Is BetterHelp Right For Me?

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Whether BetterHelp therapy sessions with an online therapist are right for you depends on your needs and preferences. It may be well-suited for individuals seeking convenience and affordability in therapy. The online therapy experience may also be a good option for those who live in remote areas with limited opportunities to use traditional mental health resources, or who prefer online or phone communication. If you want to take a more active role in your treatment, BetterHelp allows users to vet therapists on the platform and makes it easy to switch providers if needed.  

Is there a need for accessible therapy?

Virtual therapy experienced exponential growth in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, as mental health professionals transitioned to virtual platforms to accommodate their clients. Online therapy’s popularity also rose with increased mental health challenges experienced by many during the pandemic. For example, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), rates of anxiety and depression rose by 25%, likely due to factors like increased stress caused by isolation during quarantine—affecting employment (and, by extension, financial stability), social connection, community engagement, and more. 

What is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is an online platform connecting individuals with licensed professional counselors and therapists for online therapy. Since its inception in 2013, over five million people have used the platform to connect with mental health professionals worldwide. Over 30,000 licensed therapists offer online therapy services through BetterHelp across the US and in over 190 countries. In addition to individual therapy for adults, you can find relationship counseling and teen counseling through BetterHelp’s sister sites, Regain and TeenCounseling.  

Once you sign up for online therapy services, you’ll be matched with one of many therapists on our platform. You can then schedule sessions via one of several therapy formats, including phone, video, and live chat. You’ll also be provided other online therapy services such as journal prompts and messaging features. 

When BetterHelp Might Be a Good Fit

If you’re seeking therapy and need to see a provider promptly, BetterHelp could be a good option for you. Many people are matched with a therapist within 48 hours of signing up. You can then schedule your first therapy session. When the time comes, you can meet with your therapist from home or anywhere you have an internet connection. You can also message your therapist anytime between sessions for additional support. 

When You Might Prefer In-Person or Traditional Therapy

Despite the convenience of online therapy services, there may be circumstances when in-person therapy sessions might be more appropriate. For instance, if you’ve been diagnosed with a complex mental health condition or need medication management services, meeting with a therapist or licensed clinical social worker in a more traditional format could be preferable. Depending on your communication style, in-person counseling may help you develop a deeper therapeutic relationship with your provider, though this can vary. 

Practical Considerations – Cost, Insurance & Changing Therapists

There may also be practical aspects of therapy to consider before engaging in the sign-up process for a BetterHelp subscription. If you have insurance or a flexible spending account (FSA), for example, you may want to consider what services your plan covers. Depending on your specific insurance coverage, you may or may not qualify for reimbursement for the BetterHelp cost. Another factor to consider is the BetterHelp matching service and the ability to change therapists anytime to ensure a good fit. In-person counseling services may not include this benefit, and it could be time-consuming to find a new therapist in a traditional format. 

What to Look for in a Therapist and Platform Quality

Whether you decide to see an online therapist or attend sessions in person, it may be important to consider therapist qualifications. A qualified therapist will hold a master’s degree or higher in their field of expertise and have years of clinical experience treating clients. When considering online therapy services, think about how body language can factor into your exchanges. Some therapists may be better than others when it comes to forging a therapeutic relationship via video sessions. You may also want to consider the therapist’s personality and whether or not it meshes with your own before beginning treatment. 

What kind of mental health challenges do BetterHelp therapists treat?

BetterHelp therapists treat many of the same conditions addressed by traditional in-person therapy providers, depending on their certification and licensure. These might include the following: 

• Anxiety and stress disorders, such as generalized and social anxiety
• Depression and mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder
• Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Grief and loss
• Self-esteem and identity concerns
• Eating disorders (mild to moderate cases like emotional eating and body image challenges)
• Obsessive-compulsive tendencies (mild OCD symptoms)
• Major life transitions and adjustment challenges
• LGBTQIA+ related concerns (including identity, discrimination, and coming out)
• Relationship challenges 

Does BetterHelp work?

Research repeatedly suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), including CBT delivered by BetterHelp, can be as effective as in-person treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. (CBT is the most common method used in both online and traditional therapy.) 

Many BetterHelp users have positive experiences working with the platform, indicating that they find it helpful in improving their mental health. However, the effectiveness of any type of therapy relies largely on the individual and the therapeutic alliance between the client and counselor. 

Is online therapy from BetterHelp right for you?

Whether BetterHelp is right for you depends on your unique needs and preferences. Generally, it may be well-suited for individuals seeking convenient and affordable therapy. It may also be a good option for those who live in more remote areas with limited opportunities to use mental health resources, or who prefer online or phone communication to traditional methods. If you want to take a more active role in your treatment, BetterHelp allows users to vet therapists on the platform and makes it easy to switch providers if needed.  

