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. 

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

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

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

What 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.