Does BetterHelp Have Free Plans? Affordable Online Therapy

We regard therapy as a golden standard and effective treatment for many mental health conditions. Traditional counseling is often used to treat mental health symptoms like stress, anxiety, and depression. Research backs therapy as an effective treatment for many mental illnesses, but for some, the $100 to $200 per session charge for traditional in-person therapy is inaccessible.

Knowing how to cover your therapy costs, find free therapy, and use online counseling may help you encounter services to connect with the support you seek without breaking the bank.  

Commonly asked questions about how to cover therapy costs 

While in-person therapy is often expensive without insurance, BetterHelp offers therapy at a reduced rate. Although online therapy can be a more cost-effective way to get therapy, some people worry about how to cover the cost of therapy. Below are a few commonly asked questions about covering services through an online therapy platform. 

Is BetterHelp free, or does BetterHelp give you a free trial?

BetterHelp does not offer online counseling services for free. Prices range from $65 to $100 per week and $260-$400 monthly (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply) to have sessions with a qualified therapist. If you have a question about an advertised special, such as a BetterHelp free trial, you can use the contact page for more information about low-cost counseling and other mental health services. For many clients, BetterHelp is a cost-effective alternative.

How much does BetterHelp cost per month?

BetterHelp online therapy plans are billed monthly from $65 to $100 per week and $260-$400 monthly (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply) to have sessions with a qualified therapist. After you have successfully been matched with a therapist and have added your credit card information, you are billed the full monthly amount, which covers weekly live sessions. The cost amounts to $260 to $360 a month, which can save some clients over $300 a month compared to in-person therapy with no insurance. 

However, some may seek additional support to cover the cost. If this is the case, check with your insurance company to see if your health insurance plan could reimburse you for your bill. Note that reimbursements are up to your insurance plan’s discretion and are not connected to BetterHelp’s services. You may also be wondering if there is any financial aid for online therapy. Some organizations are dedicated to helping people access mental health care, and BetterHelp sometimes offers financial aid or runs campaigns to increase access for more people.

Is free therapy worth it for mental health?

Free therapy is not often an option unless your services are covered in full by health insurance or another source. Contact the customer service team for questions about online therapy payment options. While finding quality treatment for free online might be difficult, affordable therapy is often available.

Mental health conditions

You may be able to able to receive emotional support for free online through various resources. However, while extra support can benefit you, mental health treatment for mental illness such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are best served through therapy sessions with a licensed therapist. Having live sessions with a licensed online therapist allows you to adequately address mental health issues that may be affecting your wellbeing. It can also help mitigate symptoms as you learn helpful ways to cope with them. 

BetterHelp sessions for mental health concerns

BetterHelp professionals include a wide range of expertise, including family therapists, clinical social workers, and other licensed therapists. Whether through phone calls for phone sessions, video sessions, or a live chat session, the platform matches you with online counselor that meets your preferences. Connecting with an experienced, licensed therapist can be invaluable in navigating mental health challenges. While therapists do not usually prescribe medication, they can offer you a wide range of treatment options for a variety of mental health concerns.

Free or low-cost mental health services

Low cost or free online therapy might be available through certain programs, including employment assistance programs (EAPs) and social services. Some insurance companies may also reimburse you for online therapy services, so it's advisable to check your coverage by contacting your insurer. 

Other free or low-cost mental health care include:

• Crisis lines in the case of a mental health emergency

• Low cost or free mental health therapy services for healthcare professionals and first responders

• SAMHSA's facility locator and SAMHSA 24/7 Treatment and Referral line (1.800.662.4357) offer referrals to substance use and dual diagnosis treatment facilities with low cost, sliding scale fees

• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) free counseling for veterans. The program is run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which may cover the entire cost of counseling

You can also apply for financial assistance by contacting BetterHelp's customer success team to discuss your situation and try to find an even more affordable plan for your online therapy sessions. 

What are the benefits of BetterHelp’s services 

Below are several advantages people may find when using the largest online therapy platform, BetterHelp. 

Specialization in multiple areas

Per therapist reviews, BetterHelp providers can work with various mental health conditions and symptoms. These may include but aren’t restricted to relationship and familial issues, sleep, life stress, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, or adverse life events. You can specify your goals for better mental health and what type of therapist you’d like to match with upon signing up. 

If you do not connect with your therapist or believe they are not specialized for your particular mental health concerns, you may also be able to pick from a list of therapists, and you can change your therapist at any time for any reason.

Flexible and convenient services 

With an online platform, you can connect with a therapist in any location. Ensure you have a smart device, an internet connection, and a safe location to talk. Remote therapy can be an advantage for those in remote areas, those who do not drive, or those who face challenges attending therapy in person. 

Social impacts 

BetterHelp has donated over 31,000 months of therapy to those impacted by crises, poverty, or natural disasters across the United States. In 2023, the platform gave over $42 million worth of therapy to communities and individuals in need, including those with a low income.   

The company has worked with various mission-driven non-profit organizations, which include but aren’t limited to:

•    NAMI to support frontline healthcare workers
•    Sandy Hook Promise to support those affected by gun violence
•    The OUT Foundation to support LGBTQIA+ athletes
•    The Malala Fund and Restore Her Voice to support Afghanistan refugees
•    Me too. International to support people affected by sexual violence

If you are experiencing sexual abuse or have experienced assault, note that the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) has a hotline dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing sexual assault, harassment, or intimate partner violence. You can contact them anytime by calling 800-656-HOPE (4673) or using the online chat.

Additional questions about BetterHelp’s services

Below are several other frequently asked questions about BetterHelp’s costs and services. 

Why is BetterHelp so expensive?

Traditional in-person or in-office therapy and counseling services cost $100 to $200 per session without insurance or financial support. BetterHelp costs $65 to $100 weekly, which offers a low-cost option for those who struggle to pay out-of-pocket costs or high co-pays. 

Couples often pay $175 to $275 or more in face-to-face therapy costs, as insurance may not cover therapy for couples. In these cases, platforms like Regain can offer online couples therapy for $65 to $100 per week, which is $32 to $45 per person if split between two people. 

Both platforms work with independent mental health professionals who have completed the licensing needed to become social workers, counselors, therapists, or psychologists. To maintain a license, these individuals may be required to complete continued learning courses to continue offering up-to-date and culturally relevant support.  While the online therapy service with the Betterhelp app tends to be a lot more affordable than traditional therapy in person, providing quality mental health support is also priority. 

Does BetterHelp charge immediately?

When you sign up for BetterHelp, you will be prompted to fill out a questionnaire with information about your goals for therapy, name or nickname, preferences, and identity needs. After filling out this information, you will be brought to a payment page with a breakdown of your weekly and monthly costs. The BetterHelp platform does not charge immediately. You will not be charged for services until you are matched with a licensed mental health professional with whom you can work throughout the talk therapy process. You can choose when to stop working with a specific therapist, and it is easy to cancel services if needed.

Your next payment due date won’t be determined until you are matched with a therapist. You can end your subscription at any time with no fees. However, note that your payment will be taken out automatically on the determined payment date each month unless you cancel.

Is BetterHelp 2023 worth it?

Research on online therapy sessions shows that online counseling services with licensed therapists are an effective form of mental healthcare. These services can be as effective as traditional in-person therapy for various mental illnesses and symptoms.

If you have sought therapy for a mental health condition and believe you’re not getting results, consider switching therapists. BetterHelp allows clients to switch their therapist quickly, which can be an advantage for those wishing to avoid a gap between treatment sessions. 

How do you pay for therapy?

Is BetterHelp a safe site?

BetterHelp is a safe website to use. If you send a message to your therapist that you want to remove later, click the “shred” button next to the message so it will no longer appear in your account. In addition, your live video or chat sessions within the app are safe. 

Counseling options

If you believe online therapy may reduce barriers to care, you can try internet-based platforms like BetterHelp. Professional counselors, clinical social workers, couples therapists, and other licensed therapists are available to treat behavioral health and mental health needs through these platforms. With an online platform, you can also choose between phone, video, or live chat sessions with your therapist. When you sign up and make your first payment, you may get matched with a therapist within 48 hours. 

One study found that 37.8% of participants experienced significant improvements in symptoms within 3 months trying out an online therapy platform found it more effective than in-person therapy. These results can showcase how online therapy might rank compared to in-person services.