How Many Sessions Per Week For BetterHelp Are Normal?

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated June 4th, 2025 by BetterHelp Editorial Team

With the rapid growth of online therapy in recent years, many people are curious about the number of sessions they’ll need to commit to each week in order to see improvement. While most people have one session per week, each individual has their own unique needs in terms of session frequency and overall number of sessions. This article will discuss the frequency of BetterHelp sessions, the qualifications of licensed therapists that work with BetterHelp, and research on the effectiveness of online counseling. 

A woman sits at her desk, typing on her laptop.
Getty/FG Trade
Interested in trying online therapy?

How many sessions per week for BetterHelp are necessary?

In most cases, BetterHelp therapists see clients once per week as part of a monthly subscription plan. However, individuals in need of more frequent online counseling sessions can discuss options for additional weekly sessions.

In addition to their scheduled sessions, all clients can reach out to their therapists at any time during the week through in-app messaging, and their therapists will generally respond when they are able. This feature allows individuals to communicate what they’re experiencing in the moment rather than waiting until their next session, which may enhance their therapist’s ability to provide the best support possible. 

Qualifications of therapists 

In addition to adjusting therapy frequency as needed, BetterHelp matches each person with a therapist based on their individual needs and preferences. All of the therapists are fully licensed in their state, which typically requires a master’s degree and 2,000 to 4,000 hours of mental health services under clinical supervision. 

A man sits, focused as he types on his laptop.
Getty/kate_sept2004

Therapy communication options

BetterHelp also allows clients to choose from various communication methods, such as audio, live chat, and video sessions. Clients can also reach out to their therapists at any time through in-app messaging. This feature allows people to receive support between live sessions, which may be helpful on days when they experience stress or more severe symptoms of a mental illness.

Online therapy vs. in-person therapy sessions for mental health

In recent years, numerous researchers have studied the effectiveness of online therapy versus in-person therapy. A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than in-person therapy for reducing symptoms of depression. Other studies show that online therapy can help people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may stem from childhood trauma or more recent traumatic events, as well as a variety of other disorders.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

An older woman wearing AirPods sits, smiling and waving at her laptop screen during a video call.
Getty/dragana991
Interested in trying online therapy?

Another study found that BetterHelp therapy specifically was effective for reducing depression symptom severity. The study also found that first-time therapy participants saw the most significant symptom improvement. 

Takeaway

While most BetterHelp clients have sessions once per week, BetterHelp allows you to have more frequent sessions if needed. A licensed therapist can assess your needs and help you establish a therapy plan that works for you. Regardless of session frequency, you can contact your therapist at any time between sessions via in-app messaging. Take the first step toward getting the mental health support you deserve and contact BetterHelp today.
Explore mental health and healing in therapy
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started