Continuing Education Units For Therapists At BetterHelp
In many states, licensed therapists may be required to sign up for continuing education units (CEUs), courses designed to bring up-to-date industry information to working professionals. Although the hourly requirements for each state can vary, many include requirements for over 30 hours during each one to three-year license registration period. Therapists can take these courses in person or online.
For telehealth counselors, online CEUs may be easier to complete alongside a busy schedule. For this reason, BetterHelp has partnered with a CEU provider to offer free accredited learning materials for BetterHelp therapists with at least one client. Keep reading to learn more about becoming a licensed online therapist with BetterHelp and how to take advantage of these free CEUs.
BetterHelp partners with a CEU provider
In 2023, BetterHelp is partnering with a CEU provider to offer free access to their learning library for mental health professionals hoping to further their knowledge in the realm of mental healthcare or meet licensure requirements in their state.
What is included in the CEU library for counselors?
Therapists, social workers, counselors, and psychologists working through the BetterHelp platform can gain access to the CEU library, including:
- 390 industry-specific courses, totaling over 462 training hours, including access to board accredited courses
- Completely free access to courses, learning materials, and the platform
- Reminders on licensure or certification renewal
- Print and email form certificates for credit on recertification through your state (depending on your license, completions may be automatically sent through the platform)
- Announcements on company-wide notices
- Resources on company-wide policies and procedures
- A self-service help center
As a professional, if you qualify for this offer, you will have access to the above library materials until September 30th, 2023. If you’re looking to complete your certification requirements for your state board before the end of the year, you may be able to complete them at no additional cost to you.
How can therapists use the CEU library?
After connecting with your first client through the BetterHelp platform, you will be eligible to access the CEU library. Once you receive your login, enter the site to view available license-specific courses. Course topics may include setting therapeutic boundaries, suicide prevention methods, treating personality disorders, managing therapeutic session challenges, and building a professional client-provider relationship.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
You may be prompted to add your license details when you log in. Adding these details allows you to search for courses specific to your license and specialty. You might also be reminded of any license or certification renewal dates and receive course completion certificates after the successful completion of courses.
Each course may take from one to three hours. You can pause the course and return to it later if you cannot complete it in one setting. Many therapists choose to utilize the platform between online sessions with clients. You can also use the “on-the-go” training features, which offer quick refreshment courses on specific topics.
Can current therapists take advantage of this offer?
BetterHelp is offering continuing education courses for all therapists through the platform who have at least one client, including therapists that have already been working for BetterHelp prior to this offer. If you have not received information about this offer yet, you can reach out to BetterHelp to learn more.
New therapist benefits
Outside of receiving access to 390 continued learning courses, new BetterHelp therapists may have other perks upon hire, including the following:
- First Client Bonus: Available to US therapists who join BetterHelp and see their first client within 14 calendar days
- Flexibility: Set your own hours and work from the comfort of home
- Consistent Referrals: You determine your caseload and work as much or as little as you want
- Competitive Compensation: 40 hours per week = $100K+ per year and health stipend
- We handle insurance, billing, & paperwork: We take care of the overhead so you can spend more time with clients
- Clinical Autonomy: You can provide care in a way that you see fit
BetterHelp often looks for varying methods to support therapists and psychologists throughout the platform. New incentives, bonuses, and perks may be available in the coming months or years. All offers are subject to change.
To be eligible for a new therapist bonus, you must be a) a U.S. resident therapist and b) start engaging* with your first client within 15 calendar days of your application being accepted by BetterHelp. *whereas “engaging” means initiated “back and forth” messaging with a client or commenced your first live or scheduled session with the client.”
Continued education can mean that therapists have the most up-to-date information and theory possible to help their patients succeed and grow. Through BetterHelp’s free CEU program, you as a therapist can ensure you are bringing your patients the best possible care throughout your career.
How to become a therapist at BetterHelp
Therapists, social workers, counselors, and psychologists interested in joining the BetterHelp platform can apply through the counselor application page. The requirements for therapists to join the platform include the following:
- Licensing by a state board to provide therapy (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PsyD, or similar credentials)
- Experience in therapy for adults, couples, or teens
- Excellent writing skills
- A reliable internet connection
- Currently residing in the US
Disclaimer: Therapists are not BetterHelp employees but independent providers. If you are an intern or require supervision to provide therapy services, you cannot be a provider at BetterHelp at this time. BetterHelp only accepts licensed mental health therapists.
Takeaway
How many group sessions can you join on BetterHelp?
Group BetterHelp classes are offered once per week, alongside one individual session per four week period. Group therapy sessions can be helpful for sharing with and listening to other people who are experiencing similar challenges.
What are the disadvantages of BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, and not everyone is comfortable working with an online format. Some people in therapy prefer a face-to-face experience, and for those people working over video chat or text may not be as effective.
Why do some people not benefit from therapy?
Therapy isn’t for everyone. In fact, some mental health conditions make it difficult for a person to benefit from counseling. For example, someone with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or borderline personality disorder (BPD) may never understand that there is any need for therapy, and will not seek it out.
Even when some people are in therapy, they may not be ready to change. They may have started due to pressure from others, or they may simply want to talk about their problems to someone who has to listen. For therapy to be effective, the client needs to work with their licensed therapist and
What are the disadvantages of self-help?
Self-help requires a lot of introspection, hard work, and follow-through. It can be difficult for some people to offer self-help the focus it requires to be effective.
What is the number one reason people don't go to therapy?
According to data from a survey conducted by SAMHSA, the top reason that people avoid therapy is cost (39%) with thinking they could handle their problems on their own coming in second (26%).
How can people with mental health issues overcome barriers to seeking support?
The main reasons that people with mental health concerns do not seek treatment are cost and stigma. Cost can be overcome by seeking out therapists who work on a sliding-scale basis, or joining an online therapy platform. Some areas also offer low-cost or free clinics that use student therapists that are supervised by licensed professionals. Colleges are also a good place to look for supervised student therapists who will work with clients on sliding-scale fees that can be as low as $1 per session.
Stigma may be addressed by educating yourself on therapy and how it can help. It may also be useful to surround yourself with supportive people.
How do you know when therapy is not working?
Some signs that therapy is not working include:
- Feeling judged by your therapist
- You feel like you are going over the same things again and again with no forward movement
- You don’t want to put in the work
- You don’t trust your therapist
What makes therapy successful?
Communication is a key component for effective individual or group therapy. For therapy to be successful, a person must be able to discuss thoughts, feelings, and concerns with their therapist. It isn’t always easy for some individuals to open up about trauma in their life, so it’s important for a client to have a good rapport with their therapist.
Is therapy only for depressed people?
No, therapy can be for almost anyone. Depression is a common mental health condition, so a lot of people experiencing depression benefit from therapy, however there are so many other reasons someone seek out mental health services: anxiety, processing trauma, PTSD, OCD, self-actualization, and for any number of other causes.
Is therapy helpful for everyone?
No, not everyone benefits from therapy. Some who might benefit will never understand that they need it. Others may drop out because they don’t feel like putting in the effort…people often hope that therapy is mostly talking about their problems, but this isn’t the case. Clients have to want to change their thoughts and behaviors. Still others may feel very uncomfortable exploring their feelings, and never build trust with a therapist.
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