TL;DR: BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that matches users with licensed mental health professionals. Many find it to be a convenient, flexible, and accessible therapy option.

If you’re considering therapy, you might be overwhelmed when deciding what type or method you could benefit from most. You may be contemplating your preference for a therapist, how much money you can budget for therapy, and what company or provider to turn to. Finding affordable therapy in your area can be stressful, especially therapy that is appropriate for your situation and that fits your particular needs.

Living in a rural area can also present challenges, as a lack of therapist availability or accessible therapists can lead to a lack of options. You may become confused, overwhelmed, or exhausted trying to find support. However, some options have emerged in response to these needs, as online therapy has become more popular for accessible and affordable therapy.  

BetterHelp therapy is one type of online therapy that may fit your needs. The mental health services on this platform have offered millions of people life-changing value and emotional healing worldwide. Its list of expert therapists and satisfied users continues to grow every day. Below, explore the potential benefits of online therapy through BetterHelp or individual practice telehealth.

What Is BetterHelp? 

With headquarters in California, BetterHelp is the largest online therapy service platform worldwide. We have a roster of over 30,000 licensed therapists and counselors. With BetterHelp, therapy sessions can occur through several formats. Methods of talking with your therapist can include: 

• In-app messaging
• Live chat sessions
• Live phone sessions
• Live video sessions

So, is BetterHelp therapy or counseling? We use the terms “therapy” and “counseling” interchangeably here. Our providers are composed of various therapists, counselors, and social workers. But our services are the same regardless of the exact label used. While each therapist is unique and brings their own experience, personality, and expertise to the table, our portal and tools are the same for all users.

Is BetterHelp therapy or counseling?

The BetterHelp platform uses “therapy” and “counseling” interchangeably. Various licensed therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers support clients on this site. However, client services are the same regardless of the exact label used. While each therapist is unique and brings their own experience, personality, and expertise to the table, the online portal and tools are the same for all users.

Is BetterHelp therapy legit?

Since BetterHelp therapy is entirely virtual, some may wonder, “Is BetterHelp.com legit, or is it a scam?” BetterHelp is a legitimate company that has been accredited by The Better Business Bureau since 2015. Moreover, every one of the therapists contracted with BetterHelp is licensed and certified to practice counseling. They must go through a thorough application and review process before being contracted.

Why is online therapy becoming so popular?

The American Psychological Association says it best: online therapy is here to stay. The explosion in telemental health counseling can partially be attributed to the recent Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the current state of the world has left millions experiencing mental health challenges. 

The state of the world has left many people struggling with mental health challenges and difficulty accessing help in person. Besides meeting the need for remote services amidst the pandemic, online therapy has offered convenience and proven efficacy in helping people improve their mental health. Below are some of the benefits of this type of service.

Online therapy is affordable

Many online therapy services are more affordable than traditional in-person therapy sessions. While the average cost for in-person therapy ranges from around $100 to $200 per session without insurance, services like BetterHelp offer sessions for anywhere from $70 to $100 weekly 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.

There are also “free” versions of online therapy, but be wary of their quality. Many of these are useful for connecting with supportive people and forums but not necessarily the best for finding a licensed therapist. A licensed therapist isn’t in retirement or a former employee of a counseling service, but an actively practicing professional. BetterHelp occasionally offers specials and discounts, and financial aid may be available for those who qualify. 

Online therapy is convenient

The convenience of online therapy can make it popular for those with busy lives. Many people juggle jobs, school, families, friends, and hobbies. Reducing the number of obligations on their plate whenever possible may reduce stress and anxiety. 

With online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, you don’t have to spend time commuting to a therapist's office. Instead, you can participate in your therapy session wherever you are most comfortable. For instance, if you live with social anxiety, the physical distance between you and your therapist or a full waiting room might offer a sense of safety for opening up. 

Plus, the convenience of online therapy does not come at the cost of its effectiveness. A comprehensive meta-analysis reviewed the available research and concluded that online therapy can reduce symptoms in individuals with a variety of mental health challenges and conditions. Online cognitive-behavioral therapy appears particularly effective and may be as beneficial as in-person therapy. 

It’s flexible

Online therapy can be flexible. With platforms like BetterHelp, clients have autonomy in selecting a therapist that fits their preferences and needs. They can also choose their weekly session schedule and the communication format. For example, clients can sign up for phone, video, or live chat sessions with their therapist. Throughout the week, they can also send messages to the therapist and receive responses as soon as the provider is available.

BetterHelp benefits

Let’s talk more specifically about the BetterHelp benefits that millions have enjoyed worldwide. In addition to convenience and affordability, our therapists are all licensed professionals. We have the tools to provide you with resources that can help transform your mental health. 

