Can I use a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) for mental health apps?

Are you wondering if you can use your Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) to pay for mental health apps?

With the growing focus on employee well-being, many employers are offering LSAs as part of their benefits package.

But what exactly is an LSA, and how can you use it to support your mental health?

What is a Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA)?

A Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) is an employer-funded account that allows you to spend money on a wide range of wellness expenses. Your employer sets aside a specific amount of money for you to use on eligible expenses that promote your overall well-being.

The beauty of LSAs is that they are highly customizable. Your employer can tailor the account to cover expenses that align with their wellness goals and your needs. This means that LSAs can cover a broad spectrum of expenses, from fitness memberships and gym equipment to mental health apps and therapy sessions.

LSAs are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your unique wellness journey. Whether you're looking to improve your physical health, mental well-being, or work-life balance, an LSA can provide the financial support you need to make positive changes in your life.

Can you use an LSA for mental health apps?

Yes, many employers include mental health apps as an eligible expense under their LSA program. This means you can use your LSA funds to pay for subscriptions or one-time purchases of apps designed to support your mental well-being.

Employers recognize the importance of mental health in overall employee wellness and productivity. By including mental health apps in LSA programs, they aim to provide you with accessible and convenient tools to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

Using your LSA for mental health apps can be a cost-effective way to prioritize your well-being. These apps offer a wide range of features, from guided meditations and breathing exercises to mood tracking and virtual therapy sessions.

Examples of eligible mental health apps

Some popular mental health apps that may be eligible under your LSA include:

• Headspace: Offers guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and sleep content to help reduce stress and improve focus.
• Calm: Provides guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxing music to promote better sleep and overall calmness.
• Talkspace: Connects you with licensed therapists for online therapy sessions via text, audio, or video messaging.
• Moodfit: Helps you track your moods, identify triggers, and develop coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
• Sanvello: Offers clinical techniques to help with stress, anxiety, and depression, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness.

Benefits of using an LSA for mental health apps

Improved employee well-being

Mental health apps covered by LSAs provide you with convenient access to resources that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and burnout. These apps offer a wide range of tools, from guided meditations and breathing exercises to mood tracking and virtual therapy sessions, empowering you to prioritize your mental well-being.

When you have easy access to mental health support through your LSA, you're more likely to use these resources regularly, leading to better overall well-being. This can translate into improved work-life balance, increased job satisfaction, and a more positive outlook on life.

Cost savings

Many people already pay for mental health app subscriptions out of pocket. By using your LSA to cover these costs, you can save money while still accessing the support you need. This is especially beneficial if you're already paying for multiple subscriptions or if the apps you use have a higher price point.

LSAs can also introduce you to new mental health apps that you may not have considered before due to cost concerns. With your employer covering the expense, you have the freedom to explore different options and find the apps that work best for your needs without worrying about the financial impact.

Increased productivity

Supporting your mental health through LSA-covered apps can lead to better focus, concentration, and overall performance at work. When you're not struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, you're more likely to be engaged and productive in your job.

Mental health apps can teach you valuable coping strategies, help you develop a more positive mindset, and provide you with tools to manage stress in healthy ways. By incorporating these techniques into your daily life, you can show up to work feeling more resilient, energized, and ready to tackle challenges.

Moreover, when your employer offers mental health app coverage through an LSA, it sends a clear message that they value your well-being and want to support you in and out of the workplace. This can boost morale, increase job satisfaction, and foster a more positive company culture overall.

How do LSAs for mental health apps work?

When your employer offers an LSA that covers mental health apps, they set aside a specific amount of money for you to use on eligible expenses. This allowance is typically renewed on an annual or quarterly basis, giving you ongoing access to funds for your mental well-being.

To use your LSA for mental health apps, you first need to choose the apps that best suit your needs. Your employer may provide a pre-approved list of apps that are eligible for reimbursement, or they may allow you to select any mental health-related app that meets certain criteria.

Once you've chosen your apps, you can subscribe to them using your own payment method. Keep track of your receipts or proof of purchase, as you'll need these to submit a claim for reimbursement.

To get reimbursed, you'll need to submit your expenses through your employer's LSA administrator platform. This platform streamlines the reimbursement process, allowing you to easily upload receipts, track your allowance balance, and receive your funds.

Most LSA administrator platforms have user-friendly interfaces that guide you through the claim submission process step by step. Simply log in to your account, select the mental health app expense category, enter the required information, and attach your receipt.

Once your claim is approved, the funds will be reimbursed to you, either through direct deposit or a check mailed to your address on file. The reimbursement process typically takes a few days to a week, depending on your employer's LSA plan.

It's important to note that you can only be reimbursed up to the amount of your LSA allowance. If your mental health app expenses exceed your allowance, you'll be responsible for paying the difference out of pocket.

Are there any restrictions on using LSAs for mental health apps?

While many employers include mental health apps as eligible expenses under their LSA programs, it's important to note that there may be some restrictions. Employers have the flexibility to determine which expenses qualify for reimbursement, so the specific guidelines can vary from one company to another.

