How Much is BetterHelp? Financial Considerations For Online Therapy
BetterHelp is an online therapy company that provides affordable online therapy services to improve mental health and well-being. Online therapy platforms tend to be more affordable than in-person therapy without insurance. The typical therapy cost with BetterHelp may vary depending on factors like therapist availability and location, and there may be financial aid available in some cases. BetterHelp therapy sessions are billed weekly or every four weeks at a flat rate. This subscription model includes one live session per week and additional asynchronous chat support.
What is online therapy through BetterHelp?
BetterHelp therapy typically costs between $70 and $100 a week. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. These costs may compare to the co-pay and coinsurance costs of in-person therapy with health insurance (with in-person sessions typically costing $100-$200 without insurance). Weekly sessions can take place via audio, video, or live chat online, which is different from the unlimited messaging (on the app) that clients can use throughout the week if they have questions or concerns outside of sessions.
Online therapy has been shown to improve mental health and well-being. BetterHelp provides therapy matching to ensure that each person can speak with a therapist who has experience in their areas of concern. Mental health professionals on the BetterHelp platform can consider a person’s overall mental health and offer assistance by:
- Providing advice for improving self-esteem
- Teaching self-care strategies
- Supporting mental health improvement
- Implementing talk therapy techniques
How much is BetterHelp?
How much BetterHelp costs may vary based on therapist availability, location, and other factors. Some general guidelines for cost and billing-related matters are highlighted below.
What does BetterHelp cost?
BetterHelp therapy typically costs between $70 and $100 a week, with an average session length of 30 to 45 minutes. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. These costs may compare to the co-pay and coinsurance costs of traditional therapy (in-person sessions) with health insurance.
How often am I billed?
Billing through BetterHelp occurs weekly or every four weeks. This results in a monthly cost of $260 to $400. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. Each week includes one live session with a therapist and asynchronous in-app messaging as needed.
Cancellation policy
For individuals seeking therapy through BetterHelp, it may be important to know that you can cancel your mental health care subscription at any time with no penalty. It is also possible to change therapists as often as needed to find a good fit.
How do therapist availability, location, and other factors influence BetterHelp cost?
One of the benefits of therapy through BetterHelp is that you pay a flat weekly rate, making the cost predictable. BetterHelp costs may be impacted by several factors.
Flat rate mental health care based on therapist availability and location
Your specific flat rate may be impacted by therapist availability and location. To discover your exact rate, you can complete the getting started survey.
How much is BetterHelp with financial assistance options?
For individuals who cannot afford therapy through BetterHelp, there may be options for discounts or financial aid. In some cases, users may attend therapy less frequently to lower costs.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
BetterHelp is working with select insurance carriers that cover therapy to join their network. While BetterHelp may not directly bill insurance companies, some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, the flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from an extensive therapist network. With BetterHelp’s subscription model, the cost of a weekly therapy session may compare to the co-pays and coinsurance through major insurance providers. For those without full or partial insurance coverage for mental health, BetterHelp can be a more affordable option.
Another possible option to help manage the costs of mental health care is to use an HSA or FSA. An FSA or HSA can use pre-tax income to help you save on health care. BetterHelp accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers.
Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy – Does Cost Change?
BetterHelp’s subscription model covers individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy (through Regain). While the cost may not change, therapist availability can vary depending on the type of therapy. With the subscription model, online therapy tends to be more affordable than in-person therapy with a couples or family therapist. Many therapists cannot bill insurance for couples or family therapy services.
Scheduling, Format, and Value
A subscription to BetterHelp covers weekly live sessions, which can take place via phone, video calls, or live chat. This means that individuals can save on the cost of commuting and schedule sessions to take place from home or anywhere with an internet connection. In addition to virtual therapy sessions, a subscription includes in-app messaging, which allows you to contact your therapist between online therapy services if you have questions or concerns.
Benefits and limitations of online therapy
Online therapy through audio or video sessions can have many benefits when compared with in-person therapy. Some of these benefits may include:
- Increased availability and convenience
- Flexible scheduling
- Increased comfort and discretion
- Wider choice of therapists
- Affordability
- Multiple options for communication
- Continuity of care
While online therapy through BetterHelp can be effective and efficient, it may also have limitations. BetterHelp therapists can provide talk therapy and implement mental health improvement strategies; however, they cannot diagnose mental health conditions. Additionally, psychotherapists cannot prescribe medication or provide medication management services.
