Marli's Mental Health Journey: "After Using BetterHelp I Feel Happy"

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, or you’re simply looking for support in navigating life’s many challenges, connecting with a therapist may be helpful. Counseling can provide a safe space where you can express and process your emotions, and a therapist can offer healthy coping mechanisms for difficult feelings and situations that are individualized to you.  In this article, a person shares their firsthand experience with BetterHelp online therapy services. Stating that "After using Betterhelp, I feel happy," Marli reflects on her mental health journey and finding her personal match in a therapist after experiencing significant distress.  

Finding happiness

For those who find online therapy a more comfortable or convenient option than in-person sessions, platforms like BetterHelp may be worth considering. To help you decide whether this type of service might be right for you, you might read the story below. It’s an honest review from Marlie, a real BetterHelp user who found compassionate, constructive support in their online therapist.

Marli's experience with therapy

“I needed strategies for coping with the present and fears about the future.”

I saw an in-person therapist for a few months at the end of last year. At first, I thought the in-person therapy was beneficial because I was getting out a lot of pent-up emotions. I would sit in my therapist's office and cry for an hour while she nodded. 

After a few months of that style of therapy, I realized that I was still ruminating on all the same dysfunctional thought patterns that were holding me back from healing, and I wasn't getting any coping strategies. There came a point where I couldn't cry and just talk about the past anymore. I needed strategies for coping with the present and fears about the future.

“...I just need someone to talk to about my struggles…”

At the beginning of this year, I started a new job and realized that, during the probationary period without benefits, I wouldn't be able to afford in-person therapy. I felt devastated and overwhelmed with anxiety because I didn't think I could cope on my own. I literally just broke down and my family didn't understand what I was so upset about—I just needed someone to talk to about my struggles, and the thought of not having that support was so overwhelming.

“I grew up feeling so ashamed of who I was…”

At the core of my problems were shame and vulnerability. I grew up feeling so ashamed of who I was and had a lot of external people telling me I was stupid, uncoordinated, chubby…but mostly stupid. Because of that, I developed this shell that always needed to be perfect. Throughout elementary school, high school, and university, I strived to be the top of my class. When I was in high school, I focused on getting into university. When I was in university, I focused on my applications to study abroad. After that, I focused on getting into postgraduate studies. Everything fell into place, and I felt in control. Once I was done with school and I no longer had something tangible like a good grade to achieve, I think my self-confidence issues came to the forefront. I moved to a new city, got a new job, and felt very exposed.

“I was a mess.”

Couple that with a significant death of a loved one in my life (the only person who I ever felt truly loved me for who I was, without expectations), and the start of a new relationship after getting out of an emotionally abusive one, I was a mess.

If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.

Considering online therapy

My boyfriend's friend is a doctor and she mentioned BetterHelp to me around Christmas time. At that point, I was still at my former place of work and had benefits, so I didn't see the point in switching therapists. Once I realized I couldn't afford it anymore and had a panic attack, I Googled cheaper alternatives to get help, and BetterHelp came up first. I recalled hearing about it from my boyfriend's friend and decided to give it a shot. At that point, I felt I had nothing left to lose. I needed help because living inside my brain, day in and day out, was becoming unbearable. It was affordable and convenient and I was willing to try anything.

Signing up with BetterHelp

Since signing up with BetterHelp, I'm starting to realize that the dialogue inside my head isn't necessarily accurate. Just having the understanding that vulnerability and shame are at the core of my self-deprecating beliefs has helped me challenge my own narrative. I feel so much more hopeful for the future now. When I first started seeing a therapist late last year, I couldn't take a shower standing up. I had to sit on the floor of the shower and cry the whole time. I called in sick a few times to work and blamed it on migraines, but the truth was I felt so sad and had such a heaviness in my chest that I didn't want to get out of bed. 

“I feel happy when I didn’t think I ever could again”

Now, after just a few weeks of talking with my BetterHelp counselor, Peter, I feel a lightness again and I can see the fun sides of my personality coming out. My family has even said that my voice is different in the past few weeks. Right after our first session, Peter recommended the book, "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown, which talks about shame and vulnerability. I couldn't believe when I started reading it how well he understood me after just one session. I found myself saying so many times throughout that book that it felt like she was talking directly to me. I read that book in two days, and Peter has since recommended a few more resources to work through, challenging my irrational thoughts. 

