What TRICARE Covers for Substance Use Treatment
TRICARE covers medically necessary substance use disorder treatment across the full continuum of care:
- Medical detox — covered when medically necessary
- Residential rehab (Substance Use Disorder Residential Rehabilitation) — covered for clinically appropriate stays
- Partial hospitalization (PHP) — covered as step-down from residential or primary level of care
- Intensive outpatient (IOP) — covered
- Standard outpatient therapy — covered under behavioral health benefits
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) — Suboxone, Vivitrol, and naltrexone are covered
TRICARE also covers co-occurring mental health conditions (PTSD, depression, anxiety, TBI-related issues) that frequently accompany substance use in military populations.
TRICARE Plan Types
- TRICARE Prime: HMO-style plan for active duty members and families near military bases; requires referral from primary care manager (PCM) and authorization from regional contractor
- TRICARE Select: PPO-style plan allowing self-referral to TRICARE-authorized providers; often the most flexible plan type for civilian providers, but check your plan
- TRICARE Reserve Select: for Selected Reserve members and families
- TRICARE Retired Reserve: for retired reserve members before age 60
- TRICARE for Life: supplement to Medicare for TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries age 65+
- TRICARE Young Adult: coverage for adult children up to age 26
Active Duty Members
Active duty service members have access to substance use treatment through their command and military treatment facilities. TRICARE also covers treatment at civilian facilities when authorized. The process typically involves:
- Command referral or self-referral depending on service branch policy
- Authorization from the regional TRICARE contractor
- Treatment at an authorized civilian facility
BetterChoice understands the unique confidentiality concerns of active duty members seeking treatment. We work within the authorization framework while protecting your privacy to the maximum extent allowed.
Military Families and Dependents
Military family members and dependents can access substance use treatment through TRICARE Select with self-referral to authorized providers. The authorization process is typically more straightforward than for active duty members.
Veterans
Veterans may have both TRICARE eligibility (if retired or reserve) and VA benefits. We work with TRICARE specifically; VA benefits are a separate system. For veterans with TRICARE, the coverage and authorization process follows standard TRICARE procedures.
Military-Specific Clinical Considerations
Our clinical team understands the unique aspects of military-connected substance use:
- PTSD and combat-related trauma frequently co-occur with substance use in military populations
- Military sexual trauma (MST) is another common co-occurring factor
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can complicate both substance use and recovery
- Military culture creates specific barriers to seeking help (stigma, career concerns, chain-of-command dynamics)
- Transition stress — the period after separation from service is a high-risk window for substance use escalation
We provide trauma-focused care (EMDR, CPT, trauma-focused CBT) alongside substance use treatment.
Confidentiality for Military Members
We understand that confidentiality is especially important for military-connected patients. Treatment records are protected under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2. Apart from what TRICARE authorization requires and the limited situations the law permits, we do not communicate with command, employers, or family without your written consent. Service-specific reporting rules may apply to active duty members, so ask before admission.
How to Verify Your TRICARE Coverage
Call us at (725) 550-5655 with:
- Your TRICARE plan type (Prime, Select, etc.)
- Your DoD ID number
- Date of birth
- Your regional TRICARE contractor information (printed on your card)
Admissions can check TRICARE benefits and explain the authorization steps. No commitment required.
Contact
(725) 550-5655 198 Ebb Tide Cir Las Vegas, NV 89123