How Do BetterHelp Payments Work? The Cost Of Online Therapy Sessions

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that connects participants with helpful mental health services. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that cost $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or every four weeks. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. Paying members can cancel at any time and may also pause or modify their service. For some, BetterHelp payments may be reduced by financial aid, insurance, or employer-provided healthcare programs, providing optimal value. 

How much do BetterHelp subscriptions cost?

BetterHelp offers subscription prices based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts, promotions, or other options that might apply. Just as you might visit various clinics before choosing an in-person provider, it may be beneficial to consider several different therapists and therapy options before making a final choice. The payments can be processed through credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Once you set up a schedule for consistent payments, you can then focus on what matters most: your mental health and well-being. 

What determines the cost of online therapy?

How much a person pays for online therapy may vary. Several factors may affect BetterHelp subscription costs for a given individual, including the following: 

• Location
• Preferences
• Therapist availability
• Qualification for financial aid
• Reimbursement through insurance or other employer-provided healthcare

Is financial aid available?

Depending on an individual’s financial situation, support may be available in some cases. Financial aid can lower BetterHelp’s subscription fees, making online therapy even more affordable. You can contact the Customer Success Team to learn more about receiving financial support. 

Does BetterHelp accept insurance?

BetterHelp is working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, the flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from an extensive therapist network. Contact your insurance provider to find out whether your policy might reduce the costs of therapy. A health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or other employer-provided program may also help cover the cost of a BetterHelp plan. BetterHelp accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers.

How do BetterHelp payments work? 

BetterHelp offers a value-driven therapist matching service. Once you’ve completed the sign-up process, you will be connected with a BetterHelp therapist based on your areas of concern (e.g., a mental health condition), therapist availability, your preferences (e.g., faith-based provider or LGBTQ+ provider), and other considerations. Typically, you’ll be responsible for paying for the first four-week subscription period after you’ve matched with a provider. You’ll then be charged consistent prices weekly or every four weeks (using the billing information you provided initially), though the exact dates and schedule for money due may vary. You can change your billing information at any time through your online account. 

In addition to therapy sessions, what mental health services are included?

For a person seeking mental health support, therapy sessions through BetterHelp may be just one feature included with their subscription. A BetterHelp subscription includes not only weekly live sessions, but also a range of other useful tools. Some of these tools may include the following:

• Worksheets–A therapist may assign supplement worksheets to encourage self-reflection or additional learning opportunities for patients. 
• Goal and habit tracking–Continued goal and habit tracking can help a person identify trends and patterns in thoughts or behaviors. It can also be a way to track progress towards a goal. 
• Journaling–Writing down thoughts into a journal or tracking habits can help a person focus on goals and notice patterns that happen over long periods. 
• Support groups–While one-on-one therapy can be beneficial, sometimes it is also helpful to get support from peers who have similar mental health challenges or experiences. BetterHelp can provide access to support groups designed to supplement therapy. 
• Classes–With many mental health challenges, management may start with education. BetterHelp provides classes designed to provide individuals with information and educational resources. 

BetterHelp's value compared to other therapy options

There are other options for online therapy. However, BetterHelp strives to provide a high level of value compared to other providers and even in-person clinics. There’s more rewarding benefits to a BetterHelp subscription than just low prices and consistent service. One of the benefits of using BetterHelp is the added support in between sessions. BetterHelp clients also have the ability to message their therapists at any time, allowing them to ask questions, clarify certain points, or simply express their thoughts and feelings between sessions. The therapist will respond to these messages as soon as they are able. 

How to manage your payment schedule and subscription

With BetterHelp, your fees are charged on a consistent schedule, specifically once per month. This gives you a better idea of how much you’re paying and when, so you can focus on the things that matter, such as self-care and wellness routines. With the ability to pause or cancel your subscription at any time, BetterHelp offers a flexible and convenient way to receive mental health care. 

How are BetterHelp subscriptions cancelled?

There may be many different reasons why a person may cancel their online subscription. With BetterHelp, you can cancel your BetterHelp subscription at any point. If you’d like to cancel, log in to your account, then go to Menu > My Account > Payment Settings > Cancel Membership. Clients can choose to restart their subscription at any time as mental health needs arise. 

How do BetterHelp payments work if a subscription is cancelled?

Monthly subscription fees may be refunded on a case-by-case basis. You can contact the Customer Success Team to find out more about the process. 

