Tricare Insurance
Tricare Insurance & Therapy Services
We Accept Tricare Insurance here at Freedom Within Center
At Freedom Within Center, we are proud to be in-network with Tricare West, which is currently managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Tricare is the military health insurance program designed to support active duty service members, reservists, retirees, and their families.
Our mission is to provide trauma-informed, compassionate, and evidence-based care to those who serve and their loved ones. We offer counseling to Tricare folks in person in San Diego and virtually throughout all of California.
What Your Tricare Plan May Cover
- Individual Therapy (including trauma work, EMDR, anxiety, depression, and adjustment issues)
- In-person and Telehealth Sessions
Most Tricare plans offer comprehensive mental health coverage with no cost for active duty service members and low or no out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries.
Late cancellation fees are not covered by insurance. Our standard $100 fee applies if you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice. Click here to book an appointment.
How to Schedule Therapy with Tricare / How do I get a referral for counseling with Tricare?
If you are a Tricare beneficiary who is not active duty, you can call us directly to schedule an appointment — no prior authorization is needed.
When you call, we will verify your benefits before your first session and let you know your cost share, including any deductible or co-pay that may apply.
If you have a Tricare Prime Plan you will likely not have any cost share for services if your sponsor is active duty. If you have a Tricare Select Plan you likely have a small deductible and a co-pay.
Call us today at (619) 363-1920 and we will be happy to walk you through your benefits.
What If I’m Active Duty? What is covered for Active Duty Service members using Tricare for counseling?
If you are active duty, you’ll need to obtain an authorization from your Primary Care Manager (PCM), flight doctor, or Navy medical provider for Tricare to cover your sessions in full. You will just want to provide them with our name, Freedom Within Therapy and Wellness Center and our Group NPI: 1548700891. You can bring us a copy of the authorization or have them fax us a copy and then call us to schedule.
Typically, PCMs authorize 6–24 sessions at a time for community counseling. Once those sessions are complete, your PCM can usually extend your authorization if continued therapy is recommended.
Don’t worry — we can help guide you through this process if you’re unfamiliar with it.
How is my information shared?
For active duty service members, certain pieces of information must be shared with Tricare or a Military Treatment Facility (MTF) in order for sessions to be covered. This includes your mental health diagnosis, as Tricare only covers services deemed medically necessary. They also typically request some progress notes from treatment.
You can discuss what information is shared and what remains confidential during your first appointment. Your therapist will review these details and answer any questions you have about privacy and documentation.
Keeping Your Information Private
If you prefer not to have any information shared with Tricare or the military, you may choose to pay privately for sessions instead of using your Tricare benefits. This allows you to maintain greater control over your records and treatment confidentiality.
We understand and support whatever decision makes you most comfortable.
Still have questions? Give us a call!
FAQs
Do you accept Tricare insurance?
Yes, we are in-network with Tricare West Region, managed by TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
Do I need authorization to start therapy using Tricare?
Only if you are active duty. Non-active duty members and dependents can start right away.
How many therapy sessions will Tricare cover?
Active duty authorizations are typically for 12–24 sessions, with extensions available as needed.
What if my authorization is up? Can I still continue treatment?
Yes, you can continue sessions and pay privately. Or you can request additional sessions from your command medical team. If they approve additional sessions they will issue another authorization to us.
Will my information be shared with the military?
Only the minimum necessary information (such as diagnosis) is shared for coverage purposes. You can opt for private pay if you prefer full confidentiality.
Do you offer counseling in San Diego using Tricare?
Yes! We are a San Diego based counseling practice. Many of our therapists are in network with Tricare and can provide in person counseling sessions. We also offer virtual options throughout CA.
Next Steps – Let’s Get You Started!
Call us to schedule your first appointment. We’ll verify your Tricare coverage, confirm any cost share, and help you begin therapy right away.
Most Tricare clients can start without delay and have minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Questions? Email help@freedomwithincenter.com — we’re honored to support our military community.
Disclaimer: Coverage and requirements vary by Tricare plan and status. Always verify benefits directly with Tricare or your PCM before scheduling.