BetterHelp is a 100% online therapy platform, with over 30,000 licensed therapists serving clients globally. The site matches you with a therapist who can help you with issues like depression, anxiety, bereavement, and more.
Its standard membership includes weekly 1-to-1, 30-minute sessions, unlimited messages, live chat, and group webinars. Prices are affordable compared to traditional therapy, and you can access BetterHelp on any device.
The BetterHelp website takes you through a short survey to determine your therapy needs. First, you choose from individual, couples, or teen therapy. Then, you fill out a detailed questionnaire with:
After completing the questionnaire, you create an account, answer a few more questions, and pay for your subscription with four weeks upfront.
BetterHelp then uses your questionnaire answers to match you with a therapist, usually within 48 hours. The therapist reviews your information and you can book your first phone or video call, or start chatting with them via message. On a standard plan, you get 30-45-minute live video sessions every week, though sometimes you can increase this duration for a fee.
A really useful feature on BetterHelp is being able to send your therapist messages at anytime, which they reply to when necessary. You can also speak with them on live chat, when arranged in advance. In addition, you can join +20 live group seminars delivered by expert therapists every week.
If your assigned therapist doesn’t feel like the right fit for you, you can request to work with someone else at any time. This is quite a smooth process on BetterHelp, whereas deciding to change therapists in a more traditional environment can be quite difficult.
Remember that your therapist can’t intervene in the event of a crisis. Always have an alternate plan in place for how to manage emergencies.
If you or a person you know is in danger of harm, call 1-800-273-8255. If you’re not sure who to contact, call the police on 911.
The mental health professionals on BetterHelp include counselors (LPC), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), and psychologists (PhD / PsyD).
All BetterHelp therapists are licensed, having completed the education, exams, and practice required by the appropriate licensing board.
Each therapist has their specialty areas listed on their bio page, but here are some of the main types of therapy or issues handled by BetterHelp professionals:
You don’t need to know what type of therapy you need before signing up to BetterHelp. However, you may be asked if there are any particular issues that made you want to start therapy.
If you want your therapist to have specific specializations, include this in your questionnaire so BetterHelp can find the right match for you.
BetterHelp might be for you if you have difficulties accessing in-person counseling services, whether it’s due to cost, travel arrangements, or other reasons. You may find that online therapy is more affordable and easier to fit into your schedule than its face-to-face equivalent.
Furthermore, in some families or communities, there is a strong stigma around receiving professional mental health support. In such cases, online therapy is a discreet way to get help without having to leave your home.
On the flip side, BetterHelp is not suitable for you if you’re under 18, have a severe mental illness, are in an emergency situation, or are experiencing suicidal or homicidal ideation. BetterHelp practitioners also can’t make an official diagnosis, fulfill court orders, or prescribe medication.
Therapy subscriptions on BetterHelp range from $60 to $90 per week, depending on therapist availability, and your location and preferences. You get billed every 4 weeks. There is no free trial or free allowance for calls and messages on BetterHelp. You can cancel anytime, though, no questions asked.
BetterHelp subscriptions are not generally covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
|
|
BetterHelp standard subscription |
|
Price per week |
$60-$90 |
|
Billing period |
Monthly |
|
Weekly phone/video call |
Yes - 30-45 minutes |
|
Messaging |
Anytime |
|
Live chat |
By arrangement with the therapist |
|
Group seminars |
Yes - +20 per week |
|
Digital worksheets |
Yes |
BetterHelp isn’t simply a marketplace for finding therapists. Firstly, it’s truly affordable and accessible anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. This is ideal if you can’t travel to or afford in-person therapy.
It packs in not only phone and video calls, but also group seminars, live chat, and messaging. Another big plus is its high availability of therapists, the wide range of specializations and issues they can tackle, and how quickly you’re matched with them.
Conveniently, you can change therapists easily if your current one isn’t great for you, and cancel your plan at any time without fuss.
The BetterHelp website offers a comprehensive FAQ page covering issues like pricing, confidentiality terms, communication with therapists, and more. There’s also a useful blog that discusses illnesses like anxiety and depression, and different types of therapy.
If you need to contact the BetterHelp team, you can email them or fill in a short online form. Live chat and phone support are not available.
Many clients have had positive experiences using BetterHelp. Here are some recent client testimonials.
“Truly helpful and kind. I hope that everyone can get the help that they need in such a supportive environment. Michelle makes it easy to be myself, fully open and honest about the things that are affecting me. I never feel judged or uncomfortable sharing anything with her.”
“The main components that drew me into BetterHelp were the price and flexibility. I work 50 to 60 hours a week, and have a hard time committing to appointments, so the online format is perfect for me.”
“BetterHelp has made a huge difference in my life. After I was done working with Kristin in June of 2017, I felt back like my old self again. She taught me things to keep in my mind when the obsessive/bad thoughts come in.”
“Now, after just a few weeks of talking with my BetterHelp counselor, Peter, I feel a lightness again and I can see the fun sides of my personality coming out.”
BetterHelp is an affordable platform that matches you with a therapist from a pool of over 30,000 licensed professionals with a variety of specializations. Your weekly allowance includes a 30-45 minute call, group seminars, and messaging.
The convenience of online therapy, particularly for those who can’t afford or travel to in-person appointments, makes this service worthwhile. Simply complete a questionnaire about yourself, start your subscription, and get matched with your therapist in about 48 hours.