Here are just some of the benefits BetterHelp users may enjoy: 

• Learning to communicate more openly
• Practicing vulnerability with those you love
• Learning how to create boundaries with others
• Making healthier lifestyle choices
• Improving sleep patterns
• Overcoming unhealthy substance use
• Managing stress effectively and feeling calmer
• Improving your self-esteem
• Gaining insights into your personality patterns and subconscious thoughts
• Setting goals and learning techniques to achieve them
• Addressing past trauma and learning coping mechanisms
• Picking up new emotional self-control tools
• Healing from abuse
• Having conversations with someone who actively listens
• Improving symptoms of depression so you can live a healthier, happier life

Choose the right therapist for you

One of the unique benefits of BetterHelp is the flexibility to choose your therapist. When you fill out the initial questionnaire, you can be matched with a therapist based on a sophisticated algorithm in as little as 48 hours. That way, your therapist will fit the criteria for what you’re looking for. Through BetterHelp, there are a wide variety of licensed therapists, psychologists, and clinical social workers including family therapists and marriage and family therapists.

If you feel like this initial therapist is not a good match for you, you can look through the roster of therapists and select your own. One of the great perks of BetterHelp is that there are no penalties for changing therapists; you can do so anytime. 

The cost of a BetterHelp membership and what's included

BetterHelp is offered as a weekly subscription with a cost of $70 - $100 per week billed every four weeks. Prices range from $70 to $100 per week (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. When you sign up for BetterHelp therapy, you will first fill out a simple questionnaire and be matched with one of our licensed therapists according to your needs. Then you will coordinate your weekly therapy session with your therapist. 

Here’s what is included in your subscription:

• One 30-minute or 45-minute session a week, conducted over live chat, live phone, or live video. These sessions can take place on a computer, tablet, or mobile device. The length of the session is up to your needs and your therapist’s availability.
• Messaging between you and your therapist. You can go back and look at your conversations at any time.
• A journaling feature including journal prompts and mood tracking 
• The option to schedule one support group session a week from various themes, as well as to schedule extra sessions for an extra cost
• Webinars with educational material
• Worksheets and goal-tracking that can be assigned by your therapist and completed in the BetterHelp app or online on the website

Insurance and financial aid

In some cases, your insurance company may reimburse the cost of therapy sessions. It could be helpful to reach out to your insurance provider directly to request reimbursement. BetterHelp may offer financial aid and discounted rates to individuals who meet the low-income criteria. Call the 1-800 number on your insurance card to contact them. 

You may also be able to pay using your employee flexible spending account (FSA) if it’s something your job offers. In addition, your employer may offer a certain number of paid therapy sessions to you and your family per month as part of your employee wellness package. 

BetterHelp also offers some financial aid and discounted rates to individuals who fit our low-income criteria. So far, we have granted over $65 million in financial aid to BetterHelp users. If you think you might qualify, you can always contact our Customer Service team at contact@betterhelp.com to inquire. 

Our expert therapists are just one of the BetterHelp benefits

Our therapists at BetterHelp want what’s best for their clients. Our worldwide reach draws many therapists to our service including therapists who specialize in individual therapy, couples therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We help them expand their services to people from around the world who might benefit.

So, what do our BetterHelp therapists have to do to join the team? What do they all have in common? 

• They are fully licensed to practice as mental health providers.
• Their licenses are all in good standing.
• They are all vetted by providing licensure documentation and are verified with their state licensing board by BetterHelp.
• They complete a case study exam that a licensed clinician grades. 
• They pass a video interview.

You no longer need to wonder, “Does BetterHelp have real therapists?” Our therapists are qualified, licensed, and experienced experts in the field. In addition, only about 20% of applicants are accepted to the BetterHelp platform, making them highly qualified providers. Our therapists set their own hours and work a variety of schedules, so whether you need late-night availability, weekend sessions, or therapy during the holidays, you’ll be able to find a therapist to meet with. As with an in-office therapist, BetterHelp therapists may not prescribe medication for anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns; for medication, you will need to see a psychiatrist.

How can a person get started on BetterHelp?

Getting started on BetterHelp is a relatively simple process. The process starts when an individual fills out a survey that is used to match them with a therapist. The survey may ask about your preferences and mental health needs, and goals. 

Once matched with a therapist, you can reach out to schedule your first appointment. BetterHelp understands the importance of working with a therapist whom you can trust. This is why you may change therapists whenever you need to.

Is online therapy effective?

Online therapy has been shown to be an effective way to improve mental health and well-being. In an online environment, a therapist can evaluate and assess a patient’s needs and implement various therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness activities. An online therapist can develop a plan tailored to their unique patient. 

For busy professionals, attending in-person therapy sessions can be challenging. With online therapy, you can attend a session from anywhere with an internet connection and a personal device. This means that you can get the care that you need, from a place where you are comfortable.