Online Therapy For Mental Health: How Can I Get Started On BetterHelp?
Get started with BetterHelp by completing an online survey that assesses your needs and goals and matches you with a new therapist. All BetterHelp therapists are licensed and verified, ensuring that you are connected with a professional who meets all the necessary education requirements to practice therapy.
What is BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that connects you with a licensed therapist through online therapy sessions. Through the platform, you can connect with the right therapist without having to visit a therapist’s office. With BetterHelp, you can also connect with a therapist from anywhere at any time.
30,000+ therapists with diverse specialties
Different people may have different needs for meeting with their therapist. Sessions through BetterHelp may include live sessions through video calls, audio calls, or live chat:
- Video therapy sessions–Video sessions can allow for face-to-face contact and conversation in a virtual environment. These sessions require a reliable internet connection and a device equipped with a camera and microphone.
- Audio therapy sessions–Audio calls may feel more like a phone call and can take place over a cell phone or a landline.
- Instant chat–There are also instant chat options available for rapid feedback.
What therapy and counseling services does BetterHelp offer?
BetterHelp therapists and counselors can offer a variety of individual therapy options for managing various mental health concerns. These may include evidence-based treatments, support during life’s challenges, and counseling for self-improvement.
Online therapy for mental health conditions
An online therapist can help support a person who is living with mental health conditions and challenges that may be impacting their daily life. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Schizophrenia
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
Support during major life events
Major life events can include the death of a loved one, family conflicts, and major transitions. A therapist can help provide support during these major life events. These can include therapeutic strategies that may also be used during in-person therapy at an individual practice, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy.
Counseling for self-improvement
Online therapy through BetterHelp can be utilized for general self-improvement. A therapist can consider a person’s lifestyle choices to help them set goals for self-improvement. Some examples may include:
- Breaking unhealthy habits
- Maintaining an exercise routine
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Improving interpersonal relationships
- Exploring new perspectives
one or more self care & clinical tools
Is online therapy through BetterHelp affordable?
While BetterHelp does not universally accept insurance, it can still be affordable. BetterHelp pricing models are often comparable to the co-pays or coinsurance of many insurance plans. BetterHelp is also recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers, and they accept payments through HSA/FSA cards. BetterHelp is also beginning to work with select insurance carriers, and some therapists on the platform now accept insurance in certain states. In the meantime, the flexible subscription model continues to provide access to quality care from a broad network of licensed therapists.
The cost of therapy with BetterHelp may fall between $70 and $100 depending on your specific needs. Factors such as therapist availability, location, and other preferences can factor into the cost as well. It may be important to note that you can cancel your membership at any time without penalty.
How can I get started on BetterHelp?
Getting started on BetterHelp begins by getting matched with a potential therapist. Typically, you can get your match within 24 to 48 hours and decide when and how to attend your therapy sessions. When it is time for your first therapy session, you can log into the BetterHelp platform and connect with your therapist using video, audio, or messaging.
You can change your therapist at any time if it is not a good match. Users can also skip the matching process and browse therapists based on specialization, availability, and other factors.
How do I find a therapist or mental health professional on BetterHelp?
Finding a therapist on BetterHelp can be simple. There are options to be matched with a therapist automatically or browse and choose one that fits your needs. Below are some additional considerations.
I need to find a therapist: How can I get started on BetterHelp?
BetterHelp users start by answering a questionnaire that may help identify personal needs and preferences. At the end of the questionnaire, BetterHelp can match users with a potential therapist. All matches are licensed and verified through BetterHelp to ensure that you are connected with a true professional.
Finding the right fit
Fit is an important part of effective therapy. Users can change therapists on BetterHelp at any time, for any reason.
How does online therapy compare to in-person therapy?
In many cases, online therapists can provide the same services as in-person therapists. This may include evaluating and treating specific mental health conditions. Online therapy can be just as effective in managing mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
In some cases, online therapy through BetterHelp may not be a suitable replacement for in-person therapy, such as:
- Court-ordered therapy
- A mental health crisis
- When reliable phone or internet connections are unavailable
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchWhat are the benefits of using an online therapy platform?
There can be many benefits to using an online therapy platform to improve your mental health. Some of these benefits are highlighted below.
