Price?
Asked by Janet
Answered
04/09/2021
Thanks for your question.
Betterhelp cost can vary depending on several factors. Our online therapy platform offers various subscriptions for online therapy services for its members. BetterHelp accepts some insurance plans in select states and provides financial assistance for therapy sessions as well. We want to make online counseling affordable. Each type of therapy practice helps you grow as a person. BetterHelp licensed therapists and mental health counselors strive to make online counseling a pleasant and affordable experience, regardless of your medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
How much does therapy cost?
Therapy with BetterHelp ranges from $70 to $100 and are billed monthly without insurance, or an average copay of $19 for users with insurance. Co-pay pricing is based on BetterHelp members who have a co-pay. Your costs may differ and depend on your specific health plan. Weekly cost is based on your location, source, preferences, and therapist availability.
Some providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and availability
In comparison, seeing in-person mental health professionals costs an average of $75-$150 per session. You can browse the BetterHelp therapist's profiles and find someone who meets your needs based on therapist ability, and type of therapy (i.e couples therapy, grief counseling, addiction counseling) . Once you've selected the online counselor for your needs, it's up to them to determine if you're a client, they can service.
Budgeting for therapy
Anyone can choose to improve their mental health through therapy. Suppose you don't qualify for financial aid, full health insurance coverage, sliding scale therapy or therapy services at a community mental health agency. In that case, you can probably squeeze enough money from your budget to take this vital step. Review your budget for anything you can cut to make room for it. Remember that if you have a short-term or situational problem, this will be a temporary item in your budget.
It would be best if you also considered that therapy might be worth continuing after the reason you started services is resolved. This can be especially helpful if you have a diagnosed mental health condition or want therapy as a supplement to medication management. It can be nice to have continued support from someone who understands what you have been through, and this should be worth considering when budgeting for counseling services (ongoing or not).
Please check out this article for more information from Betterhelp related to therapy costs.
I understand cost is a determining factor when it comes to mental health care. Therefore, if this article is not helpful, I encourage you to contact a Betterhelp representative at Phone: (888) 688-9296.
I hope you find this information and link helpful in answering your financial questions and understanding the differences in online vs. in-person therapy costs. Betterhelp is an affordable place to start seeking therapy for your mental health needs. I wish you the best on your mental health journey.
Teisha Levi, LMFT
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes, many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and availability. When sessions are covered, members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site. Coverage varies by state and provider availability.
How much does a 30-minute session cost?
Through BetterHelp, weekly sessions can be 30 or 45 minutes. To receive this weekly session in addition to a host of other useful therapeutic tools, a subscription is required—which can cost between $70–$100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Through other services or providers, sessions may have different lengths and different associated costs. It’s not just the cost that you may need to consider, as convenience and accessibility can be significant benefits relevant to your decision.
Is therapy ever fully covered by insurance?
In some cases, therapy may be fully covered by insurance due to the Affordable Care Act. However, it's more common for therapy to be partially covered, requiring the individual to supply a co-pay for each session. If therapy is not covered, sliding-scale therapy programs may be available in some cases, or there may be free and charitable clinics in your area. Online therapy can also be a more affordable option than in-person care without insurance.
Can I find free therapy?
There are some resources available that may offer free therapy. For example, university campuses may offer free or low-cost therapy to enrolled students, and employee assistance programs may do the same for workers at a certain company. You could also look for mental health nonprofits and community clinics near you, or you could seek more information about free treatment from your local health affairs department or health services administration.
