How Does BetterHelp Serve BIPOC Clients In Finding A Mental Health Professional?
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TL;DR: BetterHelp seeks to connect BIPOC individuals with a culturally sensitive therapist who understands and respects each person’s cultural background and unique life experiences.
When choosing between mental health professionals for online therapy, finding a therapist who understands and respects your unique experiences can be a key factor in the therapeutic relationship. For Black Americans, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals, culturally sensitive therapy can play an important role in the healing process and overall treatment plan.
BetterHelp’s diverse network of mental health counseling professionals seeks to connect BIPOC individuals with a culturally sensitive therapist who understands and respects the importance of each person’s cultural background and unique life experiences, not just their anxiety or depression symptoms. Below, we'll explore some ways that BetterHelp's online platform seeks to address the needs and concerns of clients with diverse backgrounds and mental health conditions.
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The role of cultural sensitivity in therapy
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchBetterHelp recognizes the role of cultural competence in effective online therapy for individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities. BetterHelp seeks to inform individuals about concerns that may be relevant to them through education and resources. In addition to the platform's matching system, which considers one's preferences, BetterHelp also seeks to connect BIPOC individuals with culturally competent mental health professionals.
The Importance of Cultural Competency in Therapy
At BetterHelp, therapists understand the importance of acknowledging and honoring cultural differences in the mental health field. BetterHelp professionals are trained in cultural competency, promoting inclusivity and providing safe spaces for clients from minority groups. We recognize gender identity and sexual orientation as layers of identity that shape a person’s experience in the world, including unique life challenges.
Therapy Services for Every Background
BetterHelp aims to provide an environment where people from any background can receive care for their mental health. Our therapy services include flexible therapy sessions that you can attend from home, meaning there are no geographic barriers to overcome. We also keep costs within an affordable range for most clients (even without health insurance) and offer financial aid to eligible subscribers. This helps to combat financial barriers to care that many Americans from minority groups face in everyday life.
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Collaboration With Mental Health Organizations
BetterHelp services are aligned with the national standards and guidelines of mental health organizations like Mental Health America and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). We join in their efforts to reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions and raise awareness of the need for culturally competent care in the mental health field.
30,000+ therapists with diverse specialties
How does BetterHelp serve BIPOC clients?
BetterHelp recognizes the importance of clients feeling respected and seen by the mental health professional who is providing therapy, as trust tends to be a key factor influencing the therapeutic alliance. Whether in-person or online, an environment of trust, empathy, and respect is often essential to a person's healing journey. For many people who identify as BIPOC, therapists who practice cultural sensitivity can add dimension to the treatment process in such a way that it resonates with a person's cultural values, identity, and experiences.
How does BetterHelp serve BIPOC clients in concrete ways?
BetterHelp seeks to serve BIPOC clients in multiple ways, including the following:
- Providing articles and resources on matters that are relevant to BIPOC communities
- Providing inclusive mental health care that respects all identities and backgrounds with an online therapy platform that can connect individuals with a diverse network of over 30,000 therapists who understand cultural differences
- Seeking to destigmatize mental health for all individuals while recognizing that stigma can discourage individuals from seeking therapy
- Recognizing that not all individuals can connect with a licensed therapist who can serve their needs in their local communities
- Offering an online questionnaire where individuals can state their preference to be matched with a culturally competent therapist
- Allowing clients to change therapists at any time if they are not a good fit with their current provider
- Offering mental health care that can cost less than traditional, face-to-face therapy without insurance
- Providing safe spaces and therapy services to help clients process racial trauma
Serving clients with articles and resources reviewed by a mental health professional
One of the ways that BetterHelp seeks to honor its commitment to diversity is through articles and resources that have been reviewed by licensed mental health professionals. Articles are intended to provide a range of well-researched information and tips for fostering mental health. Articles can also guide the selection of a mental health professional and address relevant concerns for BIPOC individuals seeking a therapist or additional resources. For example, articles that discuss cultural competence, the role of the therapeutic alliance, and the stigmatization of therapy may be relevant to BIPOC individuals.
