How Much Is BetterHelp A Month?

Understanding the cost of BetterHelp

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that allows users to connect with professionals remotely. If you’re considering participating in therapy through BetterHelp, cost may be a factor in your decision. Online sessions are not charged individually—instead, BetterHelp charges a weekly fee, the exact cost of which can range from $70 to $100. BetterHelp monthly costs typically range from $280 to $400, with payments occurring weekly or every four weeks. Prices vary based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. This price includes one live therapy session per week (i.e., audio, chat, or video sessions), messaging capabilities with your therapist, and options to attend group webinars. Financial aid may be available to lower the cost for those seeking therapy who are experiencing financial hardship. This article outlines BetterHelp’s pricing in more detail, how its subscription model works, and what is included.

How much are online therapy sessions with BetterHelp?

The compassionate support of licensed professionals makes BetterHelp worth the subscription fee for many users. As discussed above BetterHelp prices vary based on several factors, and online sessions are not charged individually. This can make the exact cost of a therapy session hard to calculate. BetterHelp pricing also depends on subscription type and frequency. If you’re considering BetterHelp, review the following breakdown to see what your potential monthly and weekly cost may be:

• Standard subscription: $280 - $400 per month, billed weekly or every four weeks
• Weekly breakdown: $70 - $100 per week
• Maintenance plan: $200 per month, including one monthly session plus in-app messaging
• Additional sessions: You may add an additional session per week for an extra fee.

What factors affect the cost of online therapy?

Several factors might influence the cost of online therapy services. Some may include: 

• Geographic location and therapist availability
• Therapist qualifications and specializations (Fees may be more expensive for therapy with professionals who can diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medications.)
• Therapy format and session length
• Treatment type
• Current financial status

Additionally, prices vary based on whether an insurance plan reimburses online therapy fees. Some employee assistance programs (EAPs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) may also help cover this cost. 

Therapist availability can depend on how you respond when filling out the initial questionnaire, which asks about your history with therapy, relationship status, current physical health (e.g., chronic pain), eating habits, and other pertinent information. The questionnaire also provides you with an opportunity to input your preferences when it comes to a specific mental health concern, religious background, or sexual orientation.

Do BetterHelp therapists take insurance? 

Many people ask, “Is BetterHelp free through my health insurance?” BetterHelp understands that your current financial status is important to your mental health; and the platform is working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, our flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from our extensive therapist network. For many, the ability to participate in online sessions with qualified, supportive therapists makes BetterHelp worth the cost. 

Also, we can provide superbills for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many insurance plans reimburse all or part of the exact cost of online therapy membership fees. BetterHelp accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers. 

Does BetterHelp offer financial aid?

BetterHelp offers financial assistance as a sliding scale discount of between 10% and 40% to qualified subscribers. You can apply for financial aid during the BetterHelp signup process. To apply, you must answer a few questions about your household finances. The exact discount you receive may depend on your:

• Income
• Employment status
• Financial hardship

When will I know if I’m approved for financial aid?

BetterHelp aims to provide a decision within 2-3 business days after you submit your application, but some get a response in just a few minutes. If you qualify, the discount can be applied to your monthly subscription fee.

How do BetterHelp subscriptions work?

If you sign up for a standard BetterHelp subscription, you can meet with your therapist online once weekly via live sessions, audio, or video using the desktop or mobile app. Payments are due weekly or at the beginning of each month, and you may pay using:

• A credit or debit card
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• FSA/HSA cards

Flexible online therapy options for users

BetterHelp offers users flexible options for managing their subscriptions. After you sign up, you may:

• Pause your subscription at any time, then resume at any point within the pause period (If you don’t resume your membership within the pause period, it may automatically expire.)
• Cancel your subscription at any time 
• Switch between payment tiers

What is included in my ongoing monthly subscription?

BetterHelp subscriptions cover a range of services, including online sessions, a therapy journal, webinars, and other resources. A monthly subscription comes with one live therapy session per week, through video chat, audio call, or messaging session. (In some cases, you may be able to arrange an extra session with your therapist.) You may also communicate with your therapist via in-app messaging. Depending on the therapist’s availability, they will reply in your chat room as soon as they’re able. The platform’s straightforward pricing model makes BetterHelp free of the confusion that sometimes accompanies mental health treatment.

Extra features that add value beyond sessions

With a basic subscription, you’ll have a range of tools and resources within reach like worksheets, a journaling space, and educational materials to support your mental health journey. You’ll also have the option to attend live group webinars with your subscription.

