Find A Therapist With BetterHelp: Australia Online Therapy

Online therapy has grown in popularity in recent years, since then, with platforms like BetterHelp now connecting millions of people with thousands of available therapists worldwide—including in Australia. These therapists have the necessary education and qualifications to offer support for specific concerns that their clients experience. This post explores BetterHelp’s reach in Australia, its benefits, and how it works. 

BetterHelp’s expansion into Australia

Founded in the US in 2013, BetterHelp officially launched in Australia in June 2024. The platform’s goal is to match Australians with local mental health professionals, offering users more flexible, convenient therapy options. Because it’s still relatively new to the country, BetterHelp’s pool of Australian therapists may be smaller compared to their US-based therapists, but it is growing. BetterHelp has been actively spreading the word in Australia, including through social media, influencer partnerships, and third-party advertisers.

The state of mental health in Australia

Like much of the rest of the world, Australia is experiencing a rise in the rates of mental disorders among its population. According to a 2020 to 2022 study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): 

• An estimated one in five Australian residents aged 16 to 85 experienced a mental disorder within the previous 12 months.
• One in seven individuals aged four to 17 years experienced a mental illness.
• At 17%, the most commonly reported condition was an anxiety disorder.
• Teens and young adults ages 16 to 24 experienced the most significant increase in mental health disorders, going from 26% in 2007 to 39% in 2022.

The rise in mental health challenges among Australians

Several factors likely contribute to the rising prevalence of mental health challenges in Australia. Economic factors like financial hardship and socioeconomic disadvantage may have an impact. Research suggests that discrimination and structural racism continue to play a prominent role in rising mental health challenges, as do limited accessibility to and utilization of schooling. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic intensified mental health challenges in Australia and contributed to increased demand for support. 

What are the impacts of unmet mental health care needs in Australia?

Rising rates of mental health challenges in Australia appear to be outpacing the capacity of the system, potentially leading to worsening mental health symptoms and poorer quality of life. Families and carers might face significant challenges due to the lack of support services. Individuals may adopt harmful behaviors as a means of coping with prolonged psychological distress (an estimated 3% of Australians had a substance use disorder between 2020 and 2022). Additionally, limited mental health resources have been linked to higher suicide rates, particularly in remote or rural parts of Australia. 

On a national level, strain on the overall healthcare system may lead to hospital overcrowding. It might also contribute to barriers to obtaining specialized services, leaving some people with untreated mental health difficulties that can become more complex and challenging to manage—further increasing stress on the healthcare system. Additionally, untreated mental illness may have economic consequences like lost productivity, welfare dependence, and increased healthcare costs.

What is online therapy, and how can it help?

Online therapy is when a therapist and a client meet for therapy sessions virtually, via phone, video, or chat, rather than in person. Online therapy for mental health can be used to address many types of challenges, from diagnosable disorders like anxiety and depression to life challenges like relationship conflict or low self-esteem. A therapist can offer emotional support and guidance and help clients build healthy coping strategies over time.

In general, online therapists must have the same qualifications as in-person therapists, which means they can often address similar concerns. However, since there’s no commuting required, online therapy allows you to get mental health support from home, right at your fingertips.

How does BetterHelp work?

Finding the right therapist is often a major hurdle for people who want to start receiving this type of care. To make the process easier, the BetterHelp online therapy platform matches clients with credentialed professionals with diverse specialties. Once matched, clients can message, chat, or schedule their first virtual appointment with their therapist via phone, video, or live chat. 

Benefits of online therapy with BetterHelp for Australians

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can offer many benefits to people looking for mental health support. With virtual therapy, individuals can speak with an available therapist from anywhere via live chat, phone, or video session. Users can attend therapy on a schedule that suits their specific needs, allowing them to fit appointments into busy schedules and eliminating the travel time needed for traditional therapy. BetterHelp support also includes additional tools such as an online journal that may be shared with your therapist, a responsive customer support team, and a weekly groupinar option, among others. 

Effectiveness of treatment via an online therapy platform like BetterHelp

Research repeatedly suggests that virtual therapy—particularly internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT)—can often be as effective as in-person treatment for many mental health conditions. For example, a study reviewing 12 randomized controlled trials published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that participants in online therapy programs experienced similar symptom reduction as those using traditional face-to-face care. Some studies have also suggested that some people engaged in online therapy show greater treatment adherence compared to conventional therapy. Additionally, an Australian study published in Frontiers in Psychology indicated that couples felt more comfortable and less judged in online therapy than in face-to-face treatment. 

When online therapy may not be the right choice

Keep in mind that there are some circumstances under which online therapy might not be an appropriate option. For example, people with conditions involving potentially severe symptoms, like schizophrenia spectrum disorders, severe bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorders, may require more intensive, in-person treatment. If someone is actively experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts, immediate in-person support is necessary. 

Additionally, BetterHelp therapists are not permitted to diagnose conditions or prescribe medications. If you require a diagnosis or prescription, you may need to speak with a medical doctor or psychiatrist in person. 

