BetterHelp Pricing: Costs, Discounts, And What's Included

A BetterHelp subscription typically costs around $70-$100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. The exact cost can vary based on factors like your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions. Below, you can learn more about what's included in that price, available discounts, insurance and HSA/FSA options, and how BetterHelp compares to in-person therapy costs. BetterHelp also now offers access to psychiatry services through UpLift as a separate care option. Understanding these details may help you decide if online therapy fits your budget and needs.

How much does BetterHelp cost?

If you're wondering how much BetterHelp costs, the subscription typically ranges from $70-$100 per week, while in-person sessions typically cost around $100-$200 per session. BetterHelp can be billed weekly or monthly, depending on your payment preferences. This flat-rate subscription covers your weekly sessions and additional resources, with no hidden fees or surprise charges.

BetterHelp pricing breakdown

BetterHelp pricing follows a straightforward structure. Your weekly rate typically falls between $70 and $100, and you can be billed weekly or monthly. The flat-rate model means you know exactly what to expect each billing period.

Factors that affect your BetterHelp cost

Your exact BetterHelp cost may vary based on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate your pricing:

• Your geographic location
• Your referral source when signing up
• Your preferences and needs
• Therapist availability in your area
• Any applicable discounts or promotional codes
• Whether you qualify for financial aid

Session types and formats

BetterHelp offers flexibility in how you connect with your therapist. You can choose from video sessions, phone calls, or live chat sessions based on your comfort level and preferences. Sessions are generally 30 minutes long, though some BetterHelp therapists offer 45-minute sessions depending on their availability and preferences. This variety allows you to find the therapy format that works best for you.

Messaging and additional resources

Beyond live sessions, your subscription includes unlimited messaging with your therapist through the platform. If you forget to ask something during a session, you can message your therapist afterward, and they may offer tips or resources when they're available. You also gain access to journaling features, worksheets your therapist can assign, and webinars on various mental health topics led by experts.

What discounts are available for BetterHelp?

BetterHelp offers several options that may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. If the standard subscription price presents a financial hardship, there are pathways to make therapy more accessible.

Financial aid options

Financial aid may be available for select individuals who apply and qualify based on certain income criteria. If the cost of mental health services is a hardship, you can contact the Customer Success Team to apply for financial assistance. BetterHelp reviews applications and may offer reduced rates to those who qualify. These discounts apply to the non-insured subscription option.

Does BetterHelp offer student discounts?

BetterHelp does not currently offer a specific student discount program. However, students who face financial constraints may still qualify for financial aid through the standard application process. Additionally, promotional codes may be available at various times that could reduce subscription costs for new users. Again, please note that these discounts apply to the non-insured subscription option.

Does BetterHelp accept insurance or HSA/FSA?

BetterHelp strives to offer therapy that everyone can afford, regardless of their financial situation. There are multiple payment options that may help cover or reduce your costs.

Using HSA/FSA for BetterHelp

BetterHelp currently accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers. This means you may be able to use pre-tax dollars from your health savings or flexible spending account to pay for your subscription.

Insurance coverage for online therapy

Some providers on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain health plans in select states. Eligible members typically pay an average copay of about $23 per session when covered. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check your benefits and whether a provider is in-network to see if you can pay for telehealth therapy with insurance.

Psychiatry and medication management through UpLift

BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option alongside therapy. Virtual psychiatry appointments may include psychiatric evaluation and ongoing medication management when clinically appropriate and based on a licensed psychiatric provider's assessment. Many UpLift providers are in-network with major insurance plans, and session costs can vary depending on your coverage and provider. You can learn more or get started at this psychiatry onboarding page.

Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member's insurance plan.

How does BetterHelp pricing compare to in-person therapy?

When seeking therapy, understanding the cost difference between online and in-person options can help you make an informed decision. There can be a significant difference in pricing between the two formats for many people.

Cost comparison: online vs. in-person therapy

The average cost of in-person therapy may range from $100-$200 per session, according to industry estimates, as noted above. With BetterHelp's weekly rate of $70-$100, the cost may be lower compared to in-person sessions.

With an online platform, therapists may not have to cover overhead costs like rent and utilities. This may allow them to provide services at rates that better align with your financial situation compared to in-person sessions.

How BetterHelp compares to Talkspace

BetterHelp and Talkspace are both major online therapy platforms with similar pricing structures. Both offer subscription-based models with weekly live sessions and messaging features. BetterHelp's pricing of $70-$100 per week is comparable to Talkspace's offerings, though exact rates may vary based on the specific plan and features you choose. BetterHelp is one of the world's largest online therapy platforms with over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, which may provide more options when it comes to therapist matching. In addition, BetterHelp offers proven results and industry-leading user satisfaction.

Is BetterHelp worth the price?

Evaluating whether BetterHelp fits your needs often involves considering more than just the dollar amount. For many, the value of online therapy extends beyond the session itself to include convenience, flexibility, and accessibility.

Questions to ask before subscribing

Before deciding which option is more affordable for you, it may help to consider the following questions:

• Is using your health insurance to cover costs vital to you?
• Do you live in a major city or an expensive region where in-person therapy costs more?
• Do you have to spend time and money commuting to see an in-person therapist?
• Do you have trouble keeping in-person appointments due to scheduling constraints?
• Are you more comfortable attending sessions from home?
• Would unlimited messaging between sessions be valuable to you?
• Would access to psychiatry services through UpLift be helpful as part of your broader care options?

For those who value convenience and access to additional resources like worksheets and webinars, BetterHelp may be a suitable option.

How many sessions do you get with BetterHelp?

Your BetterHelp subscription includes one live session per week along with unlimited messaging with your therapist. Some therapists may be available for more than one live session per week. If you schedule additional sessions beyond your weekly allotment, you may be charged an extra fee of around $20 per session. If you feel you need more frequent sessions, discussing this with your therapist can help determine the best approach for your situation.

How to cancel BetterHelp

Therapy may not be a linear journey. Some individuals may feel comfortable stopping therapy after only a few sessions, while others may wish to continue with mental health support for months or years. The choice is yours. With BetterHelp, you can cancel your subscription at any time, for any reason.

Unique benefits of online therapy

Online therapy may be an affordable option for those seeking mental health support. Because online therapists don't need to maintain physical office spaces, they may be able to offer services at lower rates than in-person providers. Additionally, attending sessions from home may reduce commute time and transportation costs, which can add to the overall savings. BetterHelp also now offers access to psychiatry services through UpLift for people who may want to explore that option as part of a broader mental health care plan. You can learn more about online therapy and how it works to determine if it might be right for you.

How effective can online therapy be?

A large and growing body of evidence has shown online therapy to be an effective treatment option for a range of mental health concerns. For instance, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) and face-to-face CBT were "equally effective" in treating a range of psychiatric and somatic conditions, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, insomnia, depressive symptoms, and more. BetterHelp has also reported compelling platform-specific outcomes, with 72% of users experiencing a reduction in symptoms in 12 weeks and 82% of clients in treatment likely to recommend their therapist to others.

While outcomes can vary from person to person, these findings suggest that online therapy may be a practical option for many people weighing cost, convenience, and access.