BetterHelp Review
BetterHelp is an online therapy site that matches you with licensed therapists. Find out how it works, what it costs, and if it’s the right option for you.
BetterHelp Review
BetterHelp is an online therapy site that matches you with licensed therapists. Find out how it works, what it costs, and if it’s the right option for you.
September 15, 2024 / www.bestonlinetherapyservices.com staff
BetterHelp Review
BetterHelp is an online therapy site that matches you with licensed therapists. Find out how it works, what it costs, and if it’s the right option for you.
September 15, 2024 / www.bestonlinetherapyservices.com staff
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BetterHelp
Editorial Score 9.4
Therapist credentials and practice areas
Broad selection of highly qualified therapists, diverse specializations, extensive range of expertise
9.0
Accessibility and convenience
Offers therapy services through iOS, Android, and web platforms, with 24/7 availability of therapists across various time zones
10
Cost
Known for highly competitive pricing with exceptional transparency in all costs
9.0
Patient support and resources
24/7 support with live chat, email, and phone, along with webinars, workshops, articles, and self-help tools
10
Crisis support
Immediate access to qualified professionals trained in crisis intervention, clearly outlined steps for clients
9.0

Intro

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, messages, live chat, and group webinars. Prices are affordable compared to traditional therapy, and you can access BetterHelp on any device.

Pros

  • Quick matching to licensed therapists based on your needs
  • High availability of therapists
  • Caters to a wide variety of groups (LGBTQIA+, Christian, teens, etc.)
  • Change therapists easily
  • Video and phone sessions, live chat, message your therapist anytime
  • Anywhere, anytime therapy with the iOS and Android apps

Cons

  • Standard weekly video sessions are only 30-45 minutes
  • Therapists can’t diagnose illnesses or prescribe medication
  • BetterHelp can’t substitute face-to-face therapy in every case

How does BetterHelp work?

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:

  • Your demographic information
  • Your employment status
  • Your current physical health
  • Any symptoms of depression you’ve experienced recently
  • Recent issues motivating you to seek therapy
  • Previous experience with therapy
  • The type of therapist you’d like and your expectations from them
  • The type of communication you’d like in your therapy, e.g. messaging, video calls

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 available. 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.

Specializations

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:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Couples therapy and family conflict
  • Relationships and parenting difficulties
  • Eating or sleeping problems
  • LGBTQ+ related issues
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Self-esteem
  • Trauma
  • Grief

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.

Ideal for

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.

Pricing & Special Offers

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

Extra Value

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.

Customer Support

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.

What Users Are Saying About BetterHelp

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.”

Bottom Line

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.

Get started now, visit BetterHelp
By www.bestonlinetherapyservices.com staff
www.bestonlinetherapyservices.com staff is comprised of freelance writers who write for the site
Cappsool Technologies does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately.
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