Spend My Stipend
Stipend Eligibility

Can I Buy a Therapy Sessions With My Stipend?

Therapy is squarely covered by FSA and HSA accounts (it's a qualified medical expense). Many modern wellness stipends also cover therapy copays or subscription platforms like BetterHelp. Remote work and L&D don't.

Typical price: $50–$300 / session · Last reviewed 2026-04-18

Eligibility at a glance

Stipend typeVerdict
Wellness StipendTypically Yes
Remote Work StipendTypically No
Professional Development StipendTypically No
FSA / HSATypically Yes

Verdict by stipend type

Wellness Stipend

Typically Yes

Modern wellness stipends — especially at companies offering lifestyle spending accounts (Compt, Fringe, Forma) — frequently cover therapy, coaching, and mental health app subscriptions. Traditional wellness stipends may or may not; check whether your policy explicitly lists 'mental health' or 'counseling' as eligible.

Remote Work Stipend

Typically No

Not office equipment.

Professional Development Stipend

Typically No

Executive coaching is sometimes covered under L&D, but traditional therapy is not — it's treated as a personal medical expense.

FSA / HSA

Typically Yes

Therapy and counseling from a licensed provider are qualified medical expenses under both FSA and HSA rules. You can use funds for copays, deductibles, out-of-network sessions, and online therapy platforms (BetterHelp, Talkspace) as long as a licensed therapist delivers the care.

Copy-paste message for your HR

Paste this into Slack or email — adjust the bracketed details.

Hi [HR name], I'd like to apply my wellness stipend to therapy sessions (~$XXX/month with a licensed therapist). Can you confirm mental health services are covered under our wellness benefit, and the preferred way to submit receipts? Thanks — [Your name]

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