Find your therapist, covered by Medicare

Yes! Medicare Part B covers therapy with licensed clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and other qualified mental health professionals. Whether you're working through anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, or chronic illness adjustment, your care is covered.

Medicare covers 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for mental health services after you meet your annual Part B deductible. You're responsible for the remaining 20% unless you have supplemental coverage like Medigap.

Medicare Part B is "Original Medicare" provided directly by the federal government. With Part B, you can see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide, and you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your annual deductible ($257 in 2025).

Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers but often include additional benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. Cost structures vary by plan—many Medicare Advantage plans charge a fixed copay per therapy session (often $0-$40) instead of the 20% coinsurance.

Rula accepts both! We work with Original Medicare (also called "fee-for-service" Medicare or Medicare Part B) and Medicare Advantage plans from major insurers.

With Original Medicare, you'll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible. With Medicare Advantage, your cost depends on your specific plan—many members pay a flat copay of $40 per session.

We verify your coverage and provide your exact cost estimate before your first appointment, whether you have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.

If you have a red, white, and blue card that says "Medicare Health Insurance" issued by the federal government, you have Original Medicare (Part B).

If you have an insurance card from a private company like UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, or Blue Cross Blue Shield with "Medicare Advantage" or your plan name on it, you have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage).

Not sure? When you sign up with Rula, we'll verify your specific coverage and let you know your plan type and exact cost.

Both options provide excellent mental health coverage through Rula. The best choice depends on your individual needs:

Original Medicare (Part B) may be better if you:

• Want freedom to see any Medicare provider nationwide without network restrictions

• Prefer standardized costs (20% coinsurance) regardless of location

• Have Medigap supplemental insurance that covers your 20% coinsurance

• Travel frequently and want consistent coverage anywhere

Medicare Advantage may be better if you:

• Prefer predictable copays (often $0-$40 per session)

• Want additional benefits like prescription drug coverage in one plan

• Don't mind using in-network providers

• Like having an out-of-pocket maximum that caps your annual costs

The good news? Rula accepts both, so you can get high-quality therapy regardless of which type you have.

Your cost depends on whether you have Original Medicare (Part B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), or supplemental coverage (Medigap).

Original Medicare (Part B):

• Annual deductible: $257 in 2025

• After deductible: You pay 20% of Medicare-approved amount, Medicare pays 80%

• Example: If Medicare-approved rate is $100, you pay $20 per session after meeting deductible

Medicare Advantage (Part C):

• Costs vary by specific plan

• Many plans: $40 fixed copay per session

• Some plans: Similar 20% coinsurance structure

• Check your plan details for exact costs

Medicare + Medigap (Supplemental Insurance):

• Often $0 out-of-pocket after deductible

• Medigap Plans G and F typically cover the 20% coinsurance

• Plan F also covers the Part B deductible

We check your coverage during signup and show you the exact cost before booking. The Medicare-approved amount for therapy is standardized nationwide, making costs predictable.

Appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. Most Rula patients meet with their provider within 5 days, with flexible scheduling including:

• Next-day availability

• Evening and weekend appointments

• Early morning and late evening slots

You can complete registration and book your first session in as little as 3 minutes—no referral required.

Absolutely! Medicare covers telehealth mental health services at the same rate as in-person visits. Online therapy gives you:

• Sessions from the comfort of your home

• No travel required

• Easier scheduling with more availability

• Access to specialists who may not be nearby

• Same quality care as in-person treatment

You'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, plus a private space where you can talk openly. You must be physically located in the same state as your therapist during sessions.

No. With Original Medicare, you can book directly with any Medicare-accepting therapist without a referral. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your specific plan, though most do not require referrals for mental health services.

You can start therapy immediately and change therapists anytime if the first match isn't right.