Some LSA programs may exclude apps that offer clinical therapy or require a prescription from a healthcare provider. These exclusions are often put in place to avoid overlap with other employee benefits, such as health insurance or employee assistance programs (EAPs), which may already cover these types of services.

Before subscribing to a mental health app with the intention of using your LSA funds, it's a good idea to review your company's specific guidelines. This will help you understand which apps are eligible for reimbursement and ensure that you're making the most of your LSA allowance.

If you're unsure about whether a particular mental health app qualifies under your LSA program, don't hesitate to reach out to your HR department or LSA administrator for clarification. They can provide you with more detailed information about your company's policies and help you navigate the reimbursement process.

What are some top mental health apps covered by LSAs?

When it comes to using your LSA for mental health apps, you have a variety of options to choose from. These apps offer a range of features designed to support your emotional well-being, from guided meditations and sleep aids to mood tracking and virtual therapy sessions.

Some of the most popular mental health apps covered by LSAs include:

1. Headspace: This app offers a wide selection of meditation and mindfulness exercises to help you reduce stress, improve focus, and find greater clarity in your daily life. With guided meditations for every skill level and situation, Headspace makes it easy to incorporate mindfulness into your routine.
2. Calm: Known for its soothing soundscapes and sleep stories, Calm provides a comprehensive toolkit for relaxation and stress reduction. The app features guided meditations, breathing exercises, and tools to promote better sleep , all designed to help you find greater tranquility and balance.
3. Talkspace: If you're seeking more personalized support, Talkspace connects you with licensed therapists for online therapy sessions. With the app, you can send unlimited text, audio, and video messages to your therapist and receive timely responses, allowing you to access professional help whenever and wherever you need it.
4. Sanvello: Designed to help you manage stress, anxiety, and depression, Sanvello offers a range of tools and resources to support your mental health journey. The app includes guided journeys, mood tracking, coping techniques, and a supportive community, providing you with on-demand help whenever you need it.

When selecting a mental health app to use with your LSA, consider your specific needs and preferences. Some apps focus more on mindfulness and stress reduction, while others offer more comprehensive support for mental health conditions. Take advantage of free trials or introductory periods to explore different options and find the app that resonates with you.

5 tips for maximizing your LSA for mental health

1. Review your company's eligible expense list

Before subscribing to any mental health apps, check your employer's list of eligible expenses covered under your LSA. This will help you understand which apps qualify for reimbursement and avoid any confusion or disappointment later on. If you have questions about specific apps or expenses, don't hesitate to reach out to your HR department or LSA administrator for clarification.

2. Compare app features and pricing

With so many mental health apps available, it's important to take the time to compare their features and pricing. Look for apps that offer the specific tools and resources you need, whether that's guided meditations, mood tracking, or virtual therapy sessions. Consider the app's user reviews and ratings, as well as any free trials or introductory periods that allow you to test out the app before committing to a subscription.

3. Set reminders to submit expenses for reimbursement

To ensure you don't miss out on any reimbursements, set reminders for yourself to submit your mental health app expenses regularly. Most LSA programs require you to submit expenses within a specific timeframe, such as 30 or 60 days from the date of purchase. By setting reminders, you can stay on top of your submissions and maximize your LSA benefits.

4. Stack wellness benefits

If your employer offers multiple wellness benefits, such as an LSA and a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), consider how you can stack these benefits to maximize your mental health support. For example, you could use your LSA to cover the cost of a mental health app subscription, while using your HSA or FSA funds to pay for in-person therapy sessions or other eligible mental health expenses.

5. Provide feedback to your employer on the LSA program

As you use your LSA for mental health apps, take note of your experience and share your feedback with your employer. Let them know which apps you found most helpful, any challenges you faced in the reimbursement process, and any suggestions you have for improving the program. Your input can help shape future iterations of the LSA program and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of you and your colleagues.

Is it worth using an LSA for a mental health app?

Using your LSA for a mental health app subscription can be a smart way to invest in your overall well-being. With the flexibility and affordability provided by LSAs, you can access valuable tools and resources to support your mental health without breaking the bank.

Many popular mental health apps, such as Headspace and Calm , offer annual subscriptions that can cost upwards of $60 to $70 per year. By using your LSA funds to cover these costs, you can save hundreds of dollars on subscriptions over time, allowing you to prioritize your mental health without added financial stress.

Moreover, taking advantage of your employer-sponsored LSA for mental health apps demonstrates a proactive approach to self-care. When you prioritize your mental well-being, you're more likely to experience improved focus, productivity, and job satisfaction. This, in turn, can lead to a better overall quality of life, both in and out of the workplace.

Investing in your mental health through LSA-covered apps also sends a positive message to your employer. It shows that you value the benefits they offer and are committed to taking care of yourself. This can foster a more supportive and understanding work environment, where mental health is prioritized and openly discussed.

Ultimately, the decision to use your LSA for a mental health app depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, for many people, it can be a worthwhile investment in their overall well-being, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to access valuable mental health resources.

Forma makes it easy to maximize your Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) for mental health apps by streamlining reimbursements and offering flexible benefit options tailored to your needs. With a seamless platform and expert support, you can confidently use your LSA to invest in your well-being without the hassle. Schedule a consultation with one of our experts today.