The best online therapy service with licensed therapists
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Join the over 4 million people who got help using the world's largest online therapy provider.
Online therapy has guided millions of clients worldwide. Since 2021, four out of ten Americans have used online counseling services to meet with their therapist, often due to the convenience, accessibility, and affordability of this treatment option. Sessions can be accessed from home or anywhere with a wifi connection. In addition, it allows clients to take advantage of affordable, thorough mental health services without using health insurance. For those who can’t commute to an appointment due to remote location, income insecurity, or a disability, online therapy can allow accessibility that may not be found elsewhere.
Telehealth therapy has been proven effective by multiple studies. One study, accessed in the National Library of Medicine, showcases how cognitive-behavioral therapy can effectively treat major depressive disorder and anxiety. The researchers also conclude that virtual or internet therapy can increase reported quality of life, satisfaction with treatment, and recovery rates. Another study, published in JAMA Network Open, reports that online therapy can be more cost-effective, especially in treating conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Professional, licensed, and vetted therapists who you can trust
BetterHelp offers access to the world’s largest network of over 25,000 licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), and board licensed professional counselors (LPC).
Therapists at BetterHelp can address a range of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, grief, anger, parenting challenges, relationship issues, and concerns related to trauma. If you prefer a therapist who has experience with a certain area of concern or who comes from a specific background, BetterHelp can match you with the right mental health professional.
With our therapists, you get the same professionalism and quality you would expect from an in-office therapist, but with the ability to communicate when and how you want using our online therapy platform.
Types of therapy at BetterHelp
See BetterHelp’s advice articles for more information about the following therapeutic modalities.
Family therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Solution-focused brief therapy
Narrative therapy
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Person-centered therapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Emotionally focused therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Talk therapy
Humanistic therapy
Benefits of online therapy
Many studies have shown that online therapy is as effective if not more effective than in-person therapy. One study found that cognitive-behavioral therapy online was as effective as traditional options in treating anxiety, depression, and stress in clients. Another study found that 71% of BetterHelp users found the platform more effective and preferable to in-person counseling, feeling that the format allowed them to connect easily with their therapist.
Online therapy with BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist at your convenience from anywhere that has a stable wifi connection. With messaging, audio, and video communication options, you’re able to communicate with your therapist when and where it works for you, without the added commute required for in-person therapy. If you live in an area without many therapists to choose from, maintain a busy schedule, or don’t have access to reliable transportation, online therapy can remove those barriers making mental health care accessible to you.
With online therapy, you’re able to build a relationship with your therapist in your safe space. Online clients often report a more positive treatment experience when working with their therapist virtually. Some people have trouble speaking to a new psychologist face to face, and this form of support allows those who aren’t comfortable interacting in person to have an alternative form of communication that could help them open up.
Privacy is an important concern for many when it comes to mental health care. With online therapy, there is no risk of bumping into someone you know, or discussing your treatment with anyone but your therapist. You also have the option not to use your real name and use an email address that does not directly identify you when you set up your account with us. If you'd like to learn more about BetterHelp's privacy policy, you can read our entire disclosure here.
It can be difficult for traditional therapy to fit into your schedule if you have a busy lifestyle that makes it hard to find a free hour. With BetterHelp therapy online, you can message your therapist any time you need, and they will respond as soon as they’re able, offering you support outside of sessions. If your match doesn't feel like a perfect fit for any reason, you’re able to switch therapists at any time at no additional cost. All of this contributes to you being able to build a useful and healthy relationship with your therapist.
BetterHelp’s licensed therapists provide the same level of professionalism in online therapy as you would experience in in-person therapy, with the added benefit of being able to communicate where and when is convenient for you. BetterHelp therapists are thoroughly vetted before taking clients on the platform, and many are trained in a wide range of therapeutic modalities.
Communicate with your therapist through messages, voice, or video
Messaging
Sending a message to your therapist allows you to communicate thoughtfully and allows the them to formulate a more detailed response. You can also note something you’d like to discuss in your next live session.