Is it possible to pause or modify a plan?

If you’re not planning on utilizing your BetterHelp subscription—or you’d otherwise like to take a break—you can choose to pause it. You may be able to pause through the BetterHelp website or app. Or, you can contact the Customer Success Team, which can provide you with solutions that work for your specific situation. 

Finding a therapist who is a good fit may be an important part of getting mental health care that works for you. With this in mind, you can modify your plan by switching therapists. If you choose to change professionals, BetterHelp will select a new therapist for you, or you can opt to browse through the BetterHelp directory of therapists to find a professional who meets your needs. There is no limit to the number of times that you switch therapists, and you can continue to search until you find a mental health professional that meets your needs.    

Financial resources and assistance options   

Paying for therapy can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re having difficulty finding the money in your budget to pay for therapy, financial resources may be available. Those searching for in-person providers may look for nearby mental health professionals who offer financial assistance such as sliding scale fees, for instance. In some cases, BetterHelp offers financial aid to those who qualify based on certain guidelines such as income requirements. 

How to check for tax-deductible therapy expenses

BetterHelp offers some financial resources, and others may be available from clinics and independent mental health providers. Another way to save money when paying for therapy is to enter it as a tax-deductible expense when you file your annual income taxes. To do so, the IRS requires therapy costs to be a value above 7.5 percent of your total income and be medically necessary. You’ll need to have proof of a mental health diagnosis in order to be eligible for this deduction. A tax professional can answer any further questions you may have. 

How do online therapy and in-person therapy compare?

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that online therapy can often be as effective as traditional in-person counseling. Many experts also agree that online platforms can be more convenient and flexible than in-person care. This may be due to the convenience of participating in therapy sessions from a person’s own home, and at times that may fit into a person’s busy schedule more effectively. 

Online therapists can utilize a broad array of therapeutic modalities as they conduct sessions. Common modalities may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness strategies. As with many therapy providers, though, BetterHelp’s online therapists do not prescribe medications or diagnose mental health conditions. 

The costs of online vs. in-person therapy sessions

Since online therapists don't need a traditional office space, administrative staff, or other forms of overhead, BetterHelp may be cheaper in many cases than in-person therapy without insurance. BetterHelp’s weekly cost of $70–100 can be more affordable than the per-session cost of traditional counseling, which is an estimated $100 to $200 without insurance coverage. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

What to expect from BetterHelp’s messaging and live sessions

If you’ve never attended therapy online, there may be some nervousness that comes along with this new experience. That’s to be expected. After you explore the service for a bit and get over the initial learning curve, you’ll likely find online therapy to be rewarding. Below, you’ll learn more about receiving talk therapy via BetterHelp on a consistent basis and how to take advantage of the platform’s messaging features.

Benefits of working with online mental health therapists

BetterHelp therapy provides a number of advantages over traditional therapy, including ease of use. With BetterHelp, you can work with your therapist through video sessions, voice call, or live chat. This means you’ll be able to attend a live session from home (or anywhere you have an internet connection) in the format that’s most comfortable for you. Scheduling can also be more convenient with online therapy, as many therapists offer appointments outside of traditional business hours. 

Using BetterHelp as part of your mental health journey

Your BetterHelp online therapy subscription can play an important role in your mental health journey. Not only will you receive quality therapy from a licensed professional from the comfort of home, but you’ll also have the ability to message your therapist anytime you wish. While they might not respond right away, they will message you back as soon as they can. These features can help you explore specifically what you need from life and focus on cultivating your own idea of mental wellness.

Research suggests that online therapy can often be an effective form of mental health treatment for a range of mental health conditions. In a meta-analysis of 40 studies, for example, researchers suggest that online therapy can lead to reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as improvements in quality of life. In a virtual environment, a therapist can implement many of the same techniques that they can during an in-person session. In many cases, a therapist can design unique personal plans to improve mental health and overall well-being using a combination of therapy techniques and mindfulness strategies. 

Making the most of your BetterHelp experience

To make the most of your online therapy journey, try to take advantage of all of the features and resources BetterHelp offers. After exploring these offerings, you may find two or three to focus on, such as habit tracking or guided journal prompts, or you can alternate between them for more variety. Not only will you get a better value, but you’ll likely find these services a rewarding addition to your everyday life and your overall mental health journey.