Is motivational interviewing a covered TRICARE benefit?
Motivational interviewing is typically used in addition to treatment to help people see where they are, and the steps they will need to make in order to realize significant behavioral changes. When a primary behavioral health problem is a diagnosed mental disorder, e.g., depression or an anxiety disorder, treatment in support of the diagnosed mental disorder may be covered. Motivational interviewing is not a covered TRICARE benefit when that is the primary focus of treatment. TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible for eight behavioral health care visits per year without a referral or pre-authorization for covered behavioral health services. Active duty military personnel always need a referral for care outside a military treatment facility.