Live chat
Live chat is similar to messaging, except you will receive live responses throughout the duration of your online therapy session. This can be a great option if you need to take your psychotherapy session someplace that isn’t private, such as a cafe, or if you aren’t yet comfortable speaking through a phone or video call.
Voice call
Using the BetterHelp app, you can speak to your therapist through voice calls, just like talking on the phone. This allows for tone and emotions to come through, although you will not see each other’s faces.
Video
Video sessions are ideal for an experience that is comparable to seeing a therapist in person. You will be able to see each other’s body language and hear each other’s tone of voice. We recommend this type of online therapy session as it often provides the most impactful therapeutic alliance and can produce the best results.
Getting started with BetterHelp: How it works
Answer a few questions to find a licensed therapist who fits your needs and preferences. Tap into the largest network of licensed online therapy providers. Switch therapists in order to find the best fit at any time.
Talk to your therapist however you feel comfortable — text, chat, phone, or video.
You can message your therapist at anytime, from anywhere. You also get to schedule live sessions when it's convenient for you, and can connect from any mobile device or computer.
BetterHelp counseling reviews
These quotes represent a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for therapists who work with BetterHelp.
Marsha Perfetti-McIntosh, LCPC
BetterHelp in the news
All-You-Can-Text Therapy Services
By Joshua Fruhlinger
“My BetterHelp therapist asked the same kinds of thought-provoking questions as the traditional therapists I worked with in the past. (What is it about your future that you’re unsure of? Can you tell me about your old life and what is different now?) Because of the continuing, open-ended nature of the text chat, however, she helped me identify anxiety triggers and coping mechanisms much faster than it would have taken had we met only once a week. What’s more, I came to find that launching the BetterHelp site on my smartphone or laptop and writing out my thoughts became therapeutic in itself.”
“A lot of the user base that’s interested are people who have never set foot in a therapist’s office,” says Haesue Jo, a licensed psychologist and clinical support lead at BetterHelp, an online counseling and therapy service that provides web-based, phone, and text interaction. “This is a way for people to stick their toe in the water if they’ve been fearful of talking to a therapist before.”
Therapy Changing As People Seek Mental Health Services
By Jennifer Nelson
Online Mental Health Services Spike Up During Pandemic
By Bambi Francisco Roizen
“We’ve heard from our therapists how Coronavirus increased the level of anxiety with their current clients. We’ve also seen a spike in people starting online therapy with us,’ Alon Matas, President of Teladoc’s BetterHelp, told me. ‘The number of new members with concerns of stress and anxiety in February more than doubled vs. February of last year, and this trend is accelerating in March.’ BetterHelp provided free service for clients who have been financially impacted by the outbreak (e.g., layoff or loss of income). The company is offering financial aid for a new client that can cover nearly 50% of the cost. Counselors will still be paid, but BetterHelp will subsidize the loss.”
Frequently asked questions
How much does online therapy cost?
The cost varies by platform. BetterHelp’s subscriptions range from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks) for unlimited messaging and a weekly video, phone, or live chat session with a licensed mental health professional. This pricing is more cost-effective than the national US market average of $125 to $199 per session.
Platforms like BetterHelp may also offer extra features, which may not be offered by in-person therapists, increasing the cost-benefit. These options might include group psychotherapy sessions, journaling prompts, webinar classes, and thousands of articles on mental health topics.
How can online therapy services help me?
Anyone can use online counseling. You don’t have to have a mental illness or diagnosis to seek support. A counselor is trained to offer guidance in many areas and may specialize in several modalities and symptoms. For example, therapists can support clients with depression, anxiety, chronic stress, relationship conflicts, career challenges, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, traumatic events, and other topics. Although some people may worry about reaching out for help from an online psychologist due to stigma, online therapy is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, or background.
The effectiveness of therapy has been proven through hundreds of studies and clinical trials. Research shows that online therapy is as effective as in-person psychotherapy when working with a licensed clinical therapist. In addition to effectiveness, online counseling offers the convenience of allowing clients to message their therapist throughout the week and outside of sessions to receive responses when they are available. Session options may include video and phone calls or live chat with your counselor, which allows you control over how you receive support.
