How Much Is BetterHelp Per Session? The Cost Of Online Therapy

BetterHelp is an online therapy service that operates on a subscription model, meaning users do not pay per session. However, subscriptions—which range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or every four weeks—allow users to participate in weekly therapy sessions. 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 memberships also include various tools and resources that can help clients foster mental wellness, even when they aren’t in sessions. Online therapy is not only a cost-efficient means of providing care—it’s also a treatment that research suggests can often be effective for a range of mental health concerns. Attending live sessions through an online therapy provider can provide similar benefits to in-person sessions for a variety of mental health needs. In addition, BetterHelp users can use the unlimited messaging feature to reach out to their therapist anytime.

How much is BetterHelp per session?

We’ll discuss this cost more below. 

How much do BetterHelp subscriptions cost?

BetterHelp subscription memberships range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or every four weeks.  The subscription cost includes weekly virtual sessions–live sessions via your choice of video, audio, or live chat–and unlimited messaging, enabling you to reach out to your therapist anytime, as well as other features, like journal prompts and support groups.Typically, you’ll be charged only after you’ve been matched with a therapist. Payments can be made through credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. 

How are membership costs determined?

There are several factors that may dictate the exact cost of your BetterHelp plan, including the following:

• Therapist availability
• Location
• Preferences
• Reimbursement (e.g., insurance, health savings account)
• Eligibility for financial aid

Financial aid is available based on a user’s financial situation. You can reach out to the BetterHelp Customer Success Team to find out whether you qualify for financial support. Even without financial support, the cost of therapy through BetterHelp can be comparable to the copay cost of insurance-covered therapy sessions. It may also be important to note that you can start and stop your weekly subscription for online therapy at any time, and some people may choose to pause and restart subscriptions as needed to reduce the overall cost.

Is online therapy through BetterHelp covered by insurance?

Many people wonder, “Does BetterHelp accept insurance?”BetterHelp is working with select health 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.  As well, some individuals seeking therapy may be reimbursed by their insurance provider if they have mental health coverage. Consider contacting your insurance company to find out whether your policy will reimburse you for a BetterHelp subscription. 

Further, you may be reimbursed for a membership through an employer-provided healthcare program. If your employer offers a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or employee assistance program (EAP), such an initiative might help defray your therapy costs. BetterHelp accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers. Users who must pay out-of-pocket may ask, “Does BetterHelp offer financial aid?” The platform provides financial assistance to those who qualify, which can help them receive affordable therapy. If the cost is still out of budget, local government programs may help individuals find free therapy options.

What is included with a BetterHelp subscription? Therapy sessions and other mental health tools

In addition to weekly individual therapy sessions, (live sessions via audio, video, or online chat with your therapist match) BetterHelp members are able to participate in over 300 support groups and 35 educational classes. These classes can be a way to supplement weekly therapy sessions and may provide additional support in managing mental health challenges. Other optional services provided to users include the following:

• Unlimited messaging with your therapist outside of sessions
• Worksheets and other educational tools
• Online journal 
• Option to switch therapists any time for no additional cost
• The ability to schedule sessions outside of typical business hours

It may be important to note that, as with many other online therapy platforms, BetterHelp does not offer medication management or family therapy. Additionally, while BetterHelp therapists can provide support and therapy strategies to improve mental health, they cannot diagnose mental health conditions.  

How do the costs of in-person and online therapy services compare?

Online therapy services can often be more affordable than in-person therapy without insurance. The weekly cost of a BetterHelp subscription membership ranges from $70 to $100, while traditional therapy sessions cost an estimated $100–200 each without insurance. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

The results of a growing number of studies point to the cost-efficiency of online therapy platforms compared to in-person therapy. For example, in one study, researchers indicate that the cost of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was “substantially lower than that for face-to-face CBT.” An online therapist may have significantly lower overhead costs when compared with an in-person therapist based in a brick-and-mortar office. These lower costs can make therapy more accessible to more people. While it may not be possible to completely replicate the in-person interaction that occurs in in-person sessions, online counseling with a qualified therapist can produce similar results, and research suggests that it is equally effective to face-to-face therapy.

What techniques can an online therapist use? 

Online therapists have many of the same tools available to them that a traditional in-person therapist does. One added benefit is that an online therapist may be able to check in with clients between sessions for added support. Some common strategies and techniques that an online therapist may use include: 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic techniques

Depending on the unique needs of each individual, a therapist may implement therapy techniques like CBT. CBT is designed to help patients identify and reframe negative thought patterns, which may improve mental health and well-being. Therapists can also deliver other techniques in a virtual environment, including exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and couples therapy. 

