BetterHelp Cost: Pricing, Discounts, And What's Included

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform with one of the world's largest networks of therapists—more than 30,000 qualified providers globally—whose subscription normally costs between $70 and $100 per week, or roughly $260 to $400 per month. Exact pricing can vary based on factors like your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any discounts or promotions that may apply. BetterHelp now also offers psychiatry services through UpLift, which can be part of a holistic mental health care experience. Below, explore what a subscription includes, discounts and financial aid, and how BetterHelp compares to other therapy options.

How much does BetterHelp cost?

In the United States, a BetterHelp subscription may cost $70 to $100 per week, which is billed weekly or monthly and generally adds up to around $260 to $400 per month. BetterHelp is also offered in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Weekly ranges for other currencies are as follows: €50-€70 EU, $85-$110 CAD, $90-$120 AUD, and £45-£70 GBP.

When you sign up for a BetterHelp subscription, your account will not be charged until you're matched with a licensed therapist. Financial aid and discounts may also be available for non-insured users, which are covered in more detail below. In the US, BetterHelp accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible medical expense by most providers. Some providers on BetterHelp may also be in-network with certain health insurance plans. Many eligible members pay $15 or less per session, while some pay $0. Coverage costs vary depending on the insurance plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can cancel your subscription at any time, for any reason.

BetterHelp discounts and financial aid

There are a few ways your out-of-pocket cost may be reduced:

• Financial aid: Eligible non-insured users may qualify for reduced rates based on income and employment status.
• HSA/FSA cards: If you have a flexible spending account or health savings account, you may be able to use these pre-tax funds toward eligible therapy expenses.
• Insurance: Some providers on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain health insurance plans. With insurance, many members pay $15 or less, while some pay $0. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability.

Cost can be a significant factor when considering therapy, and several options may make a subscription more affordable. BetterHelp offers financial aid to some non-insured users depending on income and employment status, which can reduce the cost of a subscription in some cases. You can apply for financial aid during the sign-up process, and if approved, your weekly or monthly rate may be lowered. Specific discount amounts vary from person to person.

Student and other discounts

Many people wonder whether reduced rates are available for specific groups, such as students. While BetterHelp does not advertise a separate student-specific discount, students and others facing financial constraints may still qualify for financial aid based on income and employment status. Applying during sign-up is often the most direct way to see what pricing options may be available to you.

What's included in a BetterHelp subscription

A BetterHelp subscription offers an array of benefits for those who use the platform. With your subscription, you can participate in talk therapy with a licensed mental health professional through video, voice, or live chat sessions. BetterHelp now also offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option available alongside therapy.

A subscription can include the following features:

• A weekly live session with your therapist via video, phone, or live chat
• In-app messaging with your provider between sessions
• Group sessions focused on education
• Journal prompts and a digital journaling feature
• A habit tracker and therapeutic worksheets
• Access to educational tools that can reinforce therapeutic concepts

All of the providers on the BetterHelp platform are trained, experienced, and vetted therapists who hold a recognized professional license in their state or jurisdiction, with the platform accepting only 25% of therapist applicants. If you'd like to explore your options, you can consider getting matched with a therapist who has experience helping others with similar concerns.

Psychiatry and medication management

Beyond talk therapy, BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift. These services provide virtual mental health care for individuals ages 18 and older who are experiencing mild to severe behavioral health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and other conditions that may benefit from psychiatric consultation. This offering expands access to licensed psychiatric providers (MD/DOs or PMHNPs), and psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate. Not everyone needs or benefits from medication, and medication decisions are personalized and based on a full clinical evaluation. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed psychiatric provider, and medication is one possible tool in a broader mental health treatment plan, rather than a replacement for therapy. If you'd like to learn more, you can get started with psychiatry.

Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member's insurance plan.

*Based on finalized paid psychiatry visits with a copay. Insurance availability, coverage, and costs vary by state, plan, provider network, and provider availability.

Session formats and flexibility

Convenience and choice are central to how sessions work. You can attend therapy from the comfort of home and communicate with your therapist however you feel comfortable, whether over video, phone, or live chat. Sessions are often available on weekends and outside of traditional business hours, and it may be possible to reschedule a session in advance if your plans change.

Messaging between sessions

Support doesn't have to stop when a session ends. Users can reach out to their therapist through in-app messaging at any time, and providers will generally respond when they are able. This ongoing line of communication can be a helpful difference from traditional therapy, where contact between appointments may be more limited.

BetterHelp cost compared to other options

When weighing therapy options, it can help to look at how costs compare across formats. The cost per session can be higher for in-person sessions than for online therapy. For a broader look at therapy costs across different provider types and formats, costs can range from $70 to $200 or more per session, depending on a variety of factors.

BetterHelp vs. in-person therapy costs

While BetterHelp may cost between $70 and $100 per week, in-person therapy can cost around $100 to $200 per session, depending on the provider and location. In-person therapy can also come with added costs that are easy to overlook, such as commuting and time away from work. The table below compares the two options across a few key factors.

BetterHelp cost compared to insurance copays

Some providers on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain health insurance plans. With insurance, many eligible members pay $15 or less, while some pay $0. Coverage, availability, and costs may vary by state, insurance plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status. You can find out if a provider on BetterHelp is in-network for your plan by reviewing current information through the sign-up flow.

For psychiatry services through UpLift, many providers are in-network with most major insurance carriers, and the average copay is around $20 for eligible members. The cost of any medication will depend on your insurance plan, so it can be helpful to speak with your insurance about your copay, deductible, and whether your prescribed medication is covered.

Using HSA or FSA for BetterHelp

Pre-tax funds can be another way to offset the cost of care. In the US, BetterHelp accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible medical expense by most providers. If you have a flexible spending account or health savings account, you may be able to use these funds toward eligible therapy expenses.

Is BetterHelp worth the cost?

Value is about more than the price tag, and whether a subscription feels worthwhile can depend on your needs. A BetterHelp subscription may be worth it for people who value convenience, since there's no commute, and sessions can be scheduled around a busy week. You can also switch therapists at any time at no extra cost, which can make it easier to find a provider who fits your preferences. BetterHelp reports that 93% of user preferences were met when matching with a therapist in 2024. For those weighing affordability and flexibility together, these features can add up to meaningful value. If this sounds like a fit, you can get started whenever you're ready.

Other ways to make therapy more affordable

If a BetterHelp subscription isn't the right fit for your budget, other resources may help. Here are a few affordable alternatives to consider:

• Sliding-scale providers: Some in-person therapists adjust their fees based on a client's income and ability to pay.
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Your employer may offer an EAP that provides free short-term counseling services.
• Community mental health centers: Local centers and nonprofits sometimes offer low-cost or free support options.
• University training clinics: Some universities have clinics where supervised graduate students provide services at a low cost.
• Crisis hotlines: If you are in a crisis, you can call or text the 988 Lifeline at any time for free support.

What to know about missed sessions and cancellations

Scheduling flexibility is one of the ways BetterHelp aims to make therapy easier to stick with, since sessions are often available on weekends and outside of traditional business hours. Scheduling ahead when possible can help you make the most of your subscription. A $15 fee may apply for sessions that are missed or canceled within 24 hours of the appointment time. Missed sessions usually cannot be rescheduled, so planning ahead can help you get the most out of your care.

The potential value of online therapy

Beyond affordability, the effectiveness of online therapy is an important part of its value. A 2021 meta-analysis noted that therapy delivered by video could be as effective as in-person care for many people. This may be reflected in real-world results, as a reported 72% of BetterHelp users experienced a reduction in symptoms within 12 weeks, according to BetterHelp's published data.