Getting Mental Health Care in Remote Areas

Monday, May 13, 2024

If you live in a remote location, it can be challenging to get the mental health care you need. When you live in an area with fewer people, it also can mean fewer mental health care providers and resources. We know getting mental health care is important when or if you need it. Did you know that even if you live in a remote area, you have options for getting mental health care services? 

Many mental health care providers offer telehealth options. These virtual appointments allow you to meet with a therapist or psychiatrist from your own home. 

For TRICARE coverage details, visit www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth. Your referral requirements (see below) and costs are the same as in-person visits.

Additionally, Health Net Federal Services, LLC (HNFS) has a network of providers who offer telemental health care. 

• Doctor on Demand
• Telemynd
• HealthLinkNow
• PsychConnect

How it works

1. Click or call to request an online appointment.
2. Get matched with a provider qualified to treat you.
3. Schedule your appointment.
4. Meet with the mental health care specialist via video.
5. If applicable, schedule follow-up visits.

You can also search our Network Provider Directory and use the “telemedicine” filter to find providers in your area who offer remote services.

Learn more about our telehealth network.  

No referral needed

Unless you are an active duty service member, you don’t need a referral or pre-authorization for any TRICARE-covered office-based outpatient mental health service (except psychoanalysis). This means that if you’re enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you can make an appointment with a TRICARE-authorized network provider for mental health services like individual or family counseling or therapy. If you have TRICARE Select, you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider, but you’ll have lower out-of-pocket costs if you see a network provider. 

Active duty service members: You don’t need a referral or pre-authorization if you seek outpatient mental health services at a military hospital or clinic. You do need to get a referral and pre-authorization for all mental health care in the TRICARE network.

Talk with your health care professional and visit www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth and www.tricare-west.com to learn more about your mental health care options today.

Additional online resources are available

Did you know that HNFS offers online resources and coaching opportunities? 

• Work at your own pace and visit our Learning Center for mental health recorded classes. Topics include anxiety, depression and stress management. 
• Nominate yourself for anxiety or depression one-on-one coaching with a disease management specialist. 
• Get one-on-one stress management coaching.

If you or a loved one are experiencing mental health distress, call 911 or 988 (Veterans Crisis Line), or go to the nearest emergency room. 

Doctor on Demand is available in all TRICARE West Region states.
Telemynd is available in all TRICARE West Region states. 
HealthLinkNow is only available in California, Nevada, Texas, and Washington at this time.
PsychConnect is only offered in Arizona at this time.