Mindfulness strategies

In addition to formal therapy techniques, online therapists can also implement mindfulness strategies. Mindfulness strategies are aimed at helping a person notice their thoughts and emotions without judgment. These can include the following: 

• Meditation–Meditation is the practice of focusing the mind on calmness and awareness. This can help reduce stress and anxiety. An online therapist can teach a person self-reflective meditation, or they may facilitate a guided meditation depending on a patient’s needs. 
• Journaling–Writing down events or feelings from the day can be a way for a person to track mental health over an extended period. A therapist may create a digital journal or provide prompts that a patient can follow in between appointments. 
• Deep breathing–Another technique that therapists may incorporate is deep breathing. Deep breathing is a way to help reduce stress and calm both the body and the mind. Techniques can be shown virtually and practiced as needed.  
• Grounding techniques–Grounding techniques are practices designed to help a person focus on the present and reduce stress and anxiety. These can include strategies like sensory grounding, in which a person notices five things they see, four things they hear, three things they touch, two things they smell, and one thing they taste. 

Support groups

In addition to therapy techniques and mindfulness strategies, online therapists through BetterHelp can provide access to online support groups. Depending on the structure of the group, a support group may be led by a licensed therapist or by peers. A virtual support group can be a way for individuals to connect with peers who are experiencing similar mental health challenges. This can be a good way to get advice and strategies from people who have lived experience.

How to choose the right type of therapist

When you join the BetterHelp platform, you’ll be matched with one of a large network of licensed mental health professionals based on your responses to the intake questionnaire. Completing the questionnaire honestly can help you be matched with the best provider for your needs, and you can also switch therapists at any time and for any reason.

Some of the titles that BetterHelp providers hold include the following:

• Clinical psychologist
• Licensed marriage and family therapist
• Licensed clinical social worker
• Licensed professional counselor

The questions in the intake questionnaire typically cover topics like your mental health history and your preferences for a therapist. Whether you’re experiencing challenges with behavioral health, substance use disorder, panic attacks, chronic pain, depression, or another mental health concern, your BetterHelp therapist can develop a treatment plan to help you move forward.

The BetterHelp therapist vetting process

The BetterHelp platform uses a rigorous process to vet its applicants, only accepting about one-third of the licensed mental health professionals who apply. BetterHelp providers have at least three years of experience, undergo a background check, complete a graded case study, and are licensed to practice in their respective states. Whether your therapist match is a clinical psychologist or a licensed professional counselor, you can rest assured that they are a qualified therapist. Still, if your first match isn’t the right fit, you can choose to switch therapists at any time and at no additional cost.

When to use BetterHelp and when to seek other services

In general, BetterHelp online therapy is ideal for mild to moderate mental health concerns. Depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, relationship challenges, stress, and burnout are a few examples. If you’re seeking an official mental health diagnosis or a professional who can prescribe medication, BetterHelp may not be the best choice for you. However, if you’re looking for weekly mental and behavioral health therapy sessions and the ability to message your therapist anytime outside of sessions, the BetterHelp platform may be beneficial.

What are the benefits of working with BetterHelp’s online therapists?

BetterHelp,an online therapy company, works with a team of mental health professionals who have diverse areas of experience and specialties. These therapists include licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed mental health counselors (LMHC), licensed psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), and other types of professionals. With online therapy, you can get matched with a provider based on your needs and preferences, giving you a good chance of connecting with someone who can address your specific concerns. 

Online therapy also allows you to work with a therapist without leaving home, which can be more convenient if you already have a busy schedule. You can also schedule sessions in the online format of your choice and attend four live therapy sessions per month (one per week). With BetterHelp, you can attend live sessions through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. Further, you can message your therapist anytime, allowing you to ask questions, clarify certain points, or simply discuss your thoughts and feelings. They will respond as soon as they are able. However, it can be important to note that while BetterHelp therapists can offer talk therapy for mental and behavioral health concerns, they cannot make diagnoses or prescribe medication.

The effectiveness of online therapy services

There is evidence that online therapy through BetterHelp may be able to reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions. In 2024, 72% of participants experienced a reduction in their symptoms while using BetterHelp. These results can be added to those of a growing body of studies pointing to the efficacy of online therapy.