Find a Medicare Therapist

*Medigap policies or Medicaid (for dual-eligibles) can pay the 20 % Part B coinsurance.

Key Coverage Facts:

• Unlimited medically necessary visits. Medicare sets no annual cap on outpatient therapy sessions.
• Expanded provider list. Since January 1, 2024, Medicare pays licensed counselors and marriage-and-family therapists directly, alongside psychologists and clinical social workers.
• Telehealth through at least CY 2025. Congress extended pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities; all Part B-eligible clinicians may keep treating patients from any location through September 30, 2025. Starting October 1, 2025, most telehealth will again require you to be in a medical facility—unless new legislation intervenes.

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:

1. 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).

2. 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.

3. Day 2 — Phone Calls Walter calls three names. Two have openings next month; one, Susan Lee, LPCC, offers a telehealth slot in 13 days.

4. 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.

5. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Check the Cost. Expect 20 % coinsurance after the deductible—or less if you have a Medigap policy, Medicaid, or a zero-dollar Advantage copay.

5. Schedule Your First Visit. Ask about paperwork, telehealth setup, and cancellation policy.

6. 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.

*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.

Many Medicare Advantage plans advertise $0 mental-health tele-copays. Check your Evidence of Coverage to be sure.

*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.

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE. Ask for help finding open appointments.
• Ask the Provider to Opt In. Some clinicians who “don’t take Medicare” simply haven’t completed enrollment; your request can nudge them to do so.
• Use Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). These clinics must accept Medicare and often offer same-week slots.
• File a Complaint. CMS cares about network adequacy—especially for Advantage plans promising easy access.

Polite persistence can unlock a sooner visit with psychiatrists that take Medicare or a brand-new Medicare counselor.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988
• Senior Centers & Area Agencies on Aging — free support groups
• SAMHSA Treatment Locator — filter “payment accepted: Medicare”
• Medicare.gov Chat — live help finding providers

Does Medicare cover therapy?
Yes. Part B (and all Advantage plans) cover outpatient therapy with enrolled professionals after the deductible; coinsurance or copay applies.

How do I find therapists that take Medicare near me?
Use the Medicare.gov Care Finder or your Advantage plan’s directory—filter for “accepts Medicare assignment.”

What’s the difference between a Medicare therapist and a Medicare psychologist?
“Therapist” is an umbrella term for licensed counselors and clinical social workers; “psychologist” means a PhD/PsyD who can also perform testing. Both can bill Part B.

Are psychiatrists that take Medicare accepting new patients?
Many are—but supply is tight. Search early, use telepsychiatry if offered, and ask primary care for referrals.

Will telehealth still be covered after 2025?
Through September 30, 2025, yes. After that, home-based teletherapy may require congressional action unless you’re in a rural medical facility.