Does TRICARE cover EMDR therapy?
Yes, TRICARE covers EMDR therapy for active duty service members, veterans, and their families. The Department of Defense and VA jointly recognize EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD. EMDR is billed using standard psychotherapy codes and requires no prior authorization for outpatient treatment. Loma is not yet in-network with TRICARE.
TRICARE EMDR coverage details
TRICARE provides health coverage for uniformed service members, retirees, and their families. EMDR is specifically recognized by the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines as a first-line treatment for PTSD, making it a strongly supported modality under TRICARE. All TRICARE plans (Prime, Select, Reserve Select, etc.) cover EMDR as outpatient psychotherapy.
How EMDR is billed with TRICARE
- CPT codes
- Standard psychotherapy codes: 90834 (38-52 min) or 90837 (53+ min). TRICARE uses the same billing as Medicare. No EMDR-specific codes required.
- Typical copay
- TRICARE copays depend on your plan and status. Active duty members and their families often have $0 copays. Retirees and Reserve members may have copays of $20-35 per visit. TRICARE Prime typically has lower cost-sharing than Select.
- Prior authorization
- Outpatient EMDR does not require prior authorization with TRICARE. Referral requirements depend on your plan — Prime requires referrals, Select does not for mental health.
- Session limits
- TRICARE does not limit outpatient mental health sessions. Given the VA/DoD's strong endorsement of EMDR for PTSD, coverage is robust for trauma treatment.
Finding TRICARE-covered EMDR therapists
TRICARE has certified providers and non-certified providers. Seeing certified (in-network) providers minimizes your costs. Many EMDR therapists are TRICARE-certified due to the military community's strong need for trauma treatment.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is EMDR especially relevant for TRICARE members?
- Service members and veterans experience PTSD at higher rates than civilians. The VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines specifically recommend EMDR as a first-line treatment. TRICARE strongly supports EMDR for this reason.
- Can active duty members get EMDR through TRICARE?
- Yes. Active duty members can receive EMDR through Military Treatment Facilities or TRICARE-certified civilian providers. Mental health treatment is covered with typically $0 copay for active duty.
- Does TRICARE cover telehealth EMDR?
- Yes. TRICARE covers telehealth mental health services, including EMDR. This is especially helpful for military families who move frequently or are stationed in areas with limited EMDR providers.
- Is there a difference between TRICARE and VA coverage for EMDR?
- TRICARE covers active duty, their families, and retirees. VA healthcare covers veterans. Both recognize EMDR as first-line PTSD treatment. Many veterans are eligible for both. Note that Loma is not yet in-network with TRICARE.
Other plans: Curative · Aetna · Blue Cross Blue Shield · Cigna · All insurance plans
Get matched with a verified, EMDR-trained therapist covered by your insurance — usually within 48 hours. In Texas? See EMDR therapy in Texas.