How BetterHelp Can Lead To Better Health

Strengthening your mind-body connection with BetterHelp

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can allow individuals to connect conveniently with licensed mental health professionals and experience the benefits of therapy from home. Through online platforms, participants can work to exploit the mind-body connection—the link between physical and mental well-being. Meeting with a therapist can help you strengthen your mental health, which can, in turn, positively impact your physical health. For example, with BetterHelp, therapy participants can explore the connection between certain physiological symptoms, like physical tension, and underlying psychological concerns, like stress. BetterHelp is one of many options for clients looking to meet with a counselor for therapy sessions. Understanding how it works can help you get started with a provider that meets your counseling needs.

Healthy thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can better physical health

Many therapy providers are able to utilize a range of modalities, depending on the situation, employing the treatment needed to address a client’s specific concerns. For many therapists, this approach to care allows them to help foster overall wellness. Below are a few ways BetterHelp sessions can help individuals work through mental, physical, and emotional challenges. 

Healthy coping strategies can reduce stress

Stress can contribute to numerous health concerns, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. It can also lead to headaches, upset stomach, substance use, eating changes, muscle tension or pain, chest pain, and sleep disorders. Learning to manage stress can help you control these physical symptoms and the negative feelings that stress can cause.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Emotional management can prompt healthy behavior

If you feel emotionally well, you may have more energy or drive to engage in healthier behaviors. For instance, you may be more motivated to exercise, prepare your favorite meals, connect with people who make you feel supported, or avoid unhealthy behaviors. Physical activity is one way to feel better emotionally. For instance, exercise releases endorphins that can make you feel joyful, happy, and energized. 

Managing depression can reduce diabetes-related complications

The American Psychological Association has pointed out that people living with depression and diabetes are more likely to experience complications from diabetes than those who have diabetes but aren’t experiencing depression. Managing depression may help you reduce the chances of these complications. 

Addressing concentration and organization can lead to more time for healthy behaviors

Those having trouble focusing or concentrating may struggle to accomplish what they’d like. If you relate to this challenge, you might find extra time by practicing coping mechanisms for focus and concentration. These coping skills might include memory exercises, puzzles, or self-care. Feeling well may give you more time to complete projects, open up your schedule to meditate, make doctor’s appointments, practice self-care, and engage in relaxing stress-reducing activities that support your wellness.

Treating depression can alleviate pain

BetterHelp may offer you better well-being

There are a few ways that therapy with licensed therapists may help you enhance your overall well-being, including the following:

• Learning healthy coping strategies in talk therapy can help you reduce stress and manage severe mental illness, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder.
• Addressing relationship issues that may be contributing to negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can help you have healthier connections with others and improve family dynamics. 
• Strengthening relationships can improve social satisfaction for most people and an enhanced sense of support.
• Learning new, healthy behaviors can improve productivity.
• Setting goals for mental and physical health and having someone help you with accountability as you work to achieve them can help you make lasting change.
• Developing coping skills can help you address everyday challenges, build resilience, and navigate life transitions. 

The virtual therapy format – Tools and technology

Online therapy through BetterHelp provides flexibility and convenience, allowing participants to engage in sessions from wherever they have a reliable internet connection. As a BetterHelp member, you can connect with your therapist through video sessions, phone sessions, or the in-app messaging system. You and your therapist will have a dedicated virtual therapy room, where you can ask them questions, clarify points made during sessions, or simply share your thoughts and feelings. Additionally, your therapist can help you utilize useful resources, such as at-home exercises or group sessions based around your specific concerns.  

Creating a safe, supportive environment for mental well-being

The decision to pursue therapy—whether to manage mental health symptoms, address unhealthy coping mechanisms, or cultivate personal growth—is a brave one. BetterHelp strives to serve as a safe and supportive environment for all individuals seeking guidance and care. If you’re ready to foster emotional wellness, a therapist can help you express your thoughts and feelings, develop coping skills, and take the next steps on your mental health journey.