What are some examples of relevant articles?
BetterHelp has published thousands of mental health-related articles covering topics like the requirements for a successful relationship between client and mental health professional, mental health advocacy in communities of color, BIPOC mental health statistics, specialized Black mental health resources, the role of minority stress in mental health, and the importance of cultural competence in both in-person and online therapy.
Commitment to providing inclusive online therapy for mental health
BetterHelp seeks to provide an inclusive environment that respects individuals’:
- Identities
- Cultural backgrounds
- Values
- Concerns
The platform matches each client with a qualified mental health professional who has the necessary licensure and experience to provide therapy. With over 30,000 therapists on the platform, the likelihood of finding the right therapist for your needs and preferences may be significantly higher than with traditional therapy, especially for those who live in smaller towns or rural areas.
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Features related to the online therapist matching process
One of the ways in which BetterHelp aims to serve clients, including BIPOC individuals, is by matching each client with a mental health professional who is a suitable fit for their needs and preferences. When signing up for the online therapy platform, you'll be asked to complete a questionnaire, stating your preferences for qualities and identities in a therapist, such as preferring to see a Black therapist or a therapist who shares your religious beliefs. You may also state your language preference. In addition, BetterHelp allows clients to change providers, a feature that can help individuals find a therapist they can trust to support their mental health journeys.
Subscription cost widens opportunities to see a therapist
The cost of a BetterHelp subscription is intended to increase opportunities to connect with a mental health professional. When compared to traditional therapy without insurance coverage, online therapy through the platform can be more affordable. For example, Forbes notes that the average cost of traditional, face-to-face therapy in 2025 in the U.S. ranges from $100 to $200 per session.
How much does it cost to have online therapy through BetterHelp?
The cost of online therapy via BetterHelp ranges from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, with costs based on your location, referral source, preferences, any applicable discounts, and therapist availability. You can also cancel your subscription for any reason, at any time, and without penalty. This may make it easier to see a therapist on your terms.
Promotions, discounts, and financial aid to see a mental health professional
BetterHelp also offers occasional promotions to encourage more individuals to try online therapy. Financial aid may be offered to those who qualify as well. The cost of a BetterHelp online therapy subscription can be comparable to the co-pays of many insurance plans. Moreover, BetterHelp is an eligible expense for most HSA/FSA providers.
Discretion, Trust, and Ethical Practices
BetterHelp takes its responsibility to protect client data seriously. In fact, it’s a priority represented in BetterHelp’s practices and ethical guidelines. Health data is kept in close discretion and is not used for advertising purposes. We believe this policy builds trust and enhances the effectiveness of therapy for our subscribers.
Recognizing stigma as a possible factor
BetterHelp recognizes that stigma can discourage individuals from seeking help from a mental health professional. Stigma may come from family members, friends, group affiliations, and even oneself. For example:
- A person may anticipate disapproval or judgment if they start seeing a therapist, a factor that can prevent them from speaking out about their concerns or addressing them.
- A person may feel uncomfortable going to a therapist's office, where they might encounter someone they know in the waiting room.
- In some cases, cultural norms and beliefs can also play a role in one's perception of mental health and mental illness.
The convenience of online therapy
Online therapy allows you to see a mental health professional from the comfort of your own home or preferred space. This convenience can be helpful when managing concerns related to sensitive topics. For many people, seeing a therapist online can make it more comfortable to freely discuss what is on their mind.
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- ✓Transparent pricingNo hidden fees, know what you’ll pay upfront
- ✓Fast matchingYou can get matched in as little as 48 hours
- ✓In-App SchedulingMessage, chat, or schedule live video
- ✓Easy to switchChange therapists anytime until you find the right fit
- ✓Tailored supportCredentialed professionals with diverse specialties
Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Everyday Life and Long-Term Wellbeing
With online therapy services from BetterHelp, BIPOC subscribers can receive evidence-based mental health care to manage mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression as well as life challenges. Due to the effectiveness of mental health services, many people experience a ripple effect in their everyday life, enabling them to experience more fulfillment in relationships, their workplaces, and the wider community.
