Make Your Mental Health a Smart Investment
You’ve done the research. You know that Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is FDA-cleared, safe, and effective for treatment-resistant depression. But now you’re asking:
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for it?
Yes—you can.
And it might be one of the smartest ways to use your pre-tax healthcare dollars.
At Bella Vida TMS, we help patients across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Gilbert understand how to afford care. This blog explains how to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for TMS therapy—and why doing so can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
What Is TMS Therapy?
TMS is a non-invasive treatment for major depressive disorder, especially when medications haven’t worked. It uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation—without medication or sedation.
It’s:
- FDA-cleared
- Covered by most major insurance plans
- Safe and well-tolerated
- Delivered 5 days a week in short outpatient sessions
Can I Use My HSA or FSA for TMS Therapy?
✅ Yes, you can.
The IRS allows HSA and FSA funds to be used for qualified medical expenses. TMS therapy is considered a legitimate medical treatment for depression when:
- It’s prescribed by a licensed provider
- It’s used to treat a diagnosed mental health condition
- It’s delivered at a qualified clinic like Bella Vida TMS
This means you can use your HSA or FSA to cover:
- TMS session costs
- Co-pays or deductibles
- Out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance
- Costs of psychiatric evaluations or follow-ups related to TMS
What’s the Difference Between HSA and FSA?
💳 HSA (Health Savings Account):
- Pre-tax money set aside through a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)
- Funds roll over year to year
- Often comes with a debit card for easy use
- Can be used for yourself, spouse, or dependents
💳 FSA (Flexible Spending Account):
- Pre-tax dollars from your paycheck through your employer
- Use-it-or-lose-it: typically expires at the end of the year
- Funds are available up front
- May require reimbursement paperwork
Both options allow you to save 30% or more by using pre-tax money for TMS treatment.
What’s Required to Use HSA/FSA for TMS?
Using these funds is usually straightforward, but be sure to:
- Get a prescription or referral from a licensed provider for TMS
- Request documentation if your plan administrator requires proof (we can provide itemized receipts or medical necessity letters)
- Save your receipts in case of IRS documentation requests
- Confirm with your HSA/FSA plan if prior approval is needed for mental health treatments
Bella Vida TMS is happy to provide all necessary documentation to help you use your funds properly.
What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover TMS?
Even if your insurance denies coverage, you can still use your HSA or FSA to pay for treatment out of pocket. Many patients choose to do this to:
- Get started without delay
- Avoid waiting through appeals
- Access depression care when other treatments haven’t worked
We also offer CareCredit financing and cash-pay discounts to make treatment even more accessible.
Does This Work for Ketamine or Spravato®?
Yes—with conditions:
- Spravato® is FDA-approved and often covered by insurance. If there are co-pays or deductibles, you can use your HSA/FSA to cover those costs.
- Ketamine infusions (IV or oral) are considered off-label, but some HSA/FSA plans will still reimburse costs with proper documentation.
Check with your account administrator—and we’ll provide the support and paperwork you need.
Can You Use an HSA or FSA to Pay for TMS Therapy?
Your mental health is a medical priority, and using an HSA or FSA to invest in your recovery is a smart, tax-advantaged decision.
Whether you’re starting TMS, considering Spravato®, or exploring ketamine options, Bella Vida TMS will walk with you every step of the way—from insurance verification to HSA/FSA documentation to long-term support.
📚 References
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p502 - HealthCare.gov – Health Savings Account (HSA) Overview
https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-HSA/ - HealthCare.gov – Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Overview
https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/flexible-spending-account-FSA/ - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Depression Treatment Options
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression - Mayo Clinic – TMS Therapy for Depression: What to Expect
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation/about/pac-20384625