Rula's therapists specialize in over 90 different conditions, with Medicare covering all medically necessary mental health care:

Common conditions:

• Anxiety and panic disorders

• Depression and mood disorders

• Stress and burnout

• Trauma and PTSD

• Relationship and family issues

• ADHD and focus challenges

• Grief and loss

• Life transitions and adjustment

Specialized areas:

• Eating disorders and body image

• OCD and compulsive behaviors

• Substance use and addiction support

• Chronic pain and illness

• Gender Identity

• Postpartum and perinatal mental health

All providers are licensed professionals who specialize in evidence-based treatment approaches and understand the unique challenges of aging.

Yes—you can switch therapists anytime at no additional cost. Finding the right fit is essential for successful therapy, and we make it easy to try someone new.

94% of Rula patients found a provider they feel comfortable with, and our matching system helps connect you with therapists who align with your needs, preferences, and communication style.

Therapists provide talk therapy to help you work through emotional challenges, develop coping strategies, and change behavioral patterns. Therapy sessions are typically 50-60 minutes.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. They often combine medication management with brief therapy sessions.

Many patients benefit from both: therapy for ongoing support and skill-building, plus psychiatry for medication when needed. Your Medicare coverage includes both services through Rula.

Yes. Your sessions are completely confidential—your therapist cannot share information about your care with Medicare, family members, or anyone else without your written consent.

Limited exceptions where therapists must report include:

• Risk of harm to yourself or others

• Suspected elder abuse or neglect

• Court order (rare situations)

Your therapist will discuss confidentiality and privacy during your first session so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes! Medicare covers all medically necessary, evidence-based therapy approaches at the same rate, including:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma

• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for emotion regulation

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for thought patterns

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for values-based living

• IFS (Internal Family Systems) for parts work

• EMT (Emotional Focused Therapy)

Your therapist will use the approaches best suited for your specific needs and goals. All modalities are covered by Medicare at the standard 80% rate after deductible.*

If you're "dual eligible" (have both Medicare and Medicaid), your Medicaid coverage may cover your 20% coinsurance and any deductibles, meaning you could pay $0 out-of-pocket for therapy.

We'll verify your coverage from both programs during signup and let you know your exact cost before booking. Most dual-eligible beneficiaries pay nothing for mental health services.

Yes! Many Medicare Advantage plans are accepted through Rula's network. Medicare Advantage plans often have different cost-sharing than Original Medicare:

• Some plans offer $0 copay for telehealth mental health

• Others charge a fixed copay ($20-$40 per session)

• A few plans have coinsurance similar to Original Medicare

We'll check your specific Medicare Advantage plan during signup and show you the exact cost before booking.

No. Medicare does not limit the number of mental health therapy sessions you can have, as long as they're medically necessary. Your therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your needs, whether that's short-term support through a specific challenge or ongoing therapy for chronic conditions.

Medicare reviews claims to ensure services are medically necessary, but there are no preset session limits like some private insurance plans have.

Yes! Medicare covers telehealth mental health services at the same rate as in-person visits. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare has maintained expanded telehealth coverage for mental health services, making it easier than ever to access care from home.

All therapy sessions through Rula are conducted via secure HIPAA-compliant video and are fully covered by Medicare (subject to your normal cost-sharing based on your plan type).

Medicare covers therapy with a variety of licensed mental health professionals, including:

• Psychiatrists (MDs who can prescribe medications)

• Clinical psychologists (PhDs or PsyDs)

• Clinical social workers (LCSWs)

• Psychiatric nurses (Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists)

• Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)

• Marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)

As of 2024-2025, Medicare expanded coverage to include licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists, giving you more options to find the right provider for your needs.

If you haven't met your Medicare Part B annual deductible ($257 in 2025), you'll pay the full Medicare-approved amount for therapy until you reach that deductible. After meeting the deductible, you'll pay 20% of the approved amount.*

To make therapy more affordable before meeting your deductible:

• Therapy costs count toward meeting your deductible

• Medicare's approved rates are standardized and typically 30-50% lower than private pay

• If you have Medigap, it may cover the deductible

• Once you meet the deductible (often early in the year), your costs drop significantly

We show your exact cost before booking, whether you've met your deductible or not.