How can I decide if BetterHelp’s model is right for me, and how can I connect with therapists on BetterHelp?
To decide on the right type of therapy, you might consider whether in-person or online therapy feels more comfortable for you. You might also consider whether you want a new therapist or whether you want to continue with a previous therapist. Finally, you might think about whether you need insurance coverage. While some therapists with BetterHelp can accept insurance, this can depend on the state. In some cases, individuals might only find coverage for in-person therapy.
If you do decide to use the BetterHelp subscription model, connecting with therapists can be a quick and simple process. In many cases, therapy matching occurs within 48 hours, but it can take a few days in some cases.
How to start online therapy on BetterHelp
To start therapy, you can first take an online questionnaire to determine your preferences and therapy needs. After answering a few questions, you can then be matched with a therapist. Alternatively, you can browse through therapist profiles yourself to find one that meets your needs. You can always change therapists for any reason without any additional cost.
Video sessions
Video sessions offer a face-to-face option in a virtual environment, which can allow a therapist to read both verbal and non-verbal cues. For effective video sessions, patients will need a reliable internet connection and personal device with camera and microphone.
Audio sessions
BetterHelp also offers therapy through audio-only options. These can occur over the phone and may be helpful for people without a reliable internet connection.
Messaging with licensed therapists
Another feature included with a BetterHelp subscription is the ability to message your therapist at any time. Although therapists may only respond when available, messaging can allow for continual support between sessions. This feature typically makes BetterHelp different from other online therapy platforms.
How effective is online therapy and mental health care?
Online therapy has been shown to be highly effective at managing various mental health challenges and improving an individual’s overall well-being. In a virtual environment, a therapist can use a wide range of evidence-based approaches and techniques to improve mental health. They can also provide advice and guidance to help you manage life’s challenges.
Perhaps one of the main benefits of online therapy is the large pool of therapists. Online therapy allows you to receive care from professionals without location restraints, rather than being limited to those in your local area. This means that no matter where you live, you can find a therapist who fits your needs.
Takeaway
Therapy through an online therapy company like BetterHelp can be an effective and affordable way to receive mental health care for those who prefer to connect with a therapist remotely. BetterHelp’s therapy cost ranges from $70 to $100 per week, which is typically comparable to insurance co-pays. The platform’s subscription model includes a weekly therapy session, in-app messaging, and use of in-app journaling and therapeutic worksheets to complement BetterHelp services during therapy sessions. Connecting with a therapist online can be a simple and quick process, allowing you to get the support you need when you need it.
Is BetterHelp actually worth it?
Research suggests that around 75% of people who participate in psychotherapy benefit from it. According to medical internet research, online therapy tends to be just as effective as in-person therapy. It’s highly recommended to seek mental health services, whether in-person or online, if you’re struggling with your mental health or living with mental illness.
Is there cheaper therapy than BetterHelp?
While BetterHelp online counseling can be less expensive than in-person therapy sessions without insurance coverage, those who have mental health coverage through their insurance provider may be able to find more affordable mental health treatment in person. The cost of quality care can vary greatly, especially if you don’t have insurance coverage for individual therapy with an in-person therapist.
Is BetterHelp covered by insurance?
BetterHelp is working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, the flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from an extensive therapist network.
How much is an average BetterHelp session?
BetterHelp sessions are not billed individually. Instead, a BetterHelp subscription typically costs $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or every four weeks. This includes one session per week or four sessions per month. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
What if I can't afford BetterHelp therapy?
If you can’t afford BetterHelp therapy, financial aid is available to those who qualify. Your eligibility for financial aid is usually determined during the sign-up process, but you can also reach out to the customer support team for more information about what the services cost and whether there is a way to make BetterHelp cheaper.
How many appointments per week does BetterHelp have?
Most users attend one session with a qualified therapist per week. It may be possible to add extra video call sessions, phone sessions, or live chat sessions, but you’ll need to discuss this with your online therapist. You can also reach out to your therapist anytime outside of sessions through asynchronous in-app messaging.
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