There is likely a psychiatrist near you who accepts Medicare. 

To find a Medicare psychiatrist near you, start by contacting your primary care physician for referrals or use the Medicare Care Compare tool to find Medicare psychiatrists near you. The tool allows you to explore their location, find out if they offer telehealth appointments and more. 

You can also call your local mental health department or use online directories like APA Psychiatrist Finder.

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plan, check with your plan carrier's provider lookup tool to do things like find local psychiatrists, compare their costs, read patient reviews and ratings and more.

When Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Care?

Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services, including individual and group therapy sessions, diagnostic tests, psychiatric evaluations, medication management and partial hospitalization programs. 

Medicare Part A provides coverage for inpatient mental health care at a general or psychiatric hospital.

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover the same benefits as Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), which means they also cover the following when you qualify:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist
  
  
• Group Therapy: Counseling sessions conducted with multiple participants led by a qualified professional
  
  
• Patient Diagnostic Tests: Assessments used to diagnose mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders
  
  
• Evaluations & Medication Management: An initial evaluation followed by regular check-ins with your provider to monitor progress and adjust medications if necessary

In addition to these benefits, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover more benefits than Original Medicare. You can learn more by calling to speak with a licensed insurance agent or by requesting a free plan quote online.

Medicare Mental Health Deductibles and Copayments

The costs associated with accessing these mental health services will depend on your specific Medicare plan. 

Generally speaking, you may be responsible for paying your annual Part B deductible before receiving coverage for outpatient mental health care such as therapy. After meeting this deductible, your Part B copay is typically 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your therapy services. Medicare Advantage deductibles and copays may vary.

Finding a Medicare psychiatrist near you who is in-network can help reduce out-of-pocket costs associated with copayments and deductibles when seeking therapy services under Medicare Advantage plans, especially if you have an HMO or PPO plan.

Medicare Psychiatrist FAQs

What are the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychologist focuses on providing therapy, psychological testing and research. On the other hand, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health who can prescribe medications, diagnose mental disorders and provide psychotherapy.

What does psychiatry do?

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating and preventing mental illnesses. 

Psychiatrists evaluate patients' symptoms through interviews and assessments to develop treatment plans that may include medication management, psychotherapy sessions, lifestyle changes recommendations or hospitalization if necessary. 

Conclusion

Beneficiaries can use the Medicare Care Compare tool to locate psychiatrists near them who accept Medicare.

A licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans that are offered where you live, including whether your preferred psychiatrist accepts the Medicare plans.