How Much Does BetterHelp Online Therapy Cost?

How much does BetterHelp cost?

BetterHelp mental health services include back-and-forth messaging with your therapist, entry to group-based discussions, an online digital journal, and the option of having a weekly live therapy session, where your therapist can help you navigate the mental health challenges you may be experiencing.

When you sign up for a BetterHelp subscription, your account will not be charged until you’re matched with a licensed therapist, but 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 network, and some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited).

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 vs. online therapy: while BetterHelp costs between $70-$100 per week,in-person therapy can cost around $100-$350 per session, depending on a variety of factors.

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Factors that influence therapy costs

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

There are various types of therapy available that can help with needs in different situations. These include:

• Individual therapy: Individual therapy involves the therapist and client in a one-on-one setting, and 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 with their unique 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 various family conflicts or challenges that are impacting relationships in the family. 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 often not 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 therapy with a licensed mental health professional remotely through video, voice, or in-app live chat messaging sessions. 

All of the providers on the BetterHelp platform are trained, experienced, and vetted therapists who hold a recognized professional license in their state and/or jurisdiction, so you can expect the same professionalism from your online therapy provider as you would an in-person therapist.

BetterHelp vs. traditional in-person therapy

With BetterHelp, users can also take advantage of therapeutic worksheets, a digital journaling feature, group sessions, and other educational tools that can help reinforce critical therapeutic concepts between sessions. And with the platform’s in-app messaging service, you can send your therapist a message at any time in between sessions.

In addition to these features, BetterHelp offers a number of other benefits that may make it a more convenient and comfortable option for some people, over seeking 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, you can have therapy sessions from the comfort of home, and you can communicate with your therapist however you feel comfortable—whether over video, phone, or entirely over chat. Plus, BetterHelp online therapy can be more affordable than in-person counseling services, for those without insurance.

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

It is also important to note that the licensed therapists on BetterHelp cannot prescribe medication, but they can collaborate with medical professionals who offer medication management 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 for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content is providing generalized information, not specific for one individual. You should not take any action without consulting with a qualified medical professional.

Making therapy more affordable

While the cost of therapy can vary depending on a wide range of factors, there are also a number of options available that can help make therapy more affordable. Included below are some of these options:

• 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.
• Nonprofits: Some nonprofits offer affordable therapy or other support options, oftentimes for certain special groups. 
• Crisis hotlines: If you are in a crisis, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  at any time for free support.
• 7Cups: Online platforms such as 7Cups offer free, community-based online support, but it is important to note that the free support is not considered professional therapy. 
• University training clinics: Some universities have university training clinics where students can provide mental health services under supervision, often at a low cost.
• FSA/HSA cards for payment: If you have an FSA or HSA, you may be able to use these pre-tax funds to pay for eligible healthcare expenses such as in-person or online therapy services, like BetterHelp.
• 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 also help lower costs. Insurance plans may not always cover online therapy services, but some online therapy providers are expanding coverage options, such as BetterHelp. Coverage may vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability.

We are working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, our flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from our extensive therapist network.

Is online therapy effective?

Many studies show that online therapy, whether in the form of a live chat session, video session, or phone session, can effectively treat symptoms of various mental health conditions. Live therapy sessions over video call, in particular, can provide clients with similar opportunities for non-verbal connection and body language cues as in-person therapy.

Several other studies have found online therapy to be as effective at treating various mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD as in-person therapy. Researchers at the University of Zurich found that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face treatment when it comes to managing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and they noted the relative cost-effectiveness of online therapy compared to in-person therapy. Additionally, a comprehensive review of 92 studies, which included almost 10,000 total participants, found that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy, particularly in the treatment of anxiety and stress.

Other benefits of BetterHelp therapy

There are several reasons clients and therapists might enjoy using BetterHelp, including the following.

• Ease of sign-up: Signing up for BetterHelp online therapy sessions is simple: To get started, you simply answer a short, guided series of questions. Then, you will be matched with a mental health professional who fits your preferences, often within 48 hours depending on therapist availability. 
• Affordable pricing: BetterHelp online therapy can be more cost-effective than in-person therapy for those without insurance. 
• Vast network of licensed therapists: BetterHelp expands the range of providers you can search for. Since you aren’t limited to just licensed professional counselors in your immediate area, connecting with a specialist may be faster through the BetterHelp platform.
• Flexibility: With BetterHelp, you do not have to commute to therapy sessions; you can have sessions from wherever you prefer, and you can work with your provider to establish a schedule that fits your lifestyle. BetterHelp also allows you to switch therapists if you don’t click with your initial match. Additionally, BetterHelp offers users flexible options for connecting with their therapist for therapy sessions (video, phone, or live chat), which can be helpful for individuals with diverse mental health needs.

To hear from real people who have used BetterHelp, you can explore some of the many positive reviews users have left for their therapists on the platform.

Get started with BetterHelp

If you are in crisis

Therapy is not the same as crisis care. If you’re in crisis, please use one of the following resources:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat with a representative
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1- 800-799-7233
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” TO 741741
• Essential local and community services: Call 211
• Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
• National Eating Disorder Association Helpline: Call or text 1-800-931-2237 or chat with a representative
• The Trevor Project Crisis Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 or text 838255
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)