Counseling

[Guest myvettee]

Employee states that his daughter will start

counseling in '2000 for Depression. I've referred to the Publication 502 and I don't see anything that specifically states "Counseling". I've have read the Psychologist and Therapy sections. Is counseling considered an eligible expense? Thanks! Yvette

[Guest REverly]

Yvette,

Since you mentioned Publication 502, I assume that you are wondering if Counseling is covered under Flexible Spending Account. The first area that you should check is your plan document for medical coverage. Some companies have provisions for Mental / Nervous coverage. Counseling is a covered expense under IRS guidelines against the Flexible Spending Account.

You do need to insure that the Counseling is done by a qualified individual (i.e. Psychologist, Psychiatrist)

I hope this helps!

[SLuskin]

We approve most claims for "counseling" that are done by psychiatrists and psychologists. I read somewhere that counseling done by a marriage counselor cannot be reimbursed in a flex plan.