How care works for Active Duty military

Understand the steps required to access therapy and psychiatry services through TRICARE Benefits.

STEP 1

Request your referral

Speak with your PCM or MTF about connecting with SonderMind for mental health support.

STEP 2

Complete the authorization process

Your referral and authorization information will be sent to our team.

STEP 3

Schedule your first appointment

We'll connect you with a military culturally competent provider and book your first session within 48 hours.

Specialized support for military mental health

Service members, Veterans, and military families face unique mental health needs throughout every stage of military life.

Estimate your cost before your first session*

Select your state
Select your insurance
Select service

Not an Active Duty service member?

Mental health benefits vary by military status. Select the option that best describes you.

Military-informed care you can trust

Stephanie Taylor, LCSW
Stephanie Taylor, LCSW
Military/Veteran
Anxiety
Depression
Jorge Pina, LCPC, LCMHC, LMHC
Jorge Pina, LCPC, LCMHC, LMHC
Relationships
Military/Veteran
Anxiety
David Jedrziewksi, LCMFT, LCMHC
David Jedrziewksi, LCMFT, LCMHC
Trauma
Military/Veteran
Grief

Founded with service members in mind

As an Army Veteran, Mark Frank, CEO and co-founder of SonderMind, saw firsthand how delays in mental health access affected those he served alongside.

That experience continues to shape our work today, supporting Veterans, service members, and their families across every stage of the military lifecycle.

Your questions, answered

What mental health support is available for active duty service members?

Active duty service members can access therapy, psychiatry, medication management, and other mental health support in person or online. Care may be available through a military facility or an authorized civilian provider. SonderMind can help eligible members find licensed providers who understand the demands of military service. A PCM referral and pre-authorization are required for nonemergency civilian care.

Does SonderMind offer psychiatry and medication management for active duty service members?

Yes. SonderMind offers outpatient psychiatric care, including psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management, for eligible active duty service members. Active duty service members must receive a PCM referral and pre-authorization before scheduling nonemergency psychiatric care or medication management with a civilian provider. Availability depends on your location, benefits, provider licensure, and provider network.

Will seeking therapy affect my military career or security clearance?

Usually, no. Seeking therapy rarely affects a military career or security clearance, and getting appropriate care is often viewed as a responsible step. Most people are not asked to report routine counseling on security clearance forms. Requirements can vary by role and circumstance, so check current DoD guidance or speak with your security manager or legal assistance office if you are unsure.

Is therapy confidential for active duty members?

Yes, though certain exceptions apply. SonderMind providers protect your information under applicable privacy laws. However, providers may need to share information when required by law or military policy, such as when there is a serious safety risk, suspected abuse, or a concern involving fitness for duty or mission safety. Ask your provider to explain confidentiality and command-notification rules at the beginning of care.

Can I get therapy off base or online while on active duty?

Yes. Off-base and online therapy can provide greater flexibility around duty schedules. SonderMind offers in-person and online care through licensed providers, depending on your location and provider availability. Active duty members need a TRICARE referral and pre-authorization before receiving nonemergency civilian mental health care, including online therapy.

What is the difference between Military OneSource and therapy through SonderMind?

Military OneSource offers confidential, short-term, non-medical counseling for concerns such as stress, relationships, grief, parenting, and adjustment. SonderMind connects people with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers for clinical services, including ongoing therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. Military OneSource counseling generally is not available to someone already receiving therapy from another provider, so the services typically are not used at the same time.

What mental health challenges are common during active service?

Active duty members may experience stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, PTSD, and relationship strain. These challenges can affect anyone and are not a sign of weakness. Support is available, and asking for help is a sign of strength.

Does TRICARE cover therapy for active duty members?

Yes. TRICARE covers medically necessary mental health care for active duty members. A referral and pre-authorization are required before receiving nonemergency care from a civilian provider. Learn more about using TRICARE with SonderMind and check the requirements for your specific care.

How do I start therapy while serving on active duty?

For routine care, contact your military clinic or primary care manager to obtain any required referral and pre-authorization. Once approved, SonderMind can match you with a provider, or you can browse available in-person and online options that fit your schedule. Your provider can also explain confidentiality and command-notification rules before care begins. LL We may want to add, do you perform neuropsychological evaluations to all of the landing pages? And the answer is, it is dependent on the state in which you live.