May 11, 2025
What Is TRICARE’s Approach to Treating Substance Use Disorders?
TRICARE, the healthcare program for U.S. military members, retirees, and their families, provides comprehensive insurance coverage for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Through a network of approved military and civilian providers, TRICARE enables beneficiaries to access personalized addiction care, including detoxification, inpatient rehab, outpatient services, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
TRICARE follows medical necessity standards and aligns its coverage with established clinical guidelines to ensure high-quality, individualized care. Covered services are designed to address both substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions, promoting long-term recovery and resilience.
- Full Continuum of Care: Coverage includes detox, residential rehab, PHP, IOP, MAT, and traditional outpatient therapy.
- Evidence-Based Therapies: Programs often incorporate CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and medication-assisted treatment.
- Dual Diagnosis Support: Many TRICARE-approved facilities provide integrated care for PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Family Engagement: Family counseling and education are often included to support long-term recovery success.
- Medical Necessity Standards: All services must meet TRICARE’s criteria for clinical necessity and provider accreditation.
TRICARE emphasizes quality care, accessibility, and compassionate support to help members achieve lasting recovery.
How Can I Access Substance Use Disorder Treatment Through TRICARE?
Accessing treatment through TRICARE involves confirming plan details, identifying an in-network provider, and obtaining referrals or prior authorizations when necessary. Individuals seeking TRICARE-covered drug rehab can follow these steps for a smooth experience:
- Eligibility and Coverage Verification: Check with TRICARE to confirm SUD treatment coverage, referral requirements, and provider eligibility.
- Choose a Treatment Facility: Select a TRICARE-authorized provider to ensure maximum coverage and quality care.
- Clinical Evaluation: A licensed clinician will assess your condition to determine the appropriate level of care.
- Referral or Pre-Authorization: Some services may require pre-approval from TRICARE before treatment begins.
- Start Treatment: Begin detox, inpatient, outpatient, or MAT services as outlined in your treatment plan.
- Aftercare Services: Continue with outpatient therapy, support groups, or follow-up counseling for long-term success.
Working with a TRICARE-friendly facility like Carrara ensures a well-supported recovery process from start to finish.
What Substance Use Disorders Are Covered by TRICARE?
TRICARE plans offer coverage for a wide range of substance use disorders, with treatment approved based on medical necessity rather than the type of substance involved. Coverage includes:
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy, and medication options like naltrexone are often covered.
- Opioid Use Disorder: Includes access to MAT (e.g., Suboxone, methadone) and comprehensive therapy support.
- Stimulant Addiction: Behavioral treatment programs for cocaine and methamphetamine misuse.
- Cannabis Use Disorder: Covered outpatient and residential services for marijuana dependency.
- Prescription Drug Abuse: Coverage for benzodiazepines, sleep aids, ADHD medications, and other controlled substances.
TRICARE promotes individualized, evidence-based care regardless of the specific substance involved in the addiction.
What Outpatient Options Are Available Under TRICARE?
Outpatient treatment through TRICARE provides flexibility for individuals balancing work, family, or school responsibilities while still receiving structured care. Key options include:
1. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
IOPs provide structured support without requiring overnight stays. Patients typically attend therapy 3–5 days per week for several hours, focusing on relapse prevention, coping strategies, and group or individual counseling. TRICARE generally covers IOPs when deemed medically necessary.
2. Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
PHPs offer full-day clinical services—including therapy, psychiatric support, and medication management—while patients return home in the evening. These programs are often used as a step-down from inpatient rehab. TRICARE covers PHPs through in-network, accredited providers.
3. Traditional Outpatient Therapy
This level of care includes scheduled sessions once or twice a week with licensed addiction professionals. It suits individuals in early stages of SUD or those in long-term recovery. TRICARE typically covers outpatient therapy, depending on plan specifics.
4. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT combines counseling and behavioral therapy with medications such as Suboxone, methadone, or naltrexone to reduce cravings and prevent relapse. TRICARE covers MAT when prescribed by certified providers under appropriate clinical supervision.
5. Telehealth Addiction Services
TRICARE offers telehealth coverage, enabling access to addiction counseling and mental health support via secure video conferencing—ideal for rural areas or individuals preferring in-home care.
Outpatient treatment must be delivered by TRICARE-authorized providers and meet medical necessity criteria to qualify for reimbursement.
How Does TRICARE Support Family Involvement in Recovery?
TRICARE understands the critical role families play in the recovery process. Many TRICARE-covered programs incorporate family-based services, such as:
- Education and Awareness: Helping family members understand addiction, treatment, and recovery dynamics.
- Family Therapy: Guided counseling to resolve conflicts, improve communication, and rebuild trust.
- Aftercare Participation: Family involvement in post-treatment planning and ongoing support sessions.
- Boundary Setting and Tools: Equipping families with tools to offer constructive support without enabling behaviors.
- Access to EAP Services: TRICARE participants with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) may access short-term family counseling benefits.
Facilities like Carrara incorporate family healing as a core aspect of their treatment philosophy.
What Makes Carrara a Premier Choice for TRICARE-Eligible Clients?
Carrara provides luxury rehab services for TRICARE beneficiaries, offering high-end amenities alongside clinically robust treatment. Our team specializes in trauma-informed, discreet care for veterans, military families, and high-profile clients.
- Private Accommodations: Premium facilities with spa-like amenities, chef-prepared meals, and tranquil environments.
- Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Simultaneous treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions.
- Comprehensive Wellness Modalities: Holistic offerings like yoga, acupuncture, and fitness support whole-person healing.
- Veteran-Centered Support: Experienced clinicians familiar with military culture and service-related trauma.
For TRICARE members, Carrara offers a sophisticated yet supportive setting to recover with dignity and strength.
Start Your Recovery Journey Today
If you’re ready to begin healing, reach out to Carrara Treatment for a confidential consultation and TRICARE insurance verification. Our admissions team handles all the logistics, allowing you to focus fully on recovery.
- Streamlined Insurance Support: We manage authorizations and coordinate with TRICARE on your behalf.
- Custom Treatment Planning: Our team develops a recovery path suited to your unique clinical and lifestyle needs.
Contact Carrara today—and let your journey to lasting recovery begin.
Britney Elyse has over 15 years experience in mental health and addiction treatment. Britney completed her undergraduate work at San Francisco State University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University. Britney worked in the music industry for several years prior to discovering her calling as a therapist. Britney’s background in music management, gave her first hand experience working with musicians impacted by addiction. Britney specializes in treating trauma using Somatic Experiencing and evidence based practices. Britney’s work begins with forming a strong therapeutic alliance to gain trust and promote change. Britney has given many presentations on somatic therapy in the treatment setting to increase awareness and decrease the stigma of mental health issues. A few years ago, Britney moved into the role of Clinical Director and found her passion in supervising the clinical team. Britney’s unique approach to client care, allows us to access and heal, our most severe cases with compassion and love. Prior to join the Carrara team, Britney was the Clinical Director of a premier luxury treatment facility with 6 residential houses and an outpatient program