To understand how other users have felt about a platform like BetterHelp, it may be helpful to look at past reviews. By looking at the diverse experiences of others, you can see how it might benefit you.
What are some common concerns about online therapy?
Some people may worry that their counselor is not accredited. However, platforms like BetterHelp offer access to licensed, trained, and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors. Many therapists on the platform have a doctorate, and all psychotherapy providers have thousands of hours of clinical experience and supervision.
When a counselor applies to work with BetterHelp, they pass multiple assessments and interviews, including a background check to verify their credentials through their state’s licensing board. Therapists on the platform have at least a master’s degree, 1,000 or more clinical hours, and three years or more of experience. For this reason, the experienced professional you match with online is as credible as those you may find in person, and the vetting process is already done for you.
Other common concerns about online therapy may include cost, effectiveness, and safety. However, this kind of support is cost-effective, effective, and safe when used correctly through a platform like BetterHelp or with a credentialed counselor.
Does insurance cover online therapy?
Whether insurance covers online therapy may depend on the method you choose. Private-practice providers may accept insurance. However, counseling platforms often do not accept insurance plans. For example, BetterHelp does not accept insurance or partner with insurance providers. However, your insurance plan may offer reimbursement for services you receive through an online platform.
The Mental Health Parity Act requires employers and others who provide access to group health plans to offer equal benefits for medical and mental health-related services that accept insurance. As a result, some major health insurance providers offer reimbursement for online behavioral health services. Contact the insurance company directly or review your benefits list to understand whether your plan offers this option. You may be asked to request a superbill from your online therapist to submit to your insurance company.
Note that reimbursement through your insurance company for services online is not at the discretion of the online platform or your therapist. All requests and appeals must be made directly with your insurance company, and there may not be a guarantee that they will provide reimbursement. If your plan does not cover reimbursement, knowing online therapy is often more affordable than some insurance co-pays and monthly plan costs may be helpful.
Does Medicare or Medicaid insurance cover online therapy through BetterHelp?
BetterHelp does not work with any insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, which are government-sponsored health insurance plans, however, BetterHelp does offer affordable counseling from $60 to $90 per week, billed monthly or weekly. Check with your insurance provider to discuss the option of reimbursement for online therapy services. You may find the contact information for your counselor on the back of your health insurance card.
Does BetterHelp offer free online therapy?
BetterHelp does not offer free therapy. As the leading global counseling provider, they employ a large, dedicated team of counselors and contract with thousands of licensed therapists and psychologists to provide convenient, accessible, and affordable counseling. Being able to offer affordable online therapy comes at a cost, and therapists make their living through the cost of the weekly subscription. However, you may qualify for a temporary lower rate on services. When you sign up, take the financial need survey or email contact@betterhelp.com to learn more.
Is seeing an online therapist effective or as effective as in-person health care services?
Multiple studies have found that online therapy is as effective as in-person therapy, with some showing that a service like BetterHelp's is more effective. For example, in a study conducted in eClinicalMedicine, researchers examined 17 studies on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy online in treating depressive disorders. The results demonstrated that online CBT could be more effective than face-to-face CBT in reducing symptom severity and that online CBT was more cost-effective.
Online therapy may also be as effective as in-person options in different settings, such as couples therapy through platforms like ReGain. One review found that couples preferred online therapy due to the enhanced connection of virtual marriage counseling and the ease of videoconferencing sessions with their counselor. Couples also reported a greater sense of comfort and control over their experience.
How often should you attend online therapy sessions?
How often you attend therapy depends on your preferences and mental health goals. Some people prefer seeing a therapist every other week, whereas others require more frequent support.
Some people who see a therapist, whether in person or via online therapy, have a session once a week. A weekly session can allow a steady pace of communication, with healthy reflection between sessions. Through a platform like BetterHelp, you can also send your therapist messages throughout the week, receiving extra support.
