Talk to a qualified online therapist in Canada

Online counselling is largely the same as in-person counselling-it just takes place virtually. Online therapists use the same evidence-based modalities as in-person providers to help clients address a variety of mental health challenges in virtual sessions.

BetterHelp users can choose between video, audio, and live chat for each appointment. These telehealth options can make it easy to tailor the online therapy Canada experience to your preferences and comfort levels, which may help you stick to treatment long-term.

BetterHelp connects you with credentialed, qualified therapists with verified education, training, and supervised experience across areas like anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and more. The platform's large network of therapists can increase the chance of finding a strong fit.

The matching process begins with a brief intake questionnaire to identify your goals and therapist preferences. When you're matched with a credentialed therapist, you can trust that they've undergone the education and experience required to help clients with a range of mental health concerns. Not only has each trained therapist on the BetterHelp platform been vetted to ensure they have the necessary credentials, but they've also completed a case study graded by a professional clinician.

If the first provider you're matched with isn't the right fit for your situation or needs, you can switch at any time and at no additional cost. A strong therapeutic alliance tends to be vital for the best results, and BetterHelp aims to ensure you are matched with a therapist who can help you effectively address your challenges and achieve your mental health goals.

After you complete a brief questionnaire, we'll connect you with a credentialed therapist as soon as possible. The matching process can take a few hours or a few days, depending on online therapist availability. Once you've been matched, you can schedule your first session. If the fit isn't quite right, you can request a different therapist at any time.

Many people use BetterHelp to:

• Build coping skills
• Improve mood and overall mental health
• Work through stress
• Address challenges in relationships
• Cope with grief
• Manage sleep concerns
• Address anxiety, depression, or the effects of trauma
• Enhance low self-esteem
• Receive support in navigating life changes

BetterHelp isn't appropriate for young people under the age of 18, individuals who are experiencing an emergency or crisis, those who are required to attend therapy by a court/authority, or people who do not have a strong internet connection.

Those who are in crisis or have recently experienced trauma or abuse can call or text 988 for support at any time. When you contact 988, you will be connected with a compassionate crisis counselor who can provide you with additional resources.

BetterHelp pricing in Canada consists of subscription plans that can start as low as $85 CAD per week for online therapy services. The weekly cost ranges from $85 to $110 CAD, while the monthly cost ranges from $340 to $440 CAD, billed weekly or monthly. You can pause or cancel your BetterHelp subscription at any time. Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

While BetterHelp doesn't bill insurance directly, many extended health benefits reimburse sessions with specific credentialed professionals pending the submission of qualifying receipts. However, coverage varies by plan and province, so be sure to check your plan details or contact your insurance provider directly to learn about the requirements for coverage.

You don't need a GP or doctor's referral for BetterHelp, as it is a non-public online therapy platform. To receive mental health support via BetterHelp, all you need to do is complete the intake questionnaire and start your subscription plan. If you're pursuing benefits reimbursement, check with your insurer to see if BetterHelp meets your plan's requirements.

The matching process starts immediately after you complete the intake questionnaire and can take a few hours to a few days, depending on therapist availability. Once you've been paired with a provider, you can schedule your first session. While you're waiting, you can enable app notifications so that you'll be informed as soon as you've been matched with a therapist. You can also look at your calendar and note any preferred times for your first appointment.

You can meet by video, phone, or live chat, and you can also stay in touch with in-app messaging between sessions - your therapist will respond when they are able. It's possible to pick the format you prefer each week for your remote sessions. Some people enjoy trying therapy sessions in each format to see which option they prefer.

A typical therapy session on the BetterHelp platform lasts between 30 and 45 minutes and can occur via your choice of video, phone call, or live chat. During therapy sessions, which are often goal-focused, you'll typically talk about any challenges you're experiencing and work collaboratively with your therapist to learn effective coping skills and ways to move forward. Toward the end of the session, you may review your progress, discuss any homework to complete before your next appointment, and establish next steps. Outside of sessions, you may message your therapist as needed, and they will reply when they are able.

One of the benefits of online therapy is the control it gives you over the process. You can switch therapists at any time, for any reason, and at no additional cost until you find the right fit for your needs and preferences.

In addition, you can change the session format week-to-week. For example, you could attend your session from a coffee shop one week and opt for the live chat format. The next week, you might attend your live session from home and choose the video call format. Phone sessions with your online therapist are an option as well.

Online sessions can be as helpful as in-person care for many concerns, but not all. Providers on BetterHelp don't make official diagnoses, fulfill court orders, or prescribe medication. Certain mental health disorders, such as those involving psychosis or that require medical intervention (like eating disorders and substance use disorder) may necessitate in-person care.

A large and growing body of research supports the use of online therapy as an effective form of treatment compared to in-person talking therapies. Both options typically use the same evidence-based modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to help clients with a variety of mental health challenges. According to a 2022 study, teletherapy and in-person therapy produce comparable outcomes.

When choosing between in-person and online therapy, the best option for you may be the one that helps you feel comfortable and that you find easiest to stick to. Two important factors in therapy success are the therapeutic alliance (your relationship with your therapist) and treatment adherence (whether you continue treatment consistently over time). Whether online or in-person therapy promotes a better therapeutic alliance and treatment adherence may vary from person to person, so it can be crucial to take your preferences into account.

Individuals under the age of 18 are not eligible for BetterHelp's services. Young people in need of mental health support can reach out to Kids Help Phone, which provides 24/7 mental health services to kids, teens, and young adults in Canada. You can contact the Kids Help Phone helpline for crisis support by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting 686868. Online chat is also available.

You can use the BetterHelp platform for as long as it helps, attending weekly sessions with your therapist for as long as you'd like to do so. There's no set duration for support, and you're free to switch therapists and pause or cancel your subscription as needed.