How To Switch Therapists On BetterHelp

Deciding to switch therapists can feel uncomfortable, and many people wonder whether their reasons are "valid enough" to make a change. The short answer is that switching is both completely acceptable and fairly common. If your sessions consistently leave you feeling drained, unheard, or stuck, you have the right to look for a better fit. Below, explore the signs it may be time to switch, how to have that conversation with your current provider, and the practical steps for finding someone new, including how the process works on a platform like BetterHelp. If you're ready to explore your options, you can start by considering what you need most from care.

Is it OK to switch therapists?

Choosing to change providers can be normal and acceptable, and it doesn't mean you've failed or done something wrong. Many people work with more than one therapist over the course of their mental health journey before finding someone who truly fits their needs. Therapists themselves often understand that they won't be the right match for every client.

It can help to think of switching as an act of self-advocacy rather than a setback. A strong therapist-client relationship may promote better therapy outcomes, so seeking out a provider you connect with can be a meaningful step toward your goals. If guilt or worry about hurting your therapist's feelings is holding you back, it may be reassuring to know that prioritizing a strong therapeutic relationship is part of taking care of yourself. Recognizing this can make it easier to notice when the relationship isn't serving you.

Signs you should switch therapists

While a therapist match might not always be quite right from the start, the signs of a poor fit can sometimes be obvious and other times more subtle. If your sessions consistently leave you feeling drained, frustrated, or unheard, it may be worth exploring other options. Some therapy sessions may be more emotionally difficult than others by nature, but you should never feel disrespected, ignored, or invalidated. If your therapist shows inappropriate or unethical behavior, it may be advisable to switch providers; in some cases, you may consider reporting the behavior.

During and after individual sessions, it can help to notice whether you feel understood, empowered, and safe while making meaningful progress toward your goals. If something is getting in the way of that, it may be worth reflecting on whether the discomfort is a sign to move on or a natural part of the work. If you're ready to explore a change now, you can request a new provider on the BetterHelp platform at any time.

When discomfort is a sign to switch versus part of the process

Growth in therapy can be uncomfortable, and not every difficult session means your therapist is a poor fit. Productive discomfort might look like feeling emotionally tired after exploring a painful memory, or feeling gently challenged when a therapist points out a pattern you hadn't noticed. These experiences can be a sign that the work is moving forward, even when they aren't easy.

A poor fit tends to feel different. It may show up as consistently dreading sessions, feeling judged rather than supported, or noticing that weeks have passed without any sense of progress. If you regularly leave sessions feeling dismissed or unsafe rather than stretched in a helpful way, that ongoing pattern may point toward a fit issue rather than the natural ups and downs of the process. Paying attention to this distinction can help you decide what to do next.

How to tell your therapist you're switching

For many people, telling a therapist they want to move on is the most anxiety-inducing part of switching. The good news is that therapists are trained to handle these conversations professionally, and there's no single right way to do it. You might choose to say something directly at the end of a session, or you may prefer to send a message afterward. Either way, you don't owe a detailed explanation.

If you'd like a starting point, consider a few simple approaches. You might say, "I've appreciated your help, and I've decided to work with someone whose approach feels like a better fit for me right now." Another option is, "I don't think we're the right match, so I'm going to move on, but thank you for your time." A brief message such as, "I've decided to end our sessions, and I wish you the best," can also be enough. Sharing your thoughts, even briefly, can be worthwhile if you feel comfortable doing so.

What to say if you want to give feedback

Offering feedback is entirely optional, but it can help your therapist better understand what wasn't working and improve their care for others. If you'd like to share, a few strategies can make the conversation more constructive. Consider the following tips for starting the discussion:

• Focus on the positives before raising concerns.
• Clarify your therapy goals and express where adjustments could have helped.
• Be specific or provide examples, such as "I felt rushed during sessions" or "I'd hoped for more structured guidance."

Throughout the conversation, staying respectful and empathetic can make the experience feel more comfortable for both of you. Still, feedback isn't required, and it's OK to keep things brief.

What if you'd rather not have the conversation?

Some people would simply prefer not to have a direct conversation at all, and that's completely OK. You're allowed to stop scheduling sessions or switch providers without explaining yourself. On platforms like BetterHelp, this is especially straightforward, since the platform can handle notifying your former therapist for you.

How to switch therapists on BetterHelp

With in-person therapy, switching providers can often be logistically difficult. On BetterHelp, however, you can get matched with a new provider from one of the world's largest networks of therapists—more than 30,000 qualified providers globally—in just a few clicks and at no extra cost. Your former therapist will be notified so you don't have to let them know yourself.

When switching your therapist on BetterHelp, it can help to 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.
• It's common for users to switch therapists so they can find the right match.
• You can switch your therapist even if you've already done so before.
• You may have the option to choose a new licensed therapist from a list of providers instead of being matched.

Steps to request a new provider

The process for requesting a new provider on BetterHelp involves just a few simple actions. You can follow these steps:

1. Log into your BetterHelp account.

2. Navigate to the "My Therapist" section under account settings.

3. Click on "request a new provider."

4. Optionally, leave feedback about what did or didn't work with your previous therapist.

5. Get matched with a new provider based on your needs and preferences.

Once you've made the change, you can turn your attention toward finding a provider who fits you well going forward. If you're exploring your care options more broadly, it may help to know that BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option available alongside therapy. Psychiatry can be part of a holistic mental health care experience and may include medication management when clinically appropriate, with all treatment decisions made by a licensed psychiatric provider. If you'd like to learn more, you can get started with psychiatry here.

*Based on finalized paid psychiatry visits with a copay. Insurance availability, coverage, and costs vary by state, plan, provider network, and provider availability.

Finding a better-fit therapist next time

After deciding to move on, a little reflection can help you set yourself up for a stronger match. It may help to think about what was missing with your previous provider and what you need most, whether that's a particular specialty, a certain communication style, or a therapist who shares part of your background or identity. A therapist who understands your culture, communication style, and personal experiences can make a meaningful difference.

When you begin working with someone new, it can help to communicate your needs clearly from the start. You might prepare for your first session by clarifying your goals for how you want to grow, making adjustments based on what you learned with your last provider. If you feel comfortable, sharing what didn't work before can help your new therapist understand how to best support you.

Questions to ask yourself before choosing a new therapist

Reflecting on a few key questions can help you identify what you're looking for. Consider asking yourself the following:

• What felt missing or unhelpful with my previous therapist?
• What communication style works best for me, such as direct or gentle, flexible or structured?
• Do I need a provider with specific expertise, like treating anxiety or depression?
• Would it help to work with someone who shares part of my identity or life experiences?
• What are my main goals for therapy right now?

Answering these questions can give you a clearer sense of what to look for as you begin your search.

How BetterHelp's matching process can help

BetterHelp makes finding a therapist easier through its matching process. To start, you can fill out a brief questionnaire about your mental health needs, preferences, and therapy goals. The questionnaire also gives you the option to request a therapist who shares your gender identity, cultural background, racial identity, or religious beliefs, if desired. BetterHelp can then match you with a therapist accordingly—meeting 93% of user preferences in matching in 2024—which may save time compared to searching on your own.

How online therapy can make switching easier

One benefit of online therapy is how simple it can be to change providers without the usual logistical hurdles. Platforms like BetterHelp let you try a different therapist without having to find a new office or start over in a new location, which can make the search for the right fit feel far less stressful.

Regardless of the setting, forming a strong connection with your therapist may improve the therapeutic experience. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for a range of concerns, and that a strong therapeutic alliance can be established in online therapy.