CHAMPVA Psychologists and Therapists: Counseling Coverage and Search (2026)

A woman talks with her therapist by video from her living room, a folded flag on the shelf behind her

What a psychologist does

Clinical psychologists evaluate and treat emotional and behavioral conditions through psychotherapy and psychological testing. They do not prescribe medication; a psychiatrist or primary care provider handles that side, often in coordination.

What CHAMPVA covers for psychology

Outpatient therapy sessions are covered with the $50 yearly deductible and a 25 percent cost share, and no referral is needed. The VA's preauthorization list covers inpatient mental health care and substance use treatment, not routine outpatient counseling. Telehealth therapy is a practical option for families far from a psychologist's office; confirm the practice bills CHAMPVA for video sessions.

Before you book: Many therapists in private practice do not bill any insurance. Ask specifically whether they will file a claim with CHAMPVA. If they will not, you can pay and file the claim yourself with VA Form 10-7959A within one year, and CHAMPVA reimburses up to the allowable amount.

Find psychologists who can bill CHAMPVA, by state

Pick your state. The search opens with the Psychology filter already selected and shows real practice locations from the federal NPPES registry, with street addresses and local phone numbers. Then call with the 20-second script to confirm CHAMPVA.

Alabama196 psychology Alaska69 psychology Arizona643 psychology Arkansas130 psychology California5,196 psychology Colorado811 psychology Connecticut824 psychology Delaware170 psychology Washington DC121 psychology Florida2,609 psychology Georgia664 psychology Hawaii397 psychology Idaho172 psychology Illinois1,926 psychology Indiana571 psychology Iowa230 psychology Kansas388 psychology Kentucky272 psychology Louisiana199 psychology Maine240 psychology Maryland728 psychology Massachusetts1,891 psychology Michigan1,726 psychology Minnesota1,547 psychology Mississippi68 psychology Missouri624 psychology Montana128 psychology Nebraska204 psychology Nevada176 psychology New Hampshire268 psychology New Jersey1,236 psychology New Mexico306 psychology New York2,924 psychology North Carolina853 psychology North Dakota168 psychology Ohio1,369 psychology Oklahoma232 psychology Oregon680 psychology Pennsylvania1,943 psychology Rhode Island274 psychology South Carolina195 psychology South Dakota103 psychology Tennessee478 psychology Texas1,731 psychology Utah315 psychology Vermont201 psychology Virginia792 psychology Washington909 psychology West Virginia232 psychology Wisconsin870 psychology Wyoming40 psychology

Psychologists who accept Medicare assignment, by state

Clinicians who accept Medicare assignment can bill CHAMPVA, so these counts from the federal CMS Doctors and Clinicians registry (updated 2026-09-07) show how deep the bench is in each state. National total: 39,039.

State	Psychologists
California	5,196
New York	2,924
Florida	2,609
Pennsylvania	1,943
Illinois	1,926
Massachusetts	1,891
Texas	1,731
Michigan	1,726
Minnesota	1,547
Ohio	1,369
New Jersey	1,236
Washington	909
Wisconsin	870
North Carolina	853
Connecticut	824
Colorado	811
Virginia	792
Maryland	728
Oregon	680
Georgia	664
Arizona	643
Missouri	624
Indiana	571
Tennessee	478
Hawaii	397
Kansas	388
Utah	315
New Mexico	306
Rhode Island	274
Kentucky	272
New Hampshire	268
Maine	240
Oklahoma	232
West Virginia	232
Iowa	230
Nebraska	204
Vermont	201
Louisiana	199
Alabama	196
South Carolina	195
Nevada	176
Idaho	172
Delaware	170
North Dakota	168
Arkansas	130
Montana	128
Washington DC	121
South Dakota	103
Alaska	69
Mississippi	68
Wyoming	40

Common questions

Does CHAMPVA cover therapy sessions?

Yes. Outpatient therapy with a clinical psychologist is covered with the standard deductible and 25 percent cost share, and no referral is required.

Can I use telehealth for therapy under CHAMPVA?

Video therapy is a practical option for CHAMPVA families. Confirm that the practice bills CHAMPVA for telehealth sessions before your first appointment.

What if my therapist does not bill insurance?

You can pay the session and file the claim yourself with VA Form 10-7959A and an itemized receipt, within one year of the visit. CHAMPVA reimburses up to the allowable amount.

Related guides

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Sources

General information, not medical or insurance advice. Coverage rules are set by the VA and federal regulation and can change; confirm with CHAMPVA at 800-733-8387 before treatment.