Is BetterHelp Worth It? Costs, Pros And Cons, And What To Expect

For many people seeking accessible mental health support, BetterHelp can be worth it. As an online therapy platform, BetterHelp connects people with licensed therapists who can provide flexible, remote care that may fit more easily into daily life than in-person sessions. BetterHelp now also offers psychiatry services through Uplift, expanding access to licensed psychiatric providers alongside therapy. Whether it's truly worth it for you can depend on several factors, including cost and whether the platform fits your specific needs.

How much does BetterHelp cost?

One of the most common questions people ask when considering online therapy is what it costs. BetterHelp subscriptions typically range from $70-$100 per week, billed every four weeks, which comes out to roughly $280 to $400 per month. Pricing can vary based on your location, therapist availability, and other factors.

A BetterHelp subscription includes weekly live sessions with a licensed therapist, the ability to reach out through in-app messaging between sessions, and access to digital worksheets, group sessions, and other resources. This bundled approach means the weekly cost includes more than just a single, scheduled appointment.

How BetterHelp pricing compares to traditional therapy

A single, in-person therapy session in the US can range from $150 to $200 out of pocket on average, and that figure usually reflects one appointment rather than a week of access.

When viewed this way, online therapy through BetterHelp may be comparable to or less expensive than many out-of-pocket or copay costs for in-person care.

Discounts and financial assistance

With online therapy, cost doesn't have to be a barrier. BetterHelp offers financial aid for those who qualify, which can lower the weekly rate based on individual circumstances (available only for those not using insurance).

Or, some providers on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain health plans in select states, and co-pays average about $23 per session for eligible members. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability, so it can help to check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site. Get more information on how much BetterHelp costs and how it may compare to insurance copays.

Key advantages of online therapy through BetterHelp

Deciding whether BetterHelp is worth it can be easier when you weigh its potential advantages and limitations side by side. Below are some of the possible benefits people often mention when using the platform:

• More flexible appointment times, since online therapists can often work from home and offer scheduling outside of standard business hours
• A network of more than 30,000 licensed therapists, which may make it more likely you'll find a good fit for your needs
• Multiple methods for communicating with your therapist, including video, phone, live chat, and in-app messaging
• The ability to switch therapists at any time, for any reason, at no additional cost until you find the right match
• Accessibility from the comfort of your own home, without needing to travel to an office
• Access to psychiatry services through Uplift as an additional care option alongside therapy, which may include medication management when clinically appropriate

At the same time, it can be helpful to consider a few things to keep in mind before signing up:

• Online therapy is not appropriate for crisis situations or emergencies.
• There's no in-person session option, which some people prefer.
• Consistent internet access is needed for sessions and messaging.

Understanding these tradeoffs can make it easier to picture what using the platform might actually look like day to day.

What is the BetterHelp experience like?

Getting a sense of the user experience can help you decide whether online therapy fits your life. From its network of more than 30,000 licensed therapists, BetterHelp aims to match people with a provider who suits their preferences and goals. The journey typically moves from a brief questionnaire to matching, a first session, and then ongoing communication through the app.

The sign-up and matching process

The process usually begins with you filling out a short questionnaire about your preferences and needs. From there, you can be matched with a therapist, often in as little as 48 hours after signing up—in fact, 96% of users matched with a therapist within 24 hours in 2024.

Once matched, you and your therapist can build a tailored plan to address your goals. When you're ready, you can get started.

Session formats and communication options

Online therapy allows people to communicate with a licensed therapist remotely in the way that's most comfortable for them. Videoconferencing allows clients to get face-to-face interaction without leaving the comfort of their own home, while those who prefer not to be seen on video can communicate via audio or live chat instead.

BetterHelp clients can also reach out through in-app messaging at any time, and their provider will respond as soon as they can. Being able to review a therapist's responses at any time in the app may be encouraging on days when a person experiences relationship challenges or mental health struggles.

How effective is online therapy through BetterHelp?

For many people, the question of whether online therapy actually works matters most. One randomized controlled trial suggests that an internet-based cognitive-behavioral intervention was equally beneficial to regular face-to-face therapy. BetterHelp outcomes statistics reflect this finding, with many users experiencing a reduction in symptoms in 12 weeks.

Patient satisfaction data appears to point in a similar direction. One study from 2022 looked at patient and clinician satisfaction with virtual therapy, and its authors state: "Patients gave high ratings to virtual treatment and indicated a preference for virtual formats." They go on to say that "Both patient and clinician preference for virtual visits increased significantly with time, and many clinicians perceived virtual services to be equally effective to in-person."

Broader trends in the US reflect this growing acceptance as well. For example, nearly 60% of Americans say they would use remote therapy for mental health treatment, according to available survey data. If you're curious whether this kind of care could work for you, you can explore online therapy options and learn more.

Online therapy for specific conditions

Researchers have studied the effectiveness of online therapy for treating many different types of mental health conditions. Findings from one systematic review suggest that online therapy can often be effective for the following conditions:

• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Specific phobias
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

What can BetterHelp therapists help with?

Online therapy through BetterHelp can address a wide range of everyday concerns. Many people reach out for support with challenges such as the following:

• Anxiety and stress
• Depression and low mood
• Relationship challenges
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions and major changes
• Low self-esteem

BetterHelp therapists may draw on a variety of approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other modalities.

In addition to therapy, BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through Uplift, which can be part of a holistic mental health care experience for individuals ages 18 and older. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate, based on a full clinical evaluation, with all treatment decisions made by a licensed psychiatric provider. In cases of severe or crisis situations, in-person support is usually needed.

Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member's insurance plan.

Seeking therapy even if you aren't experiencing symptoms

Although therapy can be a helpful treatment for mental health conditions, you don't need to be showing signs of a diagnosable mental health disorder to potentially benefit from speaking with a therapist online or in person. Therapy can also be helpful for individuals experiencing low self-esteem, stress, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and many other types of difficult life situations. Working with a therapist may help you gain insight into patterns of thinking and behavior that are impacting you.

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

Who may benefit most from BetterHelp

BetterHelp may work especially well for individuals whose circumstances match the following:

• People with busy schedules who need flexible session times
• Those living in areas with limited local therapist options
• People who feel more comfortable communicating with a therapist from home
• Individuals seeking a more affordable alternative to out-of-pocket, in-person care
• Those who value the ability to switch therapists easily until they find the right fit

Still, online therapy isn't the right choice for everyone, and it can help to know when another kind of care may serve you better.

When in-person therapy may be a better fit

BetterHelp is not appropriate for crisis situations or emergencies. If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, you can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

Also, some specialized treatments, such as certain intensive programs or specific in-person therapeutic protocols, may also require face-to-face care. In these situations, seeking local, in-person, or emergency support can be the safest option.

How to get started with online therapy

If you're weighing whether online therapy is worth it for you, taking a small step can help you find out. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home, and you can always change providers at any time at no additional cost until you find someone who fits your needs. Reaching out for support is a brave step, and online therapy can make that step more accessible than ever. When you're ready, help is available.

BetterHelp therapist qualifications

Therapist trust often comes down to who you're actually working with. When looking for an online therapist, it can help to ask about a prospective provider's credentials. With BetterHelp, all mental health professionals are licensed and have at least three years and 1,000 hours of clinical experience, with only 25% of therapist applicants accepted to the platform. Online therapists at BetterHelp are required to follow the same legal and ethical codes as all other therapists, which can offer reassurance as you consider your options.