What he said recently resonated with me is that just because you feel something doesn't make it true. There are events that have occurred in my life that most people would respond negatively to, but that's often because we attach an overarching cultural meaning to these events. The narrative inside my head doesn't have to cause me such pain and anguish.

One of the biggest achievements I've experienced since starting with BetterHelp is reaching out and mending some relationships that caused me significant stress in my childhood. I no longer feel resentful or experience pain when I recall those memories. I'm still working towards detaching from more recent painful events, but I feel hopeful that if I continue down this path, I'll be able to lead a happy, fulfilling life. 

Being in a healthy, loving relationship

I'm also able to recognize and appreciate that I'm in a healthy, loving relationship, whereas before starting these sessions, I felt so overwhelmed with worry and doubt about whether I was good enough and anticipating the day when this all would be taken away from me. 

Peter has given me resources to cope with daily stresses and identify irrational thoughts so that I can build trust and improve my communication skills. I feel happy—and for a while, I didn't think I ever could.

Finding the right therapist and addressing depression

Marli's story suggests that finding a personal match in a therapist can play an important role in the therapeutic healing process. Findings also stress the role of the therapeutic alliance in fostering healing. However, feeling better does not mean problems disappear overnight, as examining and reframing long-standing patterns can take time. Gaining greater self-awareness is also a subtle process that often does not yield immediate relief. For example, one may need to tolerate some discomfort when addressing existing patterns of thinking and behavior. 

During the process, a therapist can equip a person with:

• Coping strategies.
• Emotional regulation skills.
• Tools for self-discovery.
• Helpful resources.

Tracking progress over time

• Self-reflection.
• Noting improvements in symptoms and emotional control.
• Self-care practices, such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and self-compassion.

Who BetterHelp may not be suitable for

Therapy through BetterHelp can help people address many mental health concerns and manage symptoms of various conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, among others. However, not everyone may benefit if they require immediate assistance. For example, online therapy may not be recommended for those who are experiencing severe mental health symptoms or require immediate help in a crisis. In these situations, an in-person provider who can connect you with local resources can be more appropriate and helpful. A person may also need a reliable internet connection to prevent technical issues from disrupting sessions. Another consideration is that BetterHelp may not be suitable for couples therapy; in that case, Regain, BetterHelp's sister company, may be recommended. 

How online therapy sessions work

BetterHelp and other online therapy services offer an alternative to in-person psychotherapy, and may be provided in different formats, such as live sessions. In addition to individual therapy, group therapy may also be available. Therapists may also use various therapeutic approaches, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Exposure therapy.
• Interpersonal therapy.
• Psychodynamic therapy.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

Marli began online counseling by attending live video sessions with her BetterHelp therapist, Peter. Video chat sessions through videoconferencing may allow a person to read body language and pick up on other visual cues, which can be more similar to the dynamics of in-person sessions. However, one may choose to have counseling sessions via live chat or by phone, with the option to send messages to their therapist anytime. 

Managing missed or rescheduled sessions with BetterHelp

Occasionally, a person may need to reschedule sessions for various reasons. In these cases, they can cancel or reschedule their next session. It's also possible to request a pause or extend the subscription period to cover a missed session. However, missed sessions or rescheduled sessions that are cancelled late (within 24 hours) may incur a $15 fine. 

Cost, insurance, and subscription details 

A BetterHelp subscription is billed every four weeks. Understanding the BetterHelp cost for a monthly subscription can help you make an informed decision about whether it may be right for you. 

Cost of online therapy 

BetterHelp can be an affordable option compared to seeing a therapist in private practice, where a person will typically spend more money. According to Forbes, the average cost of in-person psychotherapy in the U.S. ranges from $100 to $200 per session. In contrast, a BetterHelp monthly subscription ranges from $70 to $100 per week, depending on a person's location, preferences, and therapist availability. This cost covers one weekly live session with a therapist. A person can also exchange unlimited messages with their therapist at no additional cost. Access to many tools and resources, including group seminars, journaling, habit-tracking tools, worksheets, and more, is also included. Discounts and financial aid may also be available for some users. 

Health insurance considerations:

Currently, some BetterHelp therapists accept insurance in select states, and the platform is working with major insurance carriers to expand its network. HSA/FSA cards are accepted, which is considered an eligible expense by providers. 

The effectiveness of online therapy through BetterHelp

Marlie’s story is just one of many from people who have found the mental health support they needed through BetterHelp. Research suggests that there’s “no difference in effectiveness” between in-person and online therapy, so those who find virtual methods to be more comfortable can feel confident in taking advantage of them.