Effective Online Therapy: Choosing A Trustworthy Mental Health Platform

Many people today choose online therapy over traditional therapy with in-person sessions. The mental health crisis in America and worldwide has increased the demand for phone call, video, and messaging therapy. 

What is BetterHelp online therapy? 

When you sign up for internet-based psychotherapy with BetterHelp, you can be matched with a provider who fits your specific preferences based on your answers to your sign-up questionnaire. You can also select the method you'd like to use to communicate with your therapist, including the options for phone, live video sessions, or live chat sessions.

How does BetterHelp online therapy work? 

But is online therapy effective? 

Once you sign up with BetterHelp, you are matched with a licensed therapist that fits your unique mental health needs. After picking your preferred digital communication method, you can sign up for weekly sessions that work for your schedule. You can then be billed monthly for your four weekly sessions. 

If you provide it, your therapist may review your existing mental health history so they can provide better treatment.

Is BetterHelp therapy legit?

Can you pick your provider?

Before you begin the process of talk therapy, spend time journaling and reflecting on what you seek from the service. If you are unsure about your needs and goals, it may be challenging to establish a beneficial relationship with a BetterHelp therapist.

When you sign up for BetterHelp, you have some control over which licensed therapist you are connected with. Upon getting started with BetterHelp, you may be asked to fill out an initial questionnaire about your current mental health needs and challenges. After you complete the initial screening questions during your sign up process, you can indicate if you have any therapist preferences. These are personal to you and might involve requesting a spiritual, religious, LGBTQ, BIPOC, or same-sex therapist. 

What are BetterHelp providers able to treat? 

BetterHelp counselors and therapists can support mental illness, stress, relationship challenges, family dynamics, parenting concerns, and many other areas. You do not need to have a mental health diagnosis to use the platform. BetterHelp's providers have a wide range of expertise, which may include the following areas: 

• Marriage and family concerns
• Substance use 
• Depression and anxiety
• Stress
• Self-esteem
• Anger
• Relationships
• Grief
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Bipolar disorder
• General mental health struggles

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

The BetterHelp therapists matched to your needs are experts in your particular mental health conditions or areas of concern. They may help you navigate difficult experiences, feel renewed and energized, let go of old patterns that no longer serve you, and achieve healing. They can even help you unravel your views of morality, objective, subjective, or virtual morality. For younger patients, counseling for teens is available on our mental health platform. However, you will not see therapists at BetterHelp prescribe medication. If you are interested in a digital-based therapist who can prescribe medication, we recommend speaking with your provider about being referred to a psychiatrist for additional treatment.

How long are the app sessions?

BetterHelp’s online platform allows clients to partake in counseling sessions anywhere with an internet connection and smart device. While various options are offered, the basic plan includes one weekly live session. Sessions are scheduled in 30-minute blocks in the virtual psychotherapy room, but clients may be able to request 45-minute blocks by messaging their therapist. In some cases, video sessions may be longer.

How much do online therapy platforms cost? 

Online therapy can be an affordable alternative to traditional in-person therapy. The cost of online therapy varies widely, depending on various factors. While BetterHelp does not accept insurance, BetterHelp offers financial assistance to increase our online therapy platforms. Below are some variables that may influence how much you will pay for online therapy.

Online therapy services

You may be wondering, “What is the best online therapy service?” BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, offering competitive pricing plans. However, various online platforms offer unique services depending on your needs, such as the Regain platform for online couples counseling. Ultimately, it is up to you to find the best online therapy services for your needs.

Type of therapy

BetterHelp and its sister platforms offer various counseling types, from individual sessions to marriage counseling. These different types of therapy may come with different costs. In addition, the number of sessions you use throughout the year could affect how much you pay.

When it comes to the therapy modalities that BetterHelp therapists use to treat mental health concerns, there is a wide range. People with depression or anxiety may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy; those dealing with stress may seek mindfulness therapy. No matter what you need help with, the qualified mental health professionals at BetterHelp can provide you with treatment that works for you.

Your counselor

Depending on your counselor, you may be offered a sliding scale fee with discounted sessions based on your income. Your provider’s specialty may affect how much their therapist fee costs.

Insurance coverage and financial aid

Many online platforms do not offer insurance coverage. However, financial aid is offered to select individuals through certain online therapy services, like BetterHelp. The BetterHelp financial aid option is based on income and other financial burdens. Some insurance companies may reimburse you for the cost of therapy received through BetterHelp. Reach out to your insurance provider to understand their coverage options.  

Once you find out if your insurance covers online therapy, they may be able to direct you to providers they work with. Likewise, inquire about health insurance portability if you’re changing providers and want to keep your current benefits. You can also ask your employer about a health savings account to help cover the per-session cost of online therapy.

Where you live

Where you live in the United States may affect how much you pay for therapy. Therapist rates can vary based on state and region. Since you must be matched with a licensed therapist in your state of residence, their rates may reflect the local area. 

How much does BetterHelp therapy cost?

BetterHelp's subscription plan price can vary based on your therapist's location and your financial ability. Often, a basic plan with BetterHelp therapy costs $65 to $100 per week (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply), which comes out to $260 to $400 per month and is billed every four weeks.

BetterHelp monthly costs are lower than many traditional insurance co-payments. However, the benefit you receive from the pricing can depend on where you live, your health insurance, and the type of therapy you seek. You can read BetterHelp reviews to see what previous users thought of the BetterHelp pricing and services. 

BetterHelp's community impact 

BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care for everyone, regardless of employment, socioeconomic status, or lack of experience with therapy. They also take their mission further by supporting under-resourced individuals and providing an equitable approach to care for communities in need.

The company has launched social impact initiatives to donate therapy to communities, non-profits, and individuals requiring financial aid. The platform has donated over 31,291 months of therapy to communities in need and over 42 million dollars in financial aid and discounts.  

For updates on supporting underserved communities, visit the BetterHelp LinkedIn page.

Why do therapists work for BetterHelp therapy?

Therapists may benefit from working for BetterHelp due to competitive rates and a manageable caseload that can be increased depending on a provider's schedule. Therapists can practice therapy as they see fit, abiding by BetterHelp's unbiased, professional, and scientifically backed code of ethics.

BetterHelp therapists who work 30 or more hours per week through the platform may also receive bonuses (subject to change). Additionally, therapists can receive free therapy through BetterHelp to support their mental health.

Why do clients use BetterHelp therapy? 

Those who choose to receive therapy with BetterHelp may find that the services cater to their needs. You influence who your therapist is, and if you are not satisfied, you can switch therapists anytime. In addition, sessions can be conducted in an online format. BetterHelp also promotes an empathetic, unbiased, and welcoming atmosphere that showcases that therapy is for anyone. To hear from our patients about specific therpaists, you search for a BetterHelp review to hear real experiences.