Exhale: A Blog for Women’s Mental & Emotional Health
Tricare, the health insurance program that provides coverage to active duty and retired military members, their families, and survivors, covers a variety of benefits, including mental health care. This includes online therapy, a great option for those who live in rural areas like Panama City or Ocala have schedules that don’t accommodate traditional in-person therapy, or military families who relocate often.
For anyone not in the military, it may sound cliche when someone says, “When the service member serves in the military, the whole family serves.” But for those of us who are family members of an active-duty service member, we know that this saying actually rings true. As the spouse of a service member, we may not serve on the front lines, but we make lots of sacrifices in support of our spouses’ duties and responsibilities.
If you have Tricare Prime benefits, it makes sense to see an in-network Tricare provider as it would not cost you anything to see a counselor and you wouldn’t need a referral. But if you aren’t able to find an in-network provider with any openings, there is another option for you to receive therapy services.
If you are someone who has Tricare for health insurance, you know first-hand that navigating the world of Tricare can often be confusing and frustrating. While Tricare provides great benefits for military members and their dependents, it can be really annoying trying to figure out what Tricare will and will not cover – and this is speaking as someone who has Tricare and also takes Tricare insurance in their online therapy practice!
One of the most common questions that has been asked many times throughout the COVID-19 pandemic is “Does Tricare cover online therapy?” And here’s the answer: Yes!
For most families, the summer months are a time of vacation and relaxed schedules. But in the world of military families, the summer months are known as “PCS season.” A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is most definitely not a stress-free time. Having PCS’d several times – and being currently neck-deep in the midst of one! – I know first-hand the amount of overwhelm, exhaustion, and anxiety that can come from a military move.
One health care benefit that’s often misunderstood is behavioral and mental health services. Especially Tricare coverage for those services when you access them online. Having access to emotional support is very important for military spouses. Military life has constant ups and downs and can take a real toll on your emotional well-being. Talking with a therapist can help you learn how to cope with whatever you are facing. And online therapy provides women, especially military spouses, the support they need to thrive.
Follow on Social Media @AshleyComegysLCSW