Switching therapists 

BetterHelp allows users to switch therapists at any time free of charge, ensuring quality of ongoing care and more positive treatment outcomes. Studies show that a strong therapeutic alliance can make a significant difference in treatment success. 

BetterHelp’s matching and intake process

When you sign up with BetterHelp, you will complete an intake questionnaire that matches you with a therapist. You’ll answer a series of questions on your mental health and medical history, past experience with therapy, goals for therapy, and preferences regarding your therapist match. Once you’ve been connected with a professional, you can schedule your first session, depending on both your and the therapist’s availability. 

For many, the ability to change therapists makes BetterHelp worth the subscription cost. As you participate in online sessions, you may find that you and your first therapist aren’t a good match. If this is the case, you can change therapists at any time. 

Comparing BetterHelp to in-person therapy

Online therapy is a flexible and convenient form of mental health treatment. Unlike with in-person sessions, online sessions can be attended from almost anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who have a hard time leaving the house due to a mental or physical health concern. For example, an individual with chronic pain may not be comfortable sitting in an office for an in-person therapy session. Connecting with a mental health professional online can make the exact cost BetterHelp worth it for many participants.

The value of online therapy for different lifestyles

Online therapy provides a level of flexibility that can make it more convenient for individuals of all walks of life. Online sessions can reach people who are prevented from commuting to an office due to logistical concerns (e.g., lack of transportation options), mental health challenges (e.g., depressive symptoms, disordered eating habits), or their current physical health status (e.g., chronic pain). 

Additionally, participants may have an easier time finding a therapist whose lifestyle aligns with their own. Online therapy can be a helpful approach for people whose sexual orientation, relationship status, or ethnic background is underrepresented in their area. The ability to participate in mental health treatment regardless of your lifestyle may make BetterHelp worth it for you. 

How to make the most of your subscription

Utilizing BetterHelp’s tools can help you ensure you’re deriving the most value from your membership. In-app messaging is one feature that can be useful for individuals who have questions, concerns, or thoughts they’d like to share. When you are matched with a provider, you will be placed in a chat room where you can message them anytime (for example, you might ask them how you can participate in an extra session). Depending on your therapist’s availability, they will try to get back to you as soon as possible.  

The ability to change therapists anytime can also enhance your experience. This feature allows you to receive a therapist match that fits your needs and preferences. Additionally, consider downloading and exploring the BetterHelp app on your phone, tablet, or other mobile device. With the app, it may be easier to participate in video chat, voice call, or messaging sessions when you’re on the go. 

You can also ask your therapist to help you utilize worksheets, informational materials, and support groups that may enhance your experience. If you’re considering BetterHelp, review these Therapist Tools articles to learn more about available resources.   

How does BetterHelp compare to traditional therapy costs?

BetterHelp is often more affordable than traditional therapy sessions, which can range from $100 to $200 or more per session without health insurance. Financial aid and discounted rates through BetterHelp may also lower the cost of therapy for those who qualify.

On the other hand, some insurance plans offer coverage for mental health services, potentially reducing the cost to that of a co-pay. Still, if you have a high deductible or limited coverage, traditional therapy can be more expensive. 

Is BetterHelp worth the cost?

Now that you know how much online sessions cost, you might be asking, “Is BetterHelp worth the price?” As discussed above, prices vary based on various considerations. However, the exact cost of BetterHelp may be worth it for you if online sessions help you better address mental health concerns and life challenges. Additionally, you may appreciate the fact that you can participate in a therapy session from almost anywhere you have an internet connection. This flexibility makes BetterHelp free from the geographical limitations associated with in-person therapy. If you’d like to learn more about BetterHelp, review this FAQ section. 

Is online therapy effective for mental health treatment?

Research consistently shows that online therapy, particularly standard methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Online therapy may also contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes, as it typically offers a larger pool of mental health professionals and may encourage earlier intervention. 

Decreasing mental health stigma

Research suggests that some may feel more comfortable seeking help through online therapy platforms due to reduced stigma or concerns over discretion associated with in-person therapy settings. Online therapy may also contribute to the normalization of treatment by making it more common and less intimidating. 

BetterHelp outcomes 

Evidence suggests that therapy through BetterHelp can be highly effective for many users. In a 2024 study, “72% of BetterHelp clients reported a reduction in symptoms, with 69% achieving reliable improvement and 62% reaching symptom remission.”