverage for depression matters

Older adults experience many life challenges and transitions—including health issues, grief and loss, and isolation—that can put them at higher risk of depression. While depression isn’t a “normal” part of the aging process, it’s one of the most common mental health conditions among older adults, with some research finding that over 30% of older individuals experience it.

Yet despite how common it is, research also finds that only about 50% of older people get treatment for depression. There are many reasons for this, including stigma, shame, co-morbid health conditions, and mobility issues. But part of the reason for this is because of how difficult it can be to understand Medicare coverage for depression and the hardships of finding a covered provider.

Which Medicare plans cover depression

When it comes to depression coverage, Medicare is actually more straightforward than you might think.

There are four parts to Medicare:

• Part A (Hospital Coverage)
• Part B (Medical Insurance)
• Part C (Medicare Advantage)
• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

When it comes to counseling for depression, Medicare Part B is what you need to pay attention to the most. Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health treatment. Essentially, outpatient mental health treatment means “talk therapy,” which is the kind of therapy that you engage in with a licensed mental health provider, in a therapy office, clinic, or online.

Types of counselors and therapists covered

There are many different types of mental health providers that offer depression therapy covered by Medicare. Some of the types of providers Medicare covers include:

• Psychiatrists
• Clinical psychologists
• Licensed social workers
• Licensed mental health counselors
• Family and marriage therapists
• Nurse specialists and practitioners
• Physicians assistants

Importantly, whatever type of provider you use for your depression management, the provider must accept a Medicare Part B assignment. In other words, they have to agree to be paid by Medicare and sign off on the Medicare-approved fee for payment. They are not allowed to bill you for more than your Medicare deducible, coinsurance, or copayment amounts.

Types of therapy covered

There are many different types of therapy that are effective in treating depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and supportive therapy. Medicare doesn’t specify what type of therapy your therapist practices as long as they are licensed and accept Medicare assignment and fees. This gives you flexibility in choosing a therapist and therapy type.

The other good news is that in addition to traditional on-on-one therapy, Medicare will also cover marriage or couples counseling, as long as the primary purpose is treating your diagnosed mental health condition.

Telehealth

New regulations that were put in place during the pandemic mean that Medicare will cover telehealth and virtual health visits for therapy. This can be especially helpful for seniors with health conditions or mobility issues that make it challenging to travel for therapy. Services can happen through video, or via audio-only formats. 

Other depression treatments and services

Besides psychotherapy (aka talk therapy) Medicare Part B covers other related services, including:

• Medication management
• Substance abuse disorder treatment
• Alcohol misuse counseling
• Partial hospitalization for psychiatric services
• Tobacco use cessation counseling
• Cognitive assessments
• Neuropsychological testing 
• Marriage counseling, when medically necessary for treating depression and other mental health conditions

How many sessions are covered?

There’s no limit to the number of depression counseling sessions Medicare will cover. However, your provider may have to submit documentation that therapy continues to be medically necessary.

Evaluation and testing

If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of depression, but you aren’t sure what is going on and what kind of support is needed, it can be helpful to get a mental health evaluation and testing. This may be done through your primary care provider at first, or through a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Medicare covers several different types of screenings and tests to help you better understand your mental health and find the right treatment.

Medicare depression screening

Medicare covers one depression screening per calendar year, usually conducted at your primary care annual visit. The Medicare depression screening is a set of questions that help your provider assess your risk of depression. Questions might cover things like mood, sleep patterns, and your ability to function in day-to-day life. 

Other mental health evaluations

In addition to the yearly depression screening, Medicare covers other tests to help evaluate your depression risk and to tailor your treatment plan, including:

• Psychiatric evaluations
• Diagnostic mental health tests
• Safety planning interventions for people at risk of suicide

Out-of-pocket costs

While Medicare covers therapy and counseling for depression, there may be some out-of-pocket expenses you are responsible for. Here’s what to know. 

Deductibles and copays

As of 2026, the Medicare part B deductible is $283 per year, which means that you must pay this amount before your therapy sessions are covered. After you’ve met your Medicare Part B deductible, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each therapy session (which varies by provider). 

Beyond the 20% copay, there aren’t usually any other copayments for individual therapy sessions. But if you receive mental health services in a hospital outpatient clinic or other hospital department, you may owe copayment or coinsurance to the hospital.