Comparing BetterHelp to other platforms

BetterHelp continues to be a popular option when it comes to addressing a range of mental health matters. It is a leading platform, well-established and highly ranked compared to other platforms. BetterHelp has demonstrated long-term success in supporting its clients in managing stress and mental health challenges.

Helping people in remote regions find a therapist

In rural Australia, mental health statistics highlight a concerning trend: higher rates of suicide and substance use disorders. A shortage of professionals in such areas may compound the mental health crisis. 

Experts estimate that, while 29% of the Australian population lives in rural and remote areas, only 14% of psychiatrists work in these regions. Due to its accessibility and flexibility, virtual therapy can play a key role in helping Australians living in rural areas get the mental health support they may need. 

Additionally, limited health literacy and stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in male-dominated communities, can hinder help-seeking behavior. Online therapy offers users the opportunity to attend sessions from home, which may be a more discreet way to receive mental health support than therapy in an office setting.

How much does BetterHelp cost in Australia?

Like other online therapy platforms, BetterHelp operates on a subscription-based model where users pay weekly or monthly for weekly live therapy sessions, in-app messaging with their therapist, educational webinars, group sessions, and other tools. 

In Australia, BetterHelp generally offers a lower cost for therapy compared to traditional in-person therapy sessions without insurance or Medicare rebates. BetterHelp is a US-based platform and, as such, is not covered by Australian Medicare or personal health insurance plans. This means users must pay the full cost out of pocket. However, BetterHelp does offer financial assistance to eligible individuals facing affordability challenges.

A BetterHelp subscription ranges from $90–$120 Australian dollars per week, billed weekly or monthly. While not covered by individual health insurance, this fee can be more affordable than other platforms. 

How to find a therapist on BetterHelp

Finding a therapist on BetterHelp means using the platform’s matching process, which involves three simple stages:

1. Fill out a brief questionnaire about your mental health needs, your therapy goals, and your preferences in a provider. Once you “confirm my choices” via the questionnaire, the internal matching process can begin.
2. Get matched with a therapist according to your answers to the questionnaire. 
3. Connect with your therapist via messaging and schedule your first virtual appointment.
4. Switch therapists if needed at any time, for no additional cost.

In 2024, BetterHelp met over 93% of client preferences in the matching process. That said, it’s easy to switch therapists at any time, for no additional cost, until you find the right fit. You can simply request a new match via your account settings. Your old therapist will be notified, and the profile of a new provider will be shared with you once it’s available.

If you’re ready to get started with BetterHelp, take the first step by filling out the questionnaire.

What to expect in your first session

Once matched with your therapist, you will be able to schedule sessions. Your first session will typically be dedicated to information-gathering and getting to know your therapist to determine whether you feel comfortable working with them. They will often ask questions about specific concerns you may be experiencing and work with you to set time-based, actionable goals. Whether you’re living with anxiety or looking for addiction counseling, your therapist can offer tailored support for your needs. 

What are the online therapy platform security policies in Australia vs. the US? 

With BetterHelp’s expansion into Australia, some have expressed concern over potential security concerns, as there are slight differences in how trusted service providers approach personal data in Australia and the US. While both Australia and the US emphasize security in online therapy, Australian law leans towards a more centralized approach with the My Health Record system and specific regulations for cross-border data transfers. The US relies on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act as the core framework, with state laws potentially adding further layers of protection. 

Generally, explicit consent is not required for the collection and processing of personal data in Australia, except for sensitive information like health data, which requires consent. Covered entities must also provide a notice of security practices. 

Concerns over data sharing practices in Australia

In March of 2023, BetterHelp faced a US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) action in the US related to sharing user data with third-party advertisers. Directly after settling with the FTC in July of 2023, BetterHelp released an official statement clarifying that they “do not share and have never shared with advertisers, publishers, social media platforms, or any other similar third parties, information such as members' names or clinical data from therapy sessions.”

Although BetterHelp settled the charges and updated its policies regarding data sharing practices, this history has raised concerns for some users in Australia. In an article published in The Guardian, Kate Bower of the consumer advocacy group Choice said, “Australian consumers deserve to know what BetterHelp has been doing with their data here,” and urged the Australian information commissioner to investigate potential local security breaches. 

In response to these concerns, BetterHelp has implemented additional measures to enhance data security and provide clear information to users about how their data is used. Further, they’ve placed heavy priority on complying with Australian legal standards and prioritizing consumer protection, including offering an opt-out function.

Australia and US therapist accreditation requirements 

As in the US, BetterHelp therapists in Australia must meet necessary education and clinical experience qualifications. Practitioners typically need a minimum of six years of education and training, including a master’s degree in a specialized area of psychology and registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). Both countries have specific accreditation processes, but Australia places more emphasis on registration with a recognized body to practice as a psychologist. 

Through the platform, clients might meet with professionals like:

• Social workers
• Psychologists
• Counsellors
• Therapists
• Couples specialists