BetterHelp Pricing: Cost, 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, explore what's included in that price, available discounts, insurance and HSA/FSA options, and how BetterHelp compares to in-person therapy costs. 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 may 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.

BetterHelp pricing breakdown

BetterHelp pricing follows a straightforward structure. Your weekly rate typically falls between $70 and $100, and you can choose to be billed weekly or monthly based on what works best for your budget. The flat-rate model means you can see your cost each billing period. Where you fall within the $70-$100 range depends on factors specific to your situation, which you'll see reflected in the price displayed during sign-up.

Factors that may 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

What's included with BetterHelp

When using insurance, certain BetterHelp features may be limited or unavailable, including chat-based sessions, groups/classes, and select self-help tools.

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. Live sessions are generally 30 to 45 minutes long, though some BetterHelp therapists offer longer 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 allows you to message your therapist at any time 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 and relationship topics led by experts.

How to get started with BetterHelp

Getting started with BetterHelp involves a simple sign-up process. After answering a few questions about your preferences, needs, and what you're looking for in a therapist, you may be matched with a licensed professional in as little as 48 hours. The matching process takes into account your responses to help connect you with someone who fits your situation.

If you find that your initial match isn't quite right, you can switch therapists at any time at no additional cost. This flexibility allows you to find the right therapeutic fit without feeling locked into a particular provider—in 2024, 93% of BetterHelp user preferences were met when matching with a therapist, which can make the process of starting therapy feel less daunting.

How BetterHelp pricing compares 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. With BetterHelp's weekly rate of $70-$100, the cost may be lower compared to in-person sessions.

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, including financial aid and promotional offers.

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.

Promotional codes

Promotional codes may be available through various sources, including partner websites, social media, and special campaigns. If you have a promotional code, you can typically apply it during the sign-up process to receive a discount on your subscription. Like financial aid discounts, promotional codes generally apply to the non-insured subscription option.

Does BetterHelp accept insurance or HSA/FSA?

BetterHelp offers multiple payment options that may help cover or reduce 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

Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through 125+ insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members’ average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see our detailed guide on BetterHelp insurance coverage.

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 a comprehensive 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 many sessions do you get with BetterHelp?

Your BetterHelp subscription includes one live session per week along with 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.

Is BetterHelp worth the cost?

Evaluating whether BetterHelp fits your needs often involves considering more than just the dollar amount. The value of online therapy may extend beyond the session itself to include convenience, flexibility, and accessibility. People who prefer attending sessions from home, messaging their therapist between appointments, and accessing additional resources like worksheets and webinars may find the subscription helpful.

The right choice depends on your individual circumstances, preferences, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy, whether that involves managing anxiety or understanding why you need reassurance in relationships.

Questions to consider before subscribing

Before deciding which option may work best for you, it can be helpful to reflect on the following questions:

• 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 messaging between sessions be valuable to you?

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.

Does online therapy work?

Online therapy may be an affordable and effective option for many people seeking mental health support. Online therapy is often more affordable than in-person options, and attending sessions from home may reduce commute time and transportation costs, which can add to the overall savings.

In addition, a large and growing body of evidence has found online therapy to be just as effective as in-person therapy for various mental health concerns. BetterHelp's own platform outcomes report noted that 72% of BetterHelp users experienced a reduction in symptoms in 12 weeks. While results can vary from person to person, these findings suggest that online therapy may be an option for people comparing price, flexibility, and support.