BetterHelp Payments: How Online Therapy Billing Works

BetterHelp uses a subscription-based payment model, so members typically pay a recurring fee rather than a per-session charge. For some, financial aid, insurance, or employer-provided programs may reduce these costs. Learn more about BetterHelp payment options below.

How do BetterHelp payments work?

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 (such as a faith-based provider or LGBTQIA+ provider), and other considerations. Typically, you’ll be responsible for paying for the first four-week subscription period after you’ve been matched with a provider.

After that initial period, you’ll be charged on a consistent basis using the billing information you provided at sign-up. You can choose a billing cycle that works for you, and your fees are billed weekly or every four weeks, though the exact dates may vary. This subscription approach covers weekly live sessions, along with a range of other tools and resources included with your plan.

You can view and change your billing information at any time through your online account. If a payment does not go through, BetterHelp may attempt to process the charge again or reach out so you can update your details, helping you avoid any interruption to your care. When you’re ready to begin, you can get started and complete the sign-up process at your own pace.

What payment methods does BetterHelp accept?

BetterHelp offers several ways to pay so you can choose the option that’s most convenient for you. The following payment methods may be accepted:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay

Whichever method you choose, you can update your billing information anytime through your account settings, giving you flexibility as your needs change.

When does BetterHelp charge your card?

BetterHelp typically charges members upon subscribing, with recurring charges following on the billing cycle you selected. Most individuals who sign up are matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours after signing up—in fact, 96% of users matched with a therapist within 24 hours in 2024—so you can begin working toward your goals.

How much does a BetterHelp subscription cost?

A BetterHelp subscription can range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or every four weeks. This subscription includes weekly live sessions, along with webinars, educational classes, and other resources. For context, in-person therapy without insurance can cost an estimated $100 to $200 per session, so a weekly subscription may offer meaningful value for those seeking consistent support.

What factors affect BetterHelp subscription costs?

How much a person pays for online therapy may vary from one individual to the next. Pricing is personalized during sign-up, and several factors may influence the cost:

• Location: Where you live can affect your subscription price.
• Preferences: Your therapy preferences and options may play a role.
• Therapist availability: The availability of providers can influence pricing.
• Qualification for financial aid: You may qualify for reduced fees based on your situation.
• Reimbursement through insurance or other employer-provided healthcare: Coverage options may offset costs.

Does BetterHelp offer financial assistance?

Yes, financial assistance may be available depending on your situation. Several pathways can make online therapy more affordable, giving you options as you plan for care.

Each of these options can play a role in reducing what you pay, and the sections below explain how to explore them.

How to apply for BetterHelp financial aid

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 more affordable, and eligibility is often based on income and certain guidelines. You can contact the Customer Success Team to learn more about receiving financial support.

Does BetterHelp accept insurance or HSA/FSA?

In select states, BetterHelp is working with certain insurance carriers, and some providers on the platform may be in-network with certain health plans (state-limited). With insurance, many members pay $15 or less. Some pay $0. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability, so it can help to contact your insurance provider and check in-network status on the BetterHelp site to find out whether your plan might apply. In addition, a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or other employer-provided program may help cover the cost of a plan, as HSA/FSA cards are accepted and recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers.

Tax deductions for therapy expenses

Another way to potentially save money on therapy may be to enter it as a tax-deductible expense when you file your annual income taxes. The IRS typically requires therapy costs to exceed 7.5% of your total income and to be medically necessary, and you may need proof of a mental health diagnosis to be eligible. A tax professional can answer any further questions you may have.

How do therapists on BetterHelp get paid?

For those curious about the provider side, therapists on BetterHelp are typically compensated based on client engagement and the sessions they conduct. Compensation can vary from one provider to another, and therapists typically set their own schedules, which can offer flexibility in how they work. This model allows therapists to focus on client care while managing their availability, which can benefit both providers and the people they support.

What mental health services are included with a subscription?

For a person seeking mental health support, therapy sessions through BetterHelp may be just one feature included with their subscription. Additional tools include the following:

• Worksheets: A therapist may assign supplemental worksheets to encourage self-reflection or additional learning.
• Goal and habit tracking: Continued tracking can help a person identify trends and patterns in thoughts or behaviors, and it can be a way to track progress toward a goal.
• Journaling: Writing down thoughts can help a person focus on goals and notice patterns that happen over long periods.
• Support groups: Sometimes, it can be helpful to get support from peers who have similar experiences, and BetterHelp can provide access to support groups designed to supplement therapy.
• Classes: With many mental health challenges, symptom management may start with education, and BetterHelp provides classes designed to offer information and educational resources.
• Messaging: Clients can message their therapists between sessions through in-app messaging to ask questions or share their thoughts, and the therapist may respond when they are able.

These features can add value to your subscription, and knowing how to manage your plan can help you make the most of them.

When using insurance, certain BetterHelp features may be limited or unavailable, including chat-based sessions, groups/classes, and select self-help tools.

How to manage your BetterHelp subscription

BetterHelp offers a flexible and convenient way to receive mental health care, with several ways to adjust your plan as your needs change. You can update your billing information at any time through your online account, giving you a clear picture of how much you’re paying and when.

How to pause or modify your plan

If you’re not planning on using your BetterHelp subscription or you’d like to take a break, you can choose to pause it through the BetterHelp website or app. You can also contact the Customer Success Team, who can provide solutions that work for your specific situation. Finding a therapist who is a good fit may be an important part of getting care that works for you, so you can also modify your plan by switching therapists. There is no limit to the number of times you can switch therapists, and switching is free—drawing from a network of 30,000+ qualified therapists worldwide—so you can continue searching until you find a professional who meets your needs.

How to cancel your BetterHelp subscription

There are many reasons why a person may cancel their online subscription, and with BetterHelp, you can cancel at any time. 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, and monthly subscription fees may be refunded on a case-by-case basis by contacting the Customer Success Team.

How online therapy can support your mental health

Online therapy can be an accessible way to invest in mental health care that fits your budget and your schedule. Because it may be more affordable than traditional therapy and allows you to attend sessions from the comfort of home, you can prioritize your well-being without rearranging your life to do so. If you’re ready to explore this option, learn more about online therapy here.

What research suggests about the value of online therapy

Online therapists can use many evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness strategies. Research supports the use of online therapy as an effective form of treatment for various mental health conditions. For example, a 2019 study looked at BetterHelp users specifically and found that they experienced reduced depression symptoms after 12 weeks of treatment on the platform. BetterHelp data also support the effectiveness of online therapy, with 72% of users experiencing symptom reduction in 2024.

In addition, BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option available alongside therapy. This offering expands access to licensed psychiatric providers who can evaluate individuals ages 18 and older and, when clinically appropriate, provide medication management as part of a holistic mental health care experience. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed psychiatric provider based on a full clinical evaluation, and not everyone needs or benefits from medication.

If you’d like to learn more, you can get started with psychiatry. Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan.