How Expensive Is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp typically costs between $70 and $100 per week. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. This can be comparable to co-pays required by many health insurance policies with mental health coverage. 

BetterHelp is an online therapy provider that offers weekly virtual sessions – via video chat or over the phone. Therapy with BetterHelp may be more affordable than in-person sessions without insurance coverage. By reducing therapy costs, more people are able to find compassionate care. Keep reading to learn about BetterHelp’s pricing and ways to save on mental health care.

How expensive is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp costs approximately $70-$100 per session, which is billed as a weekly or monthly subscription. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. BetterHelp’s online therapy services can be more affordable than traditional in-office therapy services without insurance. 

The exact cost of BetterHelp ranges from $70 - $100 per week billed monthly. While total therapy costs depend on your location, mental health needs, therapist match, and whether you attend additional sessions, prices remain affordable. Also, clients are not penalised for missed sessions.

How expensive is BetterHelp without insurance?

In places with limited therapist availability, the cost may be somewhat higher. However, with BetterHelp, individuals can be matched with a therapist from anywhere in the United States. Even without insurance, there may be options available to reduce the cost of therapy. 

Can I cancel my subscription or change therapists?

Individuals may cancel their subscription at any time for any reason. This means that a person can utilize and cancel BetterHelp as needed, cancelling after achieving goals or if their life circumstances change. In addition to cancelling, a person may opt to change therapists at any time, ensuring that they are working with someone who is a good match for their unique needs. Changing therapists and cancelling are both easy and a person can perform both of these functions using their BetterHelp account. 

BetterHelp plans and what’s included

Below is a break down of what clients can expect from a BetterHelp subscription:

• Weekly virtual sessions or asynchronous text-based therapy

• Access to a therapist anytime through messages

• Options for couples therapy and family therapy

• Online sessions with flexible scheduling from any location

• Specialized care for a diverse range of mental health needs

The therapeutic process and techniques used

BetterHelp therapists use various, evidence-based therapeutic techniques during online sessions – from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and mindfulness-based therapy. Each therapeutic process (such as CBT) has the potential to treat individuals with low self-esteem, chronic pain, and other mental health conditions. Throughout sessions a safe and supportive space is created, so clients feel comfortable discussing symptoms and working through challenges. 

What factors should you consider when choosing online therapy or in-person therapy services?

Online therapy sessions can be more affordable than in-person therapy for a number of reasons. Online therapists often don’t have to rent an office, which sometimes allows them to offer more affordable rates than those of traditional in-person therapists. Moreover, many online therapists see clients outside of traditional work hours, eliminating the need to take time away from work to attend therapy.

Factors that influence the cost of BetterHelp

Many factors can affect therapy costs, including:

• The amount of therapy sessions attended per week and whether they take place via video, phone, or chat

• The client's mental health history, from chronic pain to severe mental health needs

• The therapist's specialty, such as meeting a LGBTQIA+ therapist for navigating sexual orientation or a cognitive behavioral therapist for enhancing self-esteem. 

• The use of advanced therapeutic techniques

How BetterHelp compares to traditional therapy

While some people may prefer in-person sessions, there are many benefits to attending online sessions. Online chats enhance client-therapist communication and provide clients with 24/7 support. Users can also switch therapists if needed. It’s important to note that BetterHelp cannot prescribe medication, but they can teach clients coping strategies to manage mental, emotional, and chronic pain. 

Can online therapy help lower costs of treatment for mental health conditions compared to in-person therapy?

Overall, online therapy may help people save money on a mental health treatment plan for various mental health conditions. Online therapy can take place via audio or video sessions, eliminating transportation costs. Moreover, some people may be more likely to adhere to their treatment plan if they can participate in therapy from home or a place where they feel comfortable. This could lead to faster improvement and reduce the need for more sessions. 

How can you save on BetterHelp’s online mental health services?

In comparison to traditional therapy – which cost upwards of $150 per hour – BetterHelp provides affordable therapy. While BetterHelp doesn’t partner with many insurance plans, depending on income and personal circumstances, BetterHelp offers financial aid. Also clients can pay out of pocket or apply for financial assistance.

How can a health savings account or flexible spending account save you money?

Some people find that they can save on virtual therapy by using a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Most providers of HSAs and FSAs recognize BetterHelp as an eligible expense.  This means that individuals can use pre-tax dollars to get mental health support, adding cost savings for people using these plans.  