When may treatment with BetterHelp therapists not be the best option for me?

BetterHelp may not be right for you if you prefer the structure and interaction of face-to-face therapy. Online treatment of any kind isn’t appropriate if you need crisis support or treatment for a severe mental health condition. Additionally, BetterHelp professionals do not prescribe or facilitate medication management or make official diagnoses. 

What are the benefits of online therapy?

Online therapy offers several key benefits to individuals seeking mental health care. It allows individuals to connect with therapists regardless of their location, without the need to commute to and from a physical office. This feature can be particularly beneficial for people living in remote or underserved areas, as well as those with physical disabilities or illnesses. 

In addition, online platforms typically offer users more flexible scheduling options, including weekends and evenings. Additionally, attending therapy sessions from home in a more familiar, relaxed atmosphere may help people overcome any concerns about stigma and feel more comfortable opening up to their therapist. 

How affordable is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp can be a good option for those who worry about affording therapy. Online therapy through BetterHelp can often be less expensive than in-person treatment without insurance, and the platform is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers. The service also offers financial aid to those who qualify, allowing individuals to pay on a sliding scale depending on their income. 

What is the effectiveness of online therapy?

Research suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered online is as effective as standard, in-person treatment. CBT has traditionally been cited as the “gold standard” for many common mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, helping many people learn to regulate their emotions, communicate more effectively, develop healthier self-esteem, and achieve greater overall well-being. Here are some empirical examples: 

• The Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR Mental Health) indicated that telehealth (via phone or video) is as effective as face-to-face therapy for some less common conditions, including eating disorders and substance use disorder.
• In a Frontiers in Psychology study, psychotherapists working in virtual settings reported strong therapeutic alliances with their clients—a factor contributing significantly to reduced stress and burnout for the therapist and successful treatment outcomes for their clients.
• Another 2023 trial courtesy of Frontiers in Psychiatry found that individuals completing online cognitive behavioral therapy (e-CBT) for depression exhibited significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life.

How can I effectively care for my mental health?

How can I participate actively and develop a strong alliance with my licensed therapist?

Take an active role in therapy and be honest about your feelings and experiences. Engage in self-reflection between sessions and come prepared with questions or specific things you want to address (if applicable). Many professionals who use internet-delivered CBT assign their clients “homework” assignments to complete between sessions that help them apply what they’ve learned in daily life. Be sure to keep up with these assignments to get the most out of the therapeutic process. 

How can I care for my body to care for my mental health?

Research repeatedly shows a bidirectional connection between mental and physical health. Conditions like depression and anxiety disorders are linked to an increased risk of physical ailments like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic pain. Conversely, physical health conditions can also contribute to mental health challenges. Take good care of your body to support your mental health by engaging in plenty of exercise, eating nutritious foods, and getting regular sleep.  

How can I manage my stress between online therapy sessions?

Once you begin therapy, it may become easier to recognize the things that cause you stress, allowing you to cope with them proactively as they arise in everyday life. Mindfulness activities, such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises, can be beneficial. Journaling and spending time in nature can also be effective ways to reduce stress while cultivating mindfulness and self-reflection.

What is the importance of doing things that nourish and bring me joy?

How you spend your time outside of therapy can have a significant impact on your mental health. Spend time with people who make you feel supported and positive. Engage in a favorite hobby or creative project. Many find it beneficial for their mental health to learn a new skill, take some classes, or attend continuing education workshops and events.

How can I begin online therapy sessions with a licensed therapist from BetterHelp?

Get started by creating an account through the BetterHelp website or mobile app. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a questionnaire about your mental health history, your needs, and your preferences for therapy. Be sure to take your time and give your answers some thought, because they’ll influence which therapist the platform will assign to you. (However, switching therapists is easy if you're not satisfied with the initial match.) 

Once you’ve matched with a therapist via an online therapy format such as BetterHelp, you’ll set your preferred method of communication. Typically, virtual therapy is conducted via live video sessions, but there are other therapy formats available. For instance,however, you may also choose to communicate via phone calls or online chat. At this point, users typically coordinate dates and times for the initial session, ensuring that therapist availability aligns with client availability. The first session is usually an intake session, during which the therapist introduces themselves, explains their approach, and discusses what to expect from therapy. They'll also ask about your mental health needs and goals for treatmentgoals for treatment. You can continue to communicate with your therapist through in-app messaging between sessions and schedule follow-up appointments as needed.