Online therapy can make it easier to find a therapist
With online therapy, you are not limited by location, which means you may have more therapists available to you. BetterHelp can also match you with a therapist, which can save you time.
Flexible scheduling when compared with in-person therapy
In-person therapists may be bound by traditional scheduling protocols. Conversely, online therapy sessions can occur at any time agreed upon by the therapist and patient. This means you could meet after work, during the day, or on weekends.
Takeaway
How much does it cost to join BetterHelp?
BetterHelp subscriptions typically cost between $70 and $100 per week, depending on factors such as location, therapist availability, therapy type, and insurance eligibility.
Does insurance cover BetterHelp sessions?
No, BetterHelp doesn’t take insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid. However, BetterHelp is an eligible expense for HAS/FSA, so you may use funds from those spending accounts to pay for your therapy.
How many weekly therapy sessions are included with a BetterHelp subscription?
A standard BetterHelp subscription typically includes one live 30-45 minute therapy session per week via video, phone, or chat. Subscriptions also include unlimited messaging with your therapist between sessions. While one session per week is the standard, you may speak with your therapist if you need more, which typically incurs an additional fee or requires an adjusted plan.
How does scheduling and session booking work on BetterHelp?
You can book your sessions via the in-app calendar or through the website. There, you’ll be able to view your therapist’s availability and either select time slots directly or ask them to book for you. Your therapist will then confirm your time or suggest alternatives if necessary. If you like, you can book additional sessions in the same week for a fee depending on your therapist’s availability.
Does BetterHelp charge fees for missed or canceled appointments?
Yes, BetterHelp has a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel or miss a live session with less than 24 hours’ notice, you’ll be charged for that session, and it counts as your session for the week.
How do I get started with BetterHelp step-by-step?
To get started:
- Go to the BetterHelp website and click “Get Started.”
- Create an account and complete the questionnaire about your background, reasons for seeking therapy, and therapist preferences (approach, gender, experience, etc.).
- BetterHelp will use your answers to match you with a qualified, licensed therapist, typically within 48 hours; however, this may take longer depending on therapist availability.
- You’ll see your therapist’s profile, including their credentials and specialties, and decide if they’re a good fit before your first session. If you don’t feel they’re a good match, you can request to be matched with another therapist.
- Schedule your first session and choose your preferred format (live chat, phone, video) through your therapist’s calendar.
- Log in at your scheduled time for your first session via your chosen format.
What information do I need to sign up and get matched with a BetterHelp therapist?
To sign up and get matched, you’ll first complete a questionnaire about your reasons for therapy and your mental health goals. You’ll be asked about your therapist preferences and your general lifestyle and habits, as well as any other information you feel is essential to consider, such as gender and sexual identity or race.
Can anyone be a therapist on BetterHelp, and what qualifications do they need?
No, not just anyone can be a therapist on BetterHelp. They require fully licensed mental health professionals with Master's/Doctoral degrees, state licensure, and at least 3 years or 1,000 hours of experience, who undergo background checks and verification with state boards.
Users may review a BetterHelp therapist’s credentials on their online profile found on the website. There, you’ll find the therapist’s title, education level, therapeutic specialties, and therapeutic approach. BetterHelp's vetting ensures providers are legitimate, credentialed therapists, just like those in traditional practice.
What are the potential drawbacks or limitations of using BetterHelp?
BetterHelp therapists do not prescribe medication or provide official diagnoses, nor do they provide immediate crisis support. Such services may be necessary for individuals with more severe mental health conditions who need in-person support. BetterHelp therapists cannot serve in a court-ordered capacity, either.
Some individuals find it more challenging to connect with their therapist via an online platform than in person (though others may prefer it), and they may prefer choosing their own therapist to being matched by the site. Additionally, affordability can be a concern for people who rely on insurance to pay for therapy.
Is BetterHelp a good choice for someone who is new to therapy?
BetterHelp may be a good starting point for first-time therapy users. Sign-up is simple, and users are matched with a therapist so they can get started quickly. Online therapy is convenient, as users can attend sessions from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Scheduling is flexible, and it’s easy to switch therapists if the first match isn't right, at no extra cost. Additionally, BetterHelp offers messaging, group workshops, journaling tools, habit tracking, and other tools clients can use between sessions to enhance the therapeutic process.
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