Are BetterHelp Therapists Licensed Mental Health Providers?
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With the rapid growth of online mental health services in recent years, many people have been wondering about the qualifications of online therapists. All of BetterHelp’s mental health professionals have full licensure to provide mental health care, but their specific credentials and training vary. Some also have a unique clinical focus to meet the needs of clients looking for a specific type of treatment. Keep reading to learn more about BetterHelp therapists, their training and credentials, and the therapy options available to people looking for online support.
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Are BetterHelp therapists licensed in each state?
30,000+ therapists with diverse specialties
The credentials of BetterHelp mental health professionals
While all the mental health professionals on the BetterHelp platform are fully licensed in their state, their credentials may differ. The following are some credentials that a qualified therapist may hold:
- Licensed professional counselor (LPC)
- Licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC)
- Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC)
- Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
- Licensed psychologist
Most of the above professionals hold a master’s degree, but psychologists typically have a doctoral degree (PsyD).
Other requirements for therapists at BetterHelp
In addition to having a master’s degree, the mental health professionals who apply to work with BetterHelp must undergo a background check and periodic checks through the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). They must also complete a case study that is evaluated by a licensed therapist.
Where can clients find a BetterHelp therapist’s credentials?
A client may review a BetterHelp therapist’s credentials by visiting their online profile found on the BetterHelp website. These profiles list information about the therapist, including their:
Name
Title
Education level
Therapeutic approach
How does the matching process work?
When you first sign up for BetterHelp, you fill out an online questionnaire that allows you to specify your personal preferences for a therapist. While all the therapists BetterHelp hires are qualified to work with diverse clients, in some cases, a stronger therapeutic alliance can be forged when a therapist has a similar lived experience.
one or more self care & clinical tools
Can a BetterHelp Therapist Offer Diagnoses?
While therapists working on the BetterHelp platform are licensed, credentialed, and certified by their state boards, they are not able to provide an official diagnosis or offer medication management services through this platform.
Online therapy platforms vs. in-person therapy
Some people may wonder whether licensed therapists can provide effective care online. In recent years, numerous researchers have studied the effectiveness of online therapy and found it to be effective for a wide variety of mental health conditions. One systematic review and meta-analysis found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than traditional therapy for depression.
With online therapy, individuals can attend audio, video, or live chat sessions from home or anywhere with a reliable internet connection. Therapist availability tends to be greater with online therapy than with a local therapist who provides in-person therapy.
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- ✓Transparent pricingNo hidden fees, know what you’ll pay upfront
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- ✓Tailored supportCredentialed professionals with diverse specialties
Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Benefits of online therapy
Online therapy can be an effective and convenient solution for people in many situations, including:
Those who have busy personal or professional lives and have trouble fitting in-person therapy appointments into their schedule
Those who live with a disability that makes it difficult to get to a clinician’s office
Those who live in less populated areas, which may not offer the specialization they may desire in a therapist
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchWhen online therapy may not be appropriate
Online therapy, while effective, may not be appropriate for every situation. For example, a person who requires medication management and close monitoring may not be the best match for online therapy. Online therapy is also not for those who are experiencing mental health emergencies or who have more complicated needs, such as those living with certain personality disorders.
Takeaway
Are BetterHelp therapists licensed in my state?
BetterHelp has a roster of more than 25,000 therapists with licenses in their respective states. Some may have a license to practice in more than one state, but individuals can find licensed BetterHelp therapists in all 50 states.
What percentage of applicants qualify to work with BetterHelp?
BetterHelp has a rigorous evaluation process. Less than one-third of therapists who apply are accepted to work with the platform.
Do mental health professionals who work with online therapy platforms also provide in-person therapy?
Some online therapists may also see clients in person when they are not working with BetterHelp. However, online therapy allows them to provide evidence-based care to a larger pool of clients.
Does BetterHelp offer financial aid?
BetterHelp may sometimes offer financial aid to those who want to undergo therapy but lack sufficient financial resources. While free therapy may sometimes be advertised online on other sites, individuals might consider looking at the credentials of the people providing such services. Some may offer compassionate assistance but not necessarily evidence-based care from a master’s-level clinician.
How do therapists on BetterHelp get paid?
According to a BetterHelp review article, therapists on BetterHelp are paid based on engagement levels, client appointments, and hour-based billing. They can set their own schedules and decide how much they want to work, which can greatly impact their overall income.
Does BetterHelp let you pick your therapist?
In most cases, BetterHelp matches you with a therapist for individual therapy according to your answers to a brief questionnaire. However, you can also choose a new therapist by scrolling to the bottom of the BetterHelp homepage, clicking “Find a Therapist,” entering your zip code, and choosing the therapist’s profile that seems to be the best fit for your needs. In addition, you don’t have to stick with your first therapist; you can change therapists at any time.
Most therapists specialize in helping clients with particular concerns, so it may be beneficial to look for someone who has experience helping others with similar challenges. Maybe you’re experiencing family conflicts or self-esteem difficulties, for example, and would like to work with a clinical psychologist or another professional who has guided others through these concerns.
Keep in mind that when you start therapy, it can take time to build a strong therapeutic relationship and begin to see improvements in your mental health. Setting therapy goals can help both you and your therapist ensure you stay on track, and exchanging messages to check in outside of sessions can help you record your progress. You can look back on all the messages you’ve sent at any time to see how far you’ve come. Whether you prefer video conferences, phone calls, or live chat sessions, the BetterHelp business model can empower you to access therapy and receive professional support in the way that is most comfortable for you.
Are there good therapists on BetterHelp?
All mental health professionals on BetterHelp have the necessary education and are licensed to provide professional counseling services in their state. They must also go through a rigorous application process before they can provide services to BetterHelp users.
What qualifications do you need to be a therapist on BetterHelp?
To practice therapy on BetterHelp, mental health professionals must:
- Have a relevant academic degree in their field (typically a master’s or doctorate degree)
- Have at least three years of experience
- Have at least 1,000 hours of hands-on experience
- Be licensed by their state board after completing the necessary education, exams, training, and practice requirements
- Provide a valid license and proof of identity to BetterHelp
- Undergo a background report
- Undergo periodic checks with the National Practitioner Data Bank registry
- Complete a case study graded by a licensed clinician
Can you be an online therapist without a degree?
In general, you cannot become a licensed mental health professional without a relevant degree. Marriage and family therapists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health providers go through a long process to ensure they have the education, training, and experience required to provide therapy services. You may be able to work as a volunteer or provide peer support to others, but you generally cannot call yourself a therapist without a degree or license.
How often do you talk to a therapist on BetterHelp?
Most BetterHelp users have live sessions (live chat, audio, or video sessions) once a week. However, if you believe you would benefit from more frequent sessions, you can talk to your therapist about this option. Additional sessions typically come at a higher rate.
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