How Much Does BetterHelp Cost? Understanding Online Therapy Pricing

BetterHelp mental health services include a weekly live therapy session, where your therapist can help you navigate any mental health challenges you may be experiencing. Also included in a BetterHelp subscription are asynchronous messaging with your provider outside of sessions, support groups, journal prompts, a habit tracker, and more. 

When you sign up for a BetterHelp subscription, your account will not be charged until you’re matched with a licensed therapist. It's important to note that BetterHelp pricing can vary based on your specific needs and subscription plan. 

In the US, BetterHelp accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible medical expense by most providers. BetterHelp has also partnered with select insurance carriers to join their networks, and some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited), which can help cover therapy costs.

When considering various options for therapy and counseling services, the cost of care can be a significant factor for many people. Without insurance, the therapy cost per session can be higher for in-person sessions vs. online therapy. While BetterHelp costs between $70 and $100 per week, in-person therapy can cost around $100-$350 per session, depending on a variety of factors.

Factors that influence therapy costs

Multiple factors can affect the cost of therapy, including therapy type, therapist experience, location, mental health care plans, and insurance options. For instance, certain mental health needs may require more extensive forms of treatment with highly specialized providers. Different health insurance plans also have different co-pays, deductibles, and other requirements that can affect the total amount you pay for therapy.

Types of therapy: Individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy and other counseling options

Various types of therapy can be helpful for different needs, including the following:

• Individual therapy: Individual therapy involves the therapist and client talking in a one-on-one setting. This can be helpful for individuals looking for ways to manage various mental health concerns, like anxiety or depression. 
• Couples counseling: In couples counseling, two people can seek help from a therapist for their relationship concerns. Online couples therapy is available through BetterHelp’s sister site, Regain.  
• Teen therapy: In teen therapy, a therapist can help a teenager address mental health concerns in a safe and supportive environment. Online teen therapy is available through BetterHelp’s sister site, TeenCounseling.
• Family therapy: In family therapy, multiple family members can get support from a therapist in navigating family conflicts or challenges that are impacting familial relationships. BetterHelp does not offer family therapy at this time.

The type of therapy you receive can have a significant impact on cost. For instance, family therapy and couples therapy tend to be more expensive than individual counseling services, as they involve more than one person and are not always covered by insurance.

What does BetterHelp include?

BetterHelp provides an array of benefits for those who utilize the platform. With your BetterHelp subscription, you can participate in talk therapy with a licensed mental health professional remotely through video, voice, or live chat sessions. 

All of the providers on the BetterHelp platform are trained, experienced, and vettedtherapists who hold a recognized professional license in their state or jurisdiction, so you can expect the same professionalism from your virtual therapy provider as you would an in-person therapist. Those seeking therapy can be paired with providers who have experience helping others with similar challenges in their mental health history.

BetterHelp vs. traditional in-person therapy

With BetterHelp, users can also take advantage of therapeutic worksheets, a digital journaling feature, support groups, and other educational tools that can reinforce critical therapeutic concepts between sessions. Users can also reach out to their therapists at any time in between sessions, and their providers will generally respond when they are able.

In addition to these features, BetterHelp offers other benefits that may make it a more convenient and comfortable option than in-person therapy services. When you sign up for BetterHelp, you will be matched with a therapist who aligns with your mental health needs and preferences (often within 48 hours, depending on therapist availability).

You can switch therapists at any time, attend therapy sessions from the comfort of home, and communicate with your therapist however you feel comfortable—whether over video, phone, or online chat. Plus, BetterHelp online therapy can be more affordable than in-person counseling services. While the providers on BetterHelp cannot diagnose mental health conditions, they can offer expert insight and tools to help you improve your mental health.

Medication management and therapy

The licensed therapists on BetterHelp cannot prescribe medication, but they may collaborate with medical professionals who offer medication management services when needed. For individuals experiencing severe symptoms or a complex mental illness, online therapy may not be sufficient, and in-person mental health care may be more suitable.

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. This content provides generalized information that is not specific to any one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Making therapy more affordable: Insurance, financial aid, and free therapy options

While the cost of therapy can vary depending on a wide range of factors, options are available to make therapy more affordable.

• Sliding-scale in-person providers: If you are interested in in-person therapy, you can search for providers who charge sliding-scale fees, in which the cost of therapy adjusts depending on a client’s income and ability to pay.
• Local support groups or group therapy: You can also explore local support groups or group therapy options in your area, which can be more affordable than individual therapy. 
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Consider checking with your employer to see if they offer an EAP. You may be able to receive free short-term counseling services through the program. Free counseling, even in the short term, can make a difference in mental health challenges.
• Nonprofits: Some nonprofits offer affordable therapy or other support options, oftentimes for certain groups. Local nonprofits may help you find free therapy options.
• Crisis hotlines: If you are in a crisis, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time for free support.
• Online support platforms: Some virtual platforms offer free, community-based online support, but it is important to note that the free support is not considered professional therapy and is typically provided by untrained volunteers.
• University training clinics: Some universities have university training clinics where students in the process of becoming therapists can provide mental health services under supervision, often at a low cost.
• FSA/HSA cards for payment: If you have an FSA (flexible spending account) or HSA (health savings account), you may be able to use these pre-tax funds to pay for eligible healthcare expenses, such as in-person or online therapy services.
• BetterHelp financial aid: BetterHelp offers financial aid to some users depending on income and employment status, which can make therapy significantly more affordable in some cases.
• Health insurance: For those who have health insurance, finding therapy services covered by your insurance plan can lower costs. Insurance plans may not always cover online therapy services, but some online therapy providers are expanding coverage options. Coverage may vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability.

BetterHelp is working with select insurance carriers to join their networks. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited), which can partially cover therapy costs. The platform's flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from an extensive therapist network.

What happens if you miss BetterHelp sessions or need flexibility?

BetterHelp allows for scheduling flexibility, with sessions often available on weekends and outside of traditional business hours. As users can attend therapy with their therapist match from home, there’s no need to ensure reliable transportation, which can make it easier to stick to treatment. Sessions that are cancelled within 24 hours of the appointment time, as well as missed sessions, may incur a $15 fee. Missed sessions generally cannot be rescheduled. 

Who may benefit most from BetterHelp

While nearly anyone can benefit from convenient online mental health care, it may be particularly helpful for those who

• Are experiencing current physical health concerns (like chronic pain) that make it challenging to travel to in-person appointments.
• Lack of mental health professionals in their area or must travel a few hours to find specialized care.
• Don’t have reliable transportation or childcare.
• Live with depression or social anxiety symptoms that make it difficult to attend sessions in person.
• Don’t feel comfortable seeing a provider face-to-face.

These are just a few of the many situations in which virtual therapy may be suitable. BetterHelp’s large network of qualified providers enables users to connect with therapists who align with their needs and preferences.

Getting started with BetterHelp is simple:

1. Take a short questionnaire. Answer a few quick questions about your goals, preferences, and the type of therapist you’d like to work with.
2. Get matched quickly. In most cases, you can be matched with a licensed provider in as little as 48 hours.
3. Start therapy on your terms. Schedule sessions by video, phone, or live chat, and join from anywhere you have an internet connection.

Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.