Living Remotely and Accessing Mental Health Care

Friday, May 5, 2023

Accessing mental health care in remote areas can be challenging. When you live in an area with fewer people, it also can mean fewer mental health care providers and resources. It’s important to get mental health care when needed. 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. 

Visit our Telehealth Options page for TRICARE coverage details. Your referral requirements (see below) and costs are the same as in-person visits.

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.

Your mental well-being is essential. Talk with your health care professional and visit www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth and our website to learn more about your mental health care options today.

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.