Medigap and Medicare Advantage

If you have Medigap (Medicare Supplemental Insurance) your therapy coverage may be different compared to original Medicare. The same is true if you have Medicare Advantage. Make sure your provider understands your status if you have Medigap or Medicare Advantage.

Telehealth costs

Telehealth costs for therapy are the same as in-person therapy costs. After you meet your Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for telehealth therapy.

How to find a therapist who takes Medicare

There are several actions you can take to find a Medicare-covered therapist for depression. Here’s where to start:

• Ask your primary care provider for a referral
• Ask friends and family members who have Medicare for recommendations
• Consult the Medicare.gov provider directory, where you can search for a Medicare provider by location and specialty
• Contact your Medicare Part B provider and ask for a directory of covered providers
• Search for a provider by state and specialty with a behavioral health organization like Sailor Health

How soon can you begin therapy?

Once you find a covered provider, you can begin therapy as soon as they have an appointment available. Typically, the first session is an introductory session where you get to know your therapist, ask questions, share what brought you to therapy, and outline therapy goals.

Why telehealth options can be helpful

Sometimes it can be hard to find a Medicare-covered therapist within driving distance who has availability and is accepting new patients. With telehealth, you have a larger pool of providers to choose from because they don’t have to be local to you. Most telehealth services let you choose between video and phone calls.

How Sailor Health can help

Sailor Health offers therapy for older adults and works directly with Medicare, so getting support for depression doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. In fact, most people pay little or nothing out of pocket for therapy through Sailor Health.

We help you connect with a therapist who understands the realities of aging, and sessions can take place over Zoom or a simple phone call, whatever feels easiest. It’s straightforward, personal mental health care that meets you where you are.

Getting started is easy: get matched to a therapist and begin therapy as soon as 24 hours later.

Medicare and depression FAQ

If you have other questions about using Medicare for depression counseling, we’re happy to help. Reach out to our team today.

How can I get a free annual depression screening with Medicare?

Each Medicare recipient is entitled to one depression screening per year. This usually happens with your primary care provider, often during your annual check-up. The depression screening is free. You can contact your primary care doctor to find out when your next annual depression screening can be scheduled.

Does Medicare cover antidepressants?

Yes, Medicare covers antidepressants as part of your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. This includes antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. Some people also wonder if Medicare covers ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. While Medicare doesn’t cover ketamine infusion therapy, it may cover esketamine, which is a ketamine derivative nasal spray. You should contact your prescribing provider for more details.

Will Medicare cover psychiatric care for depression?

Yes, Medicare will cover care from a psychiatrist, including prescribing medication for mental health. Medicare also covers partial psychiatric hospitalization (under Part B) and full hospitalization for psychiatric care, under Medicare Part A.

Does Medicare cover TMS for depression?

TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation, is sometimes covered by Medicare. Medicare is more likely to cover this service if it’s been prescribed by a physician with experience and training in TMS. The physician may need to document that the person receiving the treatment has major depressive disorder and hasn’t responded sufficiently to other treatments.

References

1. Medicare (n.d.). Mental health care (outpatient). https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/mental-health-care-outpatient 
2. Zenebe, Y., Akele, B., W/Selassie, M., & Necho, M. (2021). Prevalence and determinants of depression among old age: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of General Psychiatry, 20(1), 55. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-021-00375-x 
3. Medicare. (n.d.) Depression screening. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/depression-screening 
4. Medicare (2025, August). Medicare & your mental health benefits. https://www.medicare.gov/publications/10184-medicare-and-your-mental-health-benefits.pdf 
5. Health Quality Ontario. (2017, November 13). Psychotherapy for major depressive disorder and generalized Anxiety Disorder: a Health Technology assessment. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5709536/ 
6. American Medical Association. (2025, April). Medicare & mental health coverage. ttps://www.cms.gov/files/document/mln1986542-medicare-mental-health-coverage.pdf
7. Medicare (2025). Costs. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs 
8. Medicare (n.d.) Telehealth. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/telehealth 
9. Clemens, K., Zhdanava, M., Teeple, A., Voegel, A., Shah, A., Bowrey, H. E., Tardif-Samson, A., Pilon, D., & Joshi, K. (2025, August 15). Profiles of Medicaid Beneficiaries with Treatment-Resistant Depression Initiated on Esketamine Nasal Spray. Neurology and Therapy, 14(5), 2125–2135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-025-00802-1
10. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (2025) LCD - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (L34641). https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?LCDId=34641