Is Therapy on BetterHelp Effective?

Numerous peer-reviewed studies have shown that therapy through BetterHelp can be an effective way to treat a variety of mental health conditions. Online therapy can help address anxiety, depression, OCD, substance misuse, and other mental health conditions. The convenience and flexibility of online therapy sessions may encourage clients to remain actively involved in their therapy, facilitating significant symptom reduction and even remission. 

Is therapy on BetterHelp effective?

In 2024, 72% of BetterHelp clients saw a reduction in their symptoms, and 62% reached symptom remission. In addition, 82% of clients say they are likely to recommend their therapist to others, providing proof of strong therapeutic alliances central to successful therapy journeys.

What types of therapy does BetterHelp offer?

BetterHelp therapists offer a number of therapy approaches, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Person-centered therapy
• Interpersonal therapy
• Cognitive processing therapy
• Couples therapy
• Eye movement reprocessing and desensitization therapy
• Internal family systems therapy
• Mindfulness based therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Gestalt therapy
• Attachment-based therapy

How effective is online therapy compared to in-person therapy?

More than 50% of all therapy sessions now occur remotely, and research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy sessions. In some instances, online therapy has proven to be even more effective than traditional therapy. Some recent studies have found that:

• About 95% of participants with bipolar disorder experienced an increase in their quality of life after online therapy.
• Many couples prefer virtual therapy to in-person sessions.
• Online therapy can be at least as effective as in-person therapy in treating depression.

How do I decide between in-person therapy and online therapy?

Because online and in-person talk therapy can both be effective treatment models, the choice between the two comes down to your personal preferences. Some people prefer talking to their provider in person, while others appreciate the convenience of attending therapy around other responsibilities. 

In some situations, seeking therapy through online platforms may be the best option. For example, research suggests that virtual therapy may be a safer option for individuals who are survivors of intimate partner violence. Online therapy may also be a better choice for people with mobility or health issues, or those who don’t have specialized therapists nearby. 

What types of mental health concerns can BetterHelp address?

BetterHelp may be effective in treating mental health conditions such as:

• anxiety
• depression
• bipolar disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• substance use disorder
• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• eating disorders

In addition, online therapy services can help users address low self-esteem, relationship challenges, stress, life transitions, and other common challenges. However, BetterHelp therapists cannot provide medication management or diagnosis for mental health conditions.

How does BetterHelp ensure it hires quality therapists?

The BetterHelp Therapist Onboarding team ensures that every hired therapist is licensed and in good standing. Our mental health professionals come from a variety of backgrounds and training programs but have all participated in at least 1,000 hours of clinical practice across a minimum of three years. 

What are the required qualifications for a BetterHelp therapist?

BetterHelp works with licensed psychologists, marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, and other mental health professionals. Every BetterHelp therapist must be fully licensed within their state, which usually requires earning a master’s degree, passing all required exams, and providing 2,000 to 4,000 hours of supervised mental health services. 

How are therapists matched with clients?

When users sign up through BetterHelp, they are asked to complete a series of questions about their goals, preferences, and mental health challenges to help them connect with the right provider. After completing this survey, users are typically connected with a therapist within a few days but have the freedom to switch therapists if they feel it isn’t a good match. 

What do therapy sessions usually look like through BetterHelp?

Most users attend one therapy session a week through BetterHelp, and sessions typically average between 30 to 45 minutes long. Many users meet with their therapist through video, although some may prefer audio only. Formatting and scheduling of therapy sessions may depend on what condition is being treated and what goals have been established. Users can also message their therapist anytime through the platform and therapists will respond to their clients when able.

Are there ways to track my mental health progress during therapy sessions?

When you begin therapy, you may be assigned a PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 survey and encouraged to complete a new one every 45 days. This may allow for consistent monitoring and progress tracking. 

What can I do to get the most out of my therapy sessions?

Consistently attending your therapy sessions may be one of the most important actions you can take. In addition, BetterHelp offers various tools and resources to utilize along with what you learn in therapy, such as:

• A journal and progress tracking feature, where you can share life updates with your therapist in between sessions and reflect on your recent life experiences
• More than 300 support groups
• More than 35 educational classes