What To Do If Your BetterHelp Therapist Isn’t The Right Fit

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TL;DR: If your therapist isn’t the right fit, you can change at any time. On the BetterHelp platform, navigate to the “My Therapist” section under account settings, then click on “request a new provider.” 

Since therapy is a personal experience, depending on an individual's unique needs, sessions can take many forms. While BetterHelp offers a wide selection of therapists, the match might not always be quite right. If your therapy session consistently leaves you feeling drained, frustrated, or unheard, it may be worth exploring other therapists. BetterHelp’s platform allows clients the option of switching providers easily. Clients can request a new therapist without needing to explain themselves or seek approval. To make a change, visit your account settings, find the section titled “My Therapist,” and request a new provider. Clients can then explore therapists based on their individual needs and preferences.

What can therapy do for your mental health?

When therapy is performed with compassion, care, and an understanding of your individual needs, you may better understand your emotions, foster a healthier lifestyle, and cope with various mental health symptoms. For many, the goal of therapy is to improve overall health and well-being. Research suggests that psychotherapy can effectively treat mood disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, depression, and many other concerns. Therefore, clients often find seeking therapy a worthwhile step toward healing, growth, and long-term mental wellness.

With a large network of healthcare providers, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp connect individuals with professional support. Through phone calls, messaging services, or video appointments, people can receive guidance and compassion. Whatever the form of communication, a good therapist often shows up with a commitment to helping clients know they are heard and supported.

How can I find a therapist that suits my needs?

Therapists receive training in different specialties, use various approaches, and often serve specific populations. Finding a therapist who understands your background, culture, communication style, and personal experiences can also be helpful. To support clients, BetterHelp provides a brief questionnaire where users can share their mental health needs, preferences, background, and therapy goals, and then can match them with a therapist who aligns with their needs within 48 hours of signing up. 

What are simple ways to find a therapist?

Whether you're hoping to improve communication in relationships, work through past trauma, or learn self-care techniques, try to be clear about your therapy goals from the start. While some individuals prefer structured sessions, others may want a therapist to offer emotional support and serve as a sounding board. A strong therapeutic relationship facilitates personal growth and healing, so feel free to ask questions and review their therapeutic approach, especially during a first therapy session or consultation. 

What are signs your BetterHelp therapist may not be the right fit?

While BetterHelp offers a wide selection of therapists, the match might not always be quite right. In some cases, you might find this discrepancy obvious, but other times, the signs are more subtle. If your therapy session consistently leaves you feeling drained, frustrated, or unheard, it may be worth exploring other therapists. 

What are the signs therapy isn’t benefiting your mental health?

If sessions with your therapist don’t seem to be helping your mental health, it may be time to consider a change.

During and after therapy sessions, clients should feel understood, empowered, and safe, while also making meaningful progress toward their mental health goals. However, know that therapy can take some time to help, and if you’re not following the treatment plan or doing the activities recommended, you might not see much change for a while. 

How does BetterHelp makes switching therapists simple?

BetterHelp’s platform allows clients the option of switching providers easily. Clients can request a new therapist without needing to explain themselves or seek approval. To make a change, visit your account settings, find the section titled “My Therapist,” and request a new provider. Clients can then explore therapists based on their individual needs and preferences.

What is the BetterHelp process of switching therapists?

When switching your therapist on BetterHelp, keep the following points in mind: 

• You can make a change at any time, at no extra cost.
• You don’t need to notify your current therapist, since BetterHelp will handle it for you.
• You have the opportunity to explore a large network of other therapists.
• It’s common for users to switch therapists until they find the right match.
• You can switch your therapist even if you’ve already done so before. 
• You may have the option to choose your new therapist from a list of providers instead of being matched. 

After making a change, you may choose to leave a review about what did or didn’t work with your previous therapist. This feedback can help BetterHelp match you more effectively in the future.

What should I consider before requesting a therapist change?

Before requesting a new therapist, reflect on your current therapy experience. Consider the quality of the relationship, whether the treatments being used are helping, if you feel safe and supported, how your therapist responds to your concerns, and whether their communication style aligns with your needs.

Should I give it a few sessions before switching?

Since it can take time for clients to be comfortable in clinical settings, for therapists to fully understand their clients’ needs, and for a strong therapeutic relationship to form, it may be helpful to give your therapist a few sessions before exploring other options. Allowing time also gives you the chance to experience their therapeutic style and approach.

How can honest communication can improve therapy?

The quality of communication between most therapists and their clients can significantly impact the therapeutic outcome. Research suggests that effective therapist-client communication is linked to higher client satisfaction, better health outcomes, and improved emotional regulation. Being open and honest with your therapist can make the process more productive and meaningful.

How can you give your therapist constructive feedback?

Whether you're deciding to make a change or looking to improve the quality of your sessions, providing your therapist with feedback can help them better understand your needs. When starting the conversation, focus on the positives, before clarifying your therapy goals, expressing where adjustments could be made, and being specific or providing examples (e.g., “I feel rushed during sessions” or “I’d like more structured guidance”). Throughout the conversation, being respectful and empathetic can make the experience more meaningful for both you and your therapist.

Is online therapy as beneficial as in-person therapy?

Traditional, in-person therapy has been used for decades and has led to many positive therapeutic outcomes. As a result, some clients may question whether online therapy is worthwhile. However, online platforms like BetterHelp have made quality care flexible, convenient, and affordable, helping people from diverse backgrounds find support. In addition to removing barriers to care, these platforms also allow clients to switch therapists easily when the match isn’t right for them.

What does the research say on online therapy vs. in-person therapy?