Can I use my HSA to pay for therapy?

Asked by: Roma Hoppe  |  Last update: April 22, 2025
Score: 5/5 (37 votes)

Yes. You can use an HSA to cover some mental health expenses, including therapy to treat a diagnosed mental condition. However, therapy that isn't specifically designed for medical or mental health needs — like marriage or family counseling — often won't qualify for HSA coverage.

Can you use HSA for therapy sessions?

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The good news is mental health therapy, including virtual appointments, is an HSA eligible expense.

Can I use my HSA on a gym membership?

Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.

Can I use my HSA to pay for BetterHelp?

While they do not accept insurance, they do accommodate HSA/FSA payments and offer discounts for those facing financial constraints. Messaging your therapist is included in the cost, and BetterHelp provides valuable resources such as documents and live webinars at no extra charge.

What can an HSA not be used for?

Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.

Can I Use HSA For Mental Health Counseling? - CreditGuide360.com

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What is the downside of an HSA?

Drawbacks of HSAs include tax penalties for nonmedical expenses before age 65, and contributions made to the HSA within six months of applying for Social Security benefits may be subject to penalties. HSAs have fewer limitations and more tax advantages than flexible spending accounts (FSAs).

Is it illegal to use HSA money for anything?

You generally can't use HSA funds to pay premiums. Once you turn 65, you can use the money in your HSA for anything you want. If you don't use it for qualified medical expenses, it counts as income when you file your taxes.

Can I use my HSA to pay for massage therapy?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

Can I use my HSA card for couples therapy?

Marriage counseling often falls outside the scope of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines for an HSA account, as it is not deemed a medical necessity.

Can you use HSA on mental health apps?

Mental health care

The funds may also cover online therapy options, text therapy, and hypnotherapy. Use your FSA or HSA for addiction treatment and even meditation apps. Keep in mind that these services may require a Letter of Medical Necessity in order to be covered. And not all therapies are covered.

Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.

What happens if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.

Can I use HSA for vitamins?

In general, vitamins are not considered an HSA eligible expense unless they are prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition. For example, if your doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins during pregnancy or recommends vitamin D supplements to treat a deficiency, those could be eligible expenses under your HSA.

Can I use the HSA for calm app?

Get a year of Calm Premium with your qualifying HSA/FSA funds. You'll save up to 40% on your purchase!

Can you use HSA for dental?

Your HSA also covers expenses for standard dental cleanings and dental check-ups. One thing to keep in mind is that some of these procedures may have a co-payment, so it's important that you check with your dental insurance provider to find out exactly what you'll have to pay out of pocket.

Can you use HSA at a chiropractor?

Fortunately, the IRS considers chiropractic and chiropractic care as qualified medical expenses, so you can use your HSA and FSA for chiropractic treatment.

Are therapy sessions HSA eligible?

Yes. You can use an HSA to cover some mental health expenses, including therapy to treat a diagnosed mental condition. However, therapy that isn't specifically designed for medical or mental health needs — like marriage or family counseling — often won't qualify for HSA coverage.

How do therapists accept HSA?

You can accept payment by swiping your clients' HSA debit card through your credit card reader, as you would a credit card. Or by providing a Super Bill for clients to submit to their fund.

Can my boyfriend use his HSA for me?

I'm enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan with an HSA for myself only. Can I use my HSA to pay for my spouse, domestic partner, or children's medical expenses? Yes, as long as you use the funds to pay for qualified medical expenses, you can pay for any family member who is a tax dependent on your tax return.

Can I pay for gym membership with HSA?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

Can I use HSA for glasses?

Yes! You can definitely use funds from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to purchase prescription glasses. (FSAs and HSAs can be used for many other vision- and eye health-related expenses, too, but we'll discuss that more in a bit.)

Does HSA pay for Botox?

Can you use HSA funds to pay for Botox? If you're using Botox for cosmetic purposes like reducing wrinkles or fine lines, it's not considered an HSA-eligible expense. However, Botox may be HSA eligible if it's used to treat a medical condition like chronic migraines, severe muscle spasms, or overactive bladder.

How does IRS know what you spend HSA on?

Verification of expenses is not required for HSAs. However, total withdrawals from your HSA are reported to the IRS on Form 1099-SA. You are responsible for reporting qualified and non-qualified withdrawals when completing your taxes.

What if I accidentally bought food on my HSA?

Yes, you read that correctly—even if you accidentally paid for a burger with your HSA debit card, you will have to report it on your annual income tax return and pay taxes on it. If you're under 65 and spend the money on unqualified purchases, you must also pay a 20% penalty on top of the income tax.

Can I buy tampons with HSA?

Yes! Thanks to the CARES Act, tampons are now considered a “medical expense.” That means you can use pre-tax income to pay for them through your HSA. More questions about tampons?