How To Change Therapists on BetterHelp And When You Should
TLDR: Clients can switch therapists on BetterHelp directly on the platform. Simply log in, navigate to your account settings, and select “Change Counselor.” Then, you can either get matched with a new provider or browse available options. Once you’ve found a new therapist, you can begin scheduling with them immediately.
Therapy is a personal experience, and it can be difficult to open up in therapy sessions and embark on your mental health journey if you aren’t comfortable with your current therapist. In this article, we’ll go over signs you might need to consider switching therapists, how to change therapists in-person or online, and how to switch therapists on BetterHelp, plus the importance of the therapeutic relationship.
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How to know when to change therapists?
Deciding when to seek a new therapist can be a personal decision; however, there might be signs that indicate you may benefit from changing providers. Below are a few common reasons for switching therapists.
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Lack of chemistry
Because of the vulnerability often expected in therapy, it can be important to be comfortable with your therapist. A lack of connection can make it difficult to open up and receive support in a way that meets your needs.
Lack of improvement
If you’ve been attending therapy but have not made the expected progress towards your goals, it may not be beneficial to continue seeing the same therapist.
Feeling misunderstood by your therapist
Finding a therapist who understands you can be essential in order to make progress. Feeling misunderstood by your provider may be a sign that they aren’t the right therapist for you.
Inappropriate behavior
Behavior that makes you uncomfortable, violates your boundaries, or goes against a therapist’s code of ethics can be a reason to change therapy providers immediately.
Can you change therapists in in-person therapy?
Breaking up with your therapist isn’t just possible—in many cases, it’s recommended if you aren’t connecting with them. In an in-person setting, you might:
- Tell your therapist in-person that this will be your final session with them
- Call or email your therapist’s office to cancel future appointments
- Stop scheduling future appointments
Can you change therapists in online therapy?
Similarly, for online therapy, ending your relationship with a therapist can look like:
- Telling your therapist during one of your phone or video sessions that this will be your last appointment
- Sending an email or text message that you won’t be scheduling any other sessions
- No longer scheduling online therapy sessions
Can you change therapists on BetterHelp?
Changing therapists on BetterHelp typically requires just a few clicks. BetterHelp’s wide network of over 30,000 therapists combined with advanced therapist matching technology can also make it possible to find a suitable provider. In 2024, BetterHelp was able to meet over 93% of client preferences through therapist matches.
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How to change therapists on BetterHelp?
If you would like to switch therapists on BetterHelp for any reason, you can get matched with a new provider or browse available therapist options within the platform. The steps below can help you switch from your previous therapist to a different one.
Step by step: How to change therapists on BetterHelp
BetterHelp users can switch from one therapist to another by following these steps:
- Sign into your BetterHelp account.
- Navigate to your profile.
- From the dropdown menu, go to your account settings.
- Scroll down and click on the “Change Counselor” option.
- Choose either to get matched with a new therapist or select one yourself.
Once you’ve found a new provider, you can begin therapy sessions based on your schedule and your therapist’s availability.
Is it important to feel connected to your therapist?
Feeling connected to your therapist isn’t just important; it can be crucial to the success of therapy. A strong therapeutic alliance can involve:
- Trust
- Empathy
- Respect
- Partnership
Research shows that building a strong therapeutic alliance, whether in-person or online, can be linked to the success of therapeutic treatment.
The therapeutic alliance in in-person therapy
Traditionally, in-person therapeutic alliances are built over the course of several sessions with therapists who typically:
- Lead with kindness, authenticity, honesty, and understanding
- Listen to and gain a deeper understanding of their client
- Validate their client’s thoughts and experiences
- Create a real human connection with clients
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchThe therapeutic alliance in online therapy
Building a therapeutic alliance in online therapy can involve many of the same practices; however, online therapy can also provide some unique benefits for the therapeutic alliance.
According to research, some clients seek out online therapy specifically to discuss sensitive topics, as the physical distance from the provider can make them feel more comfortable opening up and building the initial trust needed to form a therapeutic alliance. Additionally, photos, pets, and children within the client’s home can all give the provider more insight into their client’s life and may strengthen the relationship.
BetterHelp’s outcomes also show the strength of an online therapeutic alliance. In 2024:
- 72% of BetterHelp clients experienced reduced symptoms
- 69% achieved reliable improvement
- 62% reached symptom remission
Takeaway
Is switching therapists common?
Switching therapists can be common, as finding a suitable provider is an essential part of the therapeutic journey. In many cases, if your therapist isn’t meeting your needs, they will understand if you decide to switch.
Will my therapist be upset if I switch providers?
Therapists are trained professionals, and high-quality providers understand that it’s nothing personal. Therapy is for your benefit, and you deserve a provider who can meet your needs.
How do I tell my therapist I’m switching providers?
If you’d prefer not to tell them face-to-face, you might consider simply canceling your future appointments. If you would like to tell them either face-to-face or through phone or email, you might simply let them know how you’re feeling—in as much or as little detail as you’d like—and then wish them the best.
How do I transition from one therapist to another?
It's common to try a few different therapists before you find the right fit, whether you're using the BetterHelp match process or finding a therapist on your own. If you want to talk to your therapist about your switch, you can. They accept that it’s common to switch providers in order to find a better fit and will typically be supportive of your search. They may ask for feedback, if you feel comfortable sharing it. If you don’t feel comfortable telling them directly about the switch, you can simply stop scheduling appointments with one and start with another.
How long should you wait before changing therapist?
It may be helpful to try a few meetings with a new therapist to help you decide if they meet your preferences and will be able to address your concerns in a communication style that works for you. That said, you might know right away that a therapist isn’t a good match, and it’s okay to switch and partner with a new provider after one session if needed.
How do I select a specific therapist on BetterHelp?
You can use the browse feature on BetterHelp’s platform in order to explore providers who serve your area, then select a therapist yourself and request an appointment. Or, you can fill out a brief questionnaire with your honest needs and preferences and get matched with a provider accordingly. Whether you use the questionnaire or find your own provider, you’ll be able to switch therapists as needed at any time for no extra cost.
How to know if a therapist isn't for you?
People sometimes have difficulties telling if their therapist is a good fit at first. It may help you to consider a few questions about how you feel when you speak with them. For example:
- Do you feel safe opening up to them?
- Do you feel validated in your identity and your feelings around them?
- Do they communicate in a way that makes sense to you?
- Do you worry that they are judging you when you talk? Do they seem dismissive of your concerns?
Remember that you may need to be patient as you file down your search for a therapist, but that it can be possible to find a great fit who can help promote positive outcomes.
How much does it cost to have a therapist on BetterHelp?
For people in the United States, a BetterHelp subscription can cost $70–100 per week, billed weekly or every four weeks. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. This subscription cost includes the ability to get matched and meet with a licensed therapist for weekly live sessions, the ability to message them any time outside of sessions, and the option to take advantage of additional tools and resources like support groups and worksheets.
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