Online Therapy and Mental Health: How Does BetterHelp Work?

BetterHelp provides online therapy via multiple formats for your mental health journey, including audio, live chat, and video sessions. Individuals are matched with a licensed mental health professional who has at least a master’s degree and three years of clinical experience. BetterHelp therapy provides evidence-based mental health services for all kinds of mental health challenges, in addition to helping people navigate relationship difficulties and major life transitions. Keep reading to learn more about how BetterHelp works and how it can help you improve your mental health.

How do sessions work with an online licensed therapist?

With online BetterHelp sessions, you can choose a therapy format that feels right for you. For example, you can communicate with your therapist via audio, video, live chat, or some combination of these methods. Most people have one weekly session, but in some cases, people opt to have more than one session per week, depending on their needs.

The BetterHelp sign-up process step by step

Signing up for BetterHelp can be a simple process that involves a few steps. The process begins with signing up for a BetterHelp account and completing an intake questionnaire. The questionnaire is used to start the therapist matching process and may ask questions about your mental health needs, therapist preferences, and other information, like your sexual orientation, age, and personal goals. 

After filling out the questionnaire, you can be matched with your first therapist. For your first therapy session, many therapists will start with an abbreviated intake session that is aimed at establishing norms and setting expectations. If you are a good fit, you can set up weekly live therapy sessions. Alternatively, if you feel like you are not a good fit, you can cancel at any time and browse online therapists to find a new one.

Are all therapists licensed?

All the mental health professionals at BetterHelp are fully licensed in their respective states. In most states, licensure typically requires at least a master’s degree and 2,000 to 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. BetterHelp also has clinical psychologists, who typically have at least a doctorate. Regardless of their credentials, most therapists at BetterHelp have more than 10 years of experience, with 37% of therapists having at least 15 years of experience. 

Is there a process for continually verifying therapists?

BetterHelp periodically checks therapist credentials with the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). The platform also has a system whereby therapists receive feedback, which could allow for continuous quality improvement. 

Changing therapists and adjusting care

How to switch therapists

To change therapists on BetterHelp, first log in to your BetterHelp account through the website or mobile app. Once you’ve logged on:

• Click on your profile icon (located in the top right corner).
• Navigate to the “account settings” section within your profile.
• Navigate to the “my therapist” section and click on the option to request a new therapist.
• Browse through the list of new therapists and choose one that meets your needs, or allow BetterHelp to match you with one.
• Click on the "select this counselor" button to confirm your new therapist.

Missed sessions and flexibility

Sometimes life happens, and you may need to miss a session. Generally speaking, if you can communicate a missed session early on, it can simply be moved to another time. If you skip a session without cancelling with your therapist, it may count as your weekly session. There may also be late cancellation fees if changes are made within 24 hours.

What mental health disorders are treated by the therapists at BetterHelp?

BetterHelp has a network of more than 30,000 licensed mental health professionals with experience treating a diverse array of mental disorders. Please note that your provider won't be able to make any official diagnosis, to fulfill any court order, or prescribe medication. Individuals can find evidence-based treatment for the following disorders:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Eating disorders
• Substance use disorder

What treatments might be used by a licensed therapist at BetterHelp for various disorders?

BetterHelp therapists can develop and adapt treatment plans according to the evolving needs of each person during the therapy process. The following are some evidence-based treatment modalities used by BetterHelp therapists:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Acceptance and commitment therapy 
• Prolonged exposure therapy
• Interpersonal therapy

How does online therapy compare to in-person therapy? 

While some people may prefer in-person therapy, others might prefer to communicate with a licensed therapist from home or a place where they feel comfortable. With BetterHelp, individuals can still have face-to-face contact with their therapist if they choose video calls instead of audio calls or live chat. Online counseling and therapy may allow people to combine these modalities according to their evolving needs and preferences. 

They can also reach out to their therapist anytime via in-app messaging, and the therapist will respond as soon as they can. This feature may be especially valuable on days when individuals experience significant emotional distress, as they can send a message about what they’re feeling in the moment instead of waiting until their next therapy session. 

Effectiveness of online therapy and in-person therapy

Numerous peer-reviewed studies show that online therapy can be just as effective as traditional therapy sessions. One review of several studies found that online CBT—an evidence-based type of therapy—can be effective for the following mental disorders:

• Social anxiety disorder
• Phobias
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Adjustment disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Substance use disorder
• Bipolar disorder

How does BetterHelp work in terms of payments?

BetterHelp costs approximately $70 to $100 per week, which is billed as a weekly or monthly subscription. Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. Users can pay via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. 

How does BetterHelp work with health savings accounts?

Some people find that they can save money on health care by using a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA). Most HSA/FSA providers recognize BetterHelp as an eligible expense, which means that you can use pre-tax income to pay for online therapy services. However, BetterHelp may be an affordable online therapy option that costs less than in-person therapy without insurance. 

Insurance, medication, and clinical limitations

BetterHelp has joined with major insurance carriers in select states to provide in-network therapy coverage. Coverage may vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You may check with your insurance provider to determine eligibility. 

It may be important to understand that therapists through BetterHelp cannot prescribe medication or provide advice for medication management. Additionally, they cannot diagnose mental health conditions or provide court-ordered therapy sessions.