The benefits of online versus traditional therapy
Online therapy can offer the opportunity to connect with a mental health professional who aligns with a person’s preferences. With over 30,000 licensed therapists on the BetterHelp platform, it may be easier to find the right therapist with cultural sensitivity. When compared to in-person therapy, online therapy also offers convenience, allowing you to attend therapy from any location, as long as you have a strong internet connection.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchHow effective is online therapy?
Numerous studies indicate that online therapy with a mental health professional, such as a licensed therapist, can be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health disorders. One study investigating online cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) given to individuals with diverse ethnocultural backgrounds found that most participants were satisfied with ICBT. Over 90% of participants also reported increased confidence in managing symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
How BetterHelp Ensures Effective Care
BetterHelp takes measures to ensure that each subscriber receives high quality care, not only for symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, but also for general life stressors. To ensure effectiveness, our therapists are vetted and trained to be knowledgeable, personable, and above all, compassionate. These traits are apparent in the therapy services we offer, including live therapy sessions and messaging capabilities. Although our providers don’t prescribe medication, they can offer referrals to a medical doctor such as a psychiatrist whenever necessary.
Takeaway
BetterHelp seeks to serve BIPOC individuals in various ways. This includes working alongside organizations like Mental Health America to bring awareness to the need for cultural competency in the mental health field. It also involves matching clients with a diverse network of therapists who understand, value, and respect their cultural backgrounds and identities. If you are considering online therapy services or mental health counseling, you can state your preferences for a culturally sensitive therapist. Once in therapy, you can also switch providers if needed, which can help you find the right fit for your individual needs and preferences.
How to support BIPOC mental health?
There are a variety of ways to support BIPOC mental health, from providing culturally competent mental health services to promoting mental health awareness for people from all backgrounds. Working to reduce mental health stigma can also encourage BIPOC individuals to seek mental healthcare.
What is BIPOC counseling?
BIPOC counseling generally refers to counseling that is culturally sensitive. It may take into account factors like racial trauma, systemic racism, cultural stigma, and intergenerational trauma.
What are the barriers to mental health in BIPOC?
Physical barriers, financial barriers (like a lack of affordable care), cultural mistrust, mental health stigma, and a lack of culturally competent providers can all make it challenging for BIPOC individuals to receive the mental health support they deserve.
Why do you think mental health care therapy is stigmatized in Black communities?
Experts believe a significant part of mental health stigma in Black communities stems from a general distrust of the medical system. Historically, Black communities have been misdiagnosed and exploited at high rates.
What is BIPOC-friendly?
BIPOC-friendly may refer to anything that is inclusive to people from marginalized communities. In the context of quality mental health care, it may refer to culturally competent mental health providers.
What ethnicity struggles the most with mental health?
People of all ethnicities can experience mental illness and other mental health concerns. However, research suggests that White individuals tend to have the highest prevalence of mental health disorders.
What are the struggles of the BIPOC?
BIPOC individuals may struggle with challenges like racism, discrimination, lack of access to mental health treatment, and more. Biases in the medical and mental health care systems can also lead to struggles for BIPOC communities.
Why is there a stigma attached to seeking healthcare in the BIPOC community?
The BIPOC community tends to have a general distrust of medical and mental health care professionals, which can prevent them from seeking mental healthcare or otherwise seeking support for mental wellness and well-being. This distrust is thought to stem from historical issues like misdiagnosis, discrimination, and exploitation.
Why do black men avoid therapy?
Many Black men tend to avoid therapy, although statistics report that they die from suicide four times as often as Black women. It’s thought that a lack of culturally responsive care may be part of the reason why Black men don’t often seek therapy. Efforts to reduce stigma and provide care that resonates with individuals’ backgrounds and cultures may be crucial.
What is BIPOC therapy?
BIPOC therapy generally refers to therapy that takes an individual’s cultural context and background into consideration. Cultural competence can be crucial for quality care.
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