How to get started with BetterHelp 

To get started with therapy through BetterHelp, you’ll answer a short questionnaire online during the sign-up process. Then, BetterHelp’s algorithm on our online therapy platform can match you with a therapist based on your location, areas of concern, and preferences. You also have the option to change therapists if you feel someone different would be a better fit for you. The matching process with a therapist can take as little as 48 hours to find a good match.

Questions people may ask when considering BetterHelp

Below are a few commonly asked questions that those considering BetterHelp may ask. 

How much is BetterHelp a week?

BetterHelp is an affordable, subscription-based platform to reach online therapists. The cost of therapy through BetterHelp ranges from about $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), billed every four weeks. The price you pay may depend on location, preferences, and therapist availability. In addition, your subscription can be canceled anytime for any reason.

Is BetterHelp worth the money?

Therapy through BetterHelp can cost a fraction of traditional therapy options while offering benefits like a journaling feature, webinars, and worksheets. It is an affordable way for people with mental health concerns to get the care they need from the comfort of their homes. In-person therapy can range from $100 to $200 per hour for individuals, so BetterHelp is often cheaper.

Does BetterHelp take funds from HSAs?

Clients may use funds from their HSAs (health savings accounts) to pay for therapy through BetterHelp. Using pre-tax income set aside in an HSA can enhance the affordability of BetterHelp. However, check with your HSA administrator about whether a service like BetterHelp can be paid for in your case. 

Are BetterHelp therapists licensed?

All therapists on BetterHelp’s platform are licensed, experienced, and have undergone a thorough, rigorous vetting process. Each mental health provider who connects with clients through BetterHelp is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed professional counselor (LPC), or licensed psychologist (Ph.D. or PsyD).

All BetterHelp therapists hold an advanced degree in their area of expertise (a master’s or doctoral degree) and have three years and 1,000 hours of experience. BetterHelp uses a careful process to vet every therapist who uses the platform and verify that they are up to date on their licensing and in good standing.

When applying to work with BetterHelp, therapists showcase thorough documentation of identity and licensure. BetterHelp cross-checks their licensing and identity through their state’s licensing board. Therapists who want to be part of the BetterHelp platform also complete a case study exam, which a licensed clinician grades in the mental health field. They must also be evaluated in a video interview.

Professional standards for therapists who work with BetterHelp are high so that clients can receive excellent, thorough care. Licensing information is available so that users can easily find it. In addition, BetterHelp shows complete licensing information for each provider who works on the platform.

Is BetterHelp legitimate?

BetterHelp is a legitimate company. BetterHelp has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2015.

What does BetterHelp do for its community?

BetterHelp has donated thousands of months of therapy to mission-driven non-profits. Non-profits to which BetterHelp has donated therapy services include but are not limited to the following: 

• NAMI to support frontline healthcare workers 
• Me Too International to support people affected by sexual violence
• The Malala Fund and Restore Her Voice to support Afghanistan refugees
• Sandy Hook Promise to support those affected by gun violence 
• OUT Foundation to support LGBTQ+ athletes

Updates on how BetterHelp continues its community support are available on its social impact page.

How to make the most of online therapy

For those seeking support through BetterHelp, there are several tips that can help contribute to a constructive, positive therapy experience. The following are suggestions for making the most of online therapy:

• Understand your preferred communication styles – It can be crucial that you interact with your therapist through the modes of expression that best suit you. For example, if you frequently utilize nonverbal cues, you may prefer to participate in therapy through video calls.

• Utilize available tools and resources – Taking advantage of online therapy services like webinars or journal prompts can help you ensure you’re getting the most out of your membership. 

• Build a strong therapeutic alliance – Developing a trusting, productive therapeutic relationship with your provider can help you achieve your therapy goals. Research suggests that a strong therapeutic alliance is associated with positive outcomes.  

Is online therapy effective?   

Online therapy has been shown to be an effective way to manage mental health conditions and improve overall mental health and well-being. In a virtual environment, a therapist can implement strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and they can help patients develop coping strategies for managing challenging situations. Although effective, it may be important to note that online therapists cannot prescribe medication and therapists through BetterHelp cannot diagnose mental health conditions. 

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