What are other strategies for reducing the overall cost of therapy?

In addition to using an HSA or FSA, there are other strategies that can help a person lower the cost of therapy through BetterHelp. Some strategies for lowering the overall cost of therapy may include: 

• Financial aid–Depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for a reduced rate or financial aid. To see if you qualify, you can reach out to customer service and make sure that you fill in the income-related questions during the sign-up process. 
• Insurance reimbursement–Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to have your BetterHelp subscription reimbursed by insurance. BetterHelp can provide a superbill, which may be accepted by your insurance provider. It may be important to verify reimbursement requirements before starting a BetterHelp subscription. 
• Maintenance plan–For individuals who have met their therapy goals or who are having difficulty paying for a weekly subscription, a maintenance plan may be an option. The maintenance plan includes one live session per month and unlimited messaging.  

Can insurance be used for BetterHelp

While BetterHelp does not currently partner with many insurance plans, and therefore accept insurance, they do accept HSA/FSA cards. Clients with financial constraints can also use financial assistance programs or check for employee mental health benefits. 

Are therapy sessions more expensive with certain mental health professionals?

The cost of therapy may vary according to a therapist’s training and experience. For example, a licensed clinical social worker or licensed professional counselor may charge less than a clinical psychologist. However, all of BetterHelp’s professionals, regardless of title, have at least a master’s degree and are qualified to provide evidence-based mental health treatment. 

Considering your overall cost, it may be beneficial to compare the costs of different professionals through the BetterHelp website. Subscribers can browse therapists based on certifications and location to find a financial fit. Patients may consider the overall cost before making a final choice of therapist.  

What services are offered through BetterHelp?

BetterHelp offers many of the same services that are offered through a traditional therapist’s office. These services may vary depending on a person’s individual needs and personal mental health plan. Some services offered through BetterHelp may include: 

• Therapy–Therapists on BetterHelp may have the expertise and training to implement a variety of therapy techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and exposure therapy. A therapist can typically design a plan to meet your specific needs using a variety of techniques. 
• Mindfulness strategies–In addition to formal therapeutic strategies like CBT, a therapist may also work with a patient to improve mindfulness. Mindfulness strategies are designed to help a person notice their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Strategies may include deep breathing techniques, grounding techniques, and self-reflective journaling. 
• Group sessions–For some, it may be beneficial to connect with other individuals who have had or are having a similar experience. A group session can provide strategies for managing mental health conditions or improving overall mental health. Some sessions may be led by peers, while others may be led by a therapist. 
• Educational classes–Education can play a big role in preventing negative mental health impacts and improving mental heatlh. Through BetterHelp, individuals can attend virtual webinars and other informative sessions to learn new skills and techniques for managing mental health. 
• Worksheets–Although therapy sessions may only occur once a week, a there are worksheets available to supplement in between sessions. These may help a person reflect on progress or engage in different thinking process to help identify triggers or other mental health patterns. 

How BetterHelp accommodate different needs

BetterHelp therapists are trained to work in various settings, with a diverse range of individuals, and across different specialties. Each therapist is trained to support issues related to sexual orientation, low self-esteem, stress, family relations, and more. Those seeking relationship support can also benefit from couples therapy or family therapy, where they can enhance communication and work alongside their loved ones. 

It may also be important to understand that there are a variety of ways that a person can receive therapy and mental health support through BetterHelp. With BetterHelp a person can connect with their therapist through video, audio, or chat features. There is also unlimited messaging available through BetterHelp which means that you can connect your therapist at any time during the day or night, although therapists may only respond when available. This can be a way for you to get added support outside of your therapy session. 

What are the benefits of online therapy?

An online therapist may use many of the same techniques as an in-person therapist, but may be able to do so at a reduced cost. This is due to the fact that an online therapist does not have the same overhead costs as an in-person therapist. Online therapy may be an effective way to manage several mental health conditions and reduce stress and anxiety. In a virtual environment, a therapist can implement techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. 

Another benefit of online therapy is that it can provide added flexibility and options when choosing a therapist. With in-person therapy, you are limited to therapists living in your area. This means if you live in an area without many therapists, you may have a difficult time finding a match. On BetterHelp, you have access to thousands of licensed therapists who are available to connect with you, even if you are not in the same location.