Does Medicare Cover Counseling With an LMHC in Florida?

Last updated: October 3, 2026

Quick Answer

Yes, in most cases. Since January 1, 2024, licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) who meet Medicare's requirements can enroll in Medicare and bill Part B directly for outpatient counseling. After you meet the yearly Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each visit. Coverage still depends on medical necessity and on the counselor being enrolled in Medicare, so confirm before your first session.

What changed in 2024

Before 2024, Medicare did not pay mental health counselors directly. Many people with Medicare had to look for a psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker instead. A federal law passed in late 2022 added mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists to the list of Medicare providers, starting January 1, 2024.

According to CMS, a counselor who bills Medicare must hold a master's or doctoral degree in mental health counseling, be licensed by the state, and have completed at least 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after the master's degree. In Florida, that state license is the LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor).

What Medicare Part B covers

Part B helps pay for outpatient mental health care, including:

• Individual and group psychotherapy with Medicare-enrolled licensed professionals, including mental health counselors.
• A yearly depression screening in a primary care setting.
• Psychotherapy by telehealth. Through December 31, 2027, Medicare covers telehealth services from anywhere in the U.S., including your home.

Medicare pays for services that are medically necessary for a diagnosed condition, such as an anxiety disorder or depression. Your counselor documents your diagnosis and treatment plan.

What you pay with Original Medicare

• Part B deductible: $283 in 2026, once per year.
• Coinsurance: usually 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible. Medicare pays the rest.
• Telehealth: for most telehealth services, the same amount as an in-person visit.
• Medigap: a Medicare Supplement plan may pay some or all of your 20%.

Counselors who bill Medicare must accept assignment, which means they agree to the Medicare-approved amount as full payment. We do not list a dollar price here because the approved amount depends on the type and length of the service.

What about Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans must cover the same mental health services as Original Medicare, but they set their own networks, copays and authorization rules. For counseling at our clinic, we currently accept Medicare and Self Pay. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call us first and we will check your plan before you book. We do not accept Medicaid.

Counseling with Rosa Barroso, LMHC, in Miami Gardens

Rosa Barroso, LMHC, offers individual therapy for anxiety, depression and the stress of living with chronic pain. Sessions are in English or Spanish, in person at our clinic at 16191 NW 57 Ave, Suite A, Miami Gardens, FL 33014, or by telehealth. Learn more on our mental health counseling page.

All In One Specialty Health is a physical therapy and mental health clinic. We share a building with All In One Care Solutions, but we are a different clinic with a different phone number.

If you also see us for physical therapy, your counselor and physical therapist can coordinate with your permission. See physical therapy in Miami Gardens and the insurance we accept for each service.

How to check your coverage before the first session

1. Have your red, white and blue Medicare card (or your plan card) and a photo ID ready.
2. Call (786) 613-7160. Our front desk opens at 8:00 AM (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 AM–3:00 PM).
3. Ask whether you have met your Part B deductible this year.
4. If you have a Medigap plan, have that card ready too.
5. Choose in-person or telehealth sessions.

If you are in crisis

Counseling appointments are not emergency care. If you are thinking about harming yourself or are in crisis, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare pay for therapy with a licensed mental health counselor?
Yes. Since January 1, 2024, Medicare Part B covers outpatient counseling from licensed mental health counselors (LMHCs) who are enrolled in Medicare. After the yearly Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. Coverage depends on medical necessity, so confirm before your first visit.

How much does counseling cost with Medicare?
With Original Medicare, you first meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). After that, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each visit. A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan may pay some or all of that 20%. We verify your coverage before your first session.

Does Medicare cover counseling by telehealth?
Yes. Medicare covers outpatient psychotherapy by telehealth, and through December 31, 2027 you can get covered telehealth services from your home. For most telehealth services you pay the same as for an in-person visit. Rosa Barroso, LMHC, sees patients in person and by telehealth.

Do you accept Medicare Advantage or Medicaid for counseling?
For mental health counseling we currently accept Medicare and Self Pay. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call us first so we can check your plan before you book. We do not accept Medicaid, including Florida Medicaid managed-care plans.

Where can I see an LMHC who takes Medicare near Miami Gardens?
Rosa Barroso, LMHC, sees patients at All In One Specialty Health, 16191 NW 57 Ave, Suite A, Miami Gardens, FL 33014, or by telehealth, in English or Spanish. Call (786) 613-7160 to check your coverage and schedule.

Sources

• CMS: Medicare & Mental Health Coverage (MLN1986542)
• Medicare.gov: Mental health care (outpatient)
• Medicare.gov: Telehealth
• Medicare.gov: Your Medicare Benefits (2026 Part B deductible)

This article is general information, not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Medicare rules, amounts and your own benefits can change. Call (786) 613-7160 or 1-800-MEDICARE to confirm your coverage.