BetterHelp subscription plans include one weekly live session and unlimited messaging with your therapist. If you want more than one session a week, you can request one, and the app or website can notify you how much the extra session may cost and whether it’s available. Some BetterHelp users also sign up for one weekly group session, which functions as a support group led by a licensed professional. You can schedule one weekly group session in addition to your weekly individual therapy session.
Can online therapy services offer treatment by prescribing medication?
BetterHelp therapists do not prescribe medications to clients. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication for mental health challenges are psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, prescribing psychologists (in some states), and other medical doctors (MDs). These professionals must be licensed in the state where they practice and are subject to other licensing requirements.
Consult your primary care physician or doctor for further guidance before starting, changing, or stopping any medication or medical treatment.
Why do people believe that BetterHelp counseling is the better therapy option?
BetterHelp is an online therapy service that supports clients worldwide with common mental health conditions and life challenges. Because BetterHelp is cost-effective, accessible, and flexible, it is often a viable alternative to in-person therapy. In addition, clients may enjoy membership benefits, like daily journaling prompts, weekly classes, optional group therapy sessions, and unlimited messaging with a therapist. BetterHelp is the leading counseling platform worldwide for the cost and range of services offered.
Who should not use virtual counselling?
If you are in a crisis or any other person may be in danger, please do not use this site. Reach out to one of the following crisis services unaffiliated with BetterHelp:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- 988 Suicide Lifeline: Call or text 988 for support
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866) 488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800) 662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline: 1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM to 9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM to 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to COVID-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
- BlackLine: Call 1-800-604-584 for peer support if you are a Black American experiencing a mental health crisis
Is therapy effective and what research and evidence proves that online mental health counseling works?
Several studies have proven the effectiveness of online counseling & online therapy. Here are a few examples:
- 1. Andersson, G., & Cuijpers, P. (2009). Internet-based and other computerized psychological treatments for adult depression: A meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 38(3): 196–205.
- 2. Cuijpers, P., Donker, T., van Straten, A., Li, J. and Andersson, G. (2010). Is guided self-help as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy for depression and anxiety disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative outcome studies. Psychological Medicine, 40(11): 1943–1957.
- 3. E Kaltenthaler 1, J Brazier, E De Nigris, I Tumur, M Ferriter, C Beverley, G Parry, G Rooney, P Sutcliffe (2006). Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy for depression and anxiety update: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2006 Sep;10(33):iii, xi-xiv, 1-168. doi: 10.3310/hta10330.
- 4. Knaevelsrud, C. and Maercker, A. (2007). Internet-based treatment for PTSD: A randomized controlled trial comparing clinician-assisted to self-administered PTSD treatment. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(11): 1675–1683.
- 5. Piet, J. and Hougaard, E. (2011). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adult patients: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 31(6): 1032-1040.
- 6. Spek, V., Nyklí?ek, I., Smit, F. and Cuijpers, P. (2007). Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy for symptoms of depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine, 37(3): 319–328.
- 7. Michael Seyffert 1 2 3, Pooja Lagisetty 2 3, Jessica Landgraf 3, Vineet Chopra 2 4, Paul N Pfeiffer 1 4, Marisa L Conte 5, Mary A M Rogers 2 (2016). Virtually-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Treat Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2016 Feb 11;11(2):e0149139. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149139. eCollection 2016.
How do online therapy providers BetterHelp, Talkspace, and Regain differ?
| BetterHelp | Talkspace | Regain | |
| Number of therapists | 30,000+ | Not specified | Not specified |
| Therapist Qualifications | LCSW, LPC, MFT, PsyD | LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or PhD in Clinical Psychology. | LCSW, LPC, MFT, PsyD |
| Messaging | 7 days per week | 5 days per week | 7 days per week |
| Live Chat Sessions | Yes | Yes, may be an additional cost | Yes |
| Phone Sessions | Yes | Yes, may be an additional cost | Yes |
| Video Sessions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Session Length Limit | 45 minutes | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Sessions Booking | Choose availability based on therapist's calendar, no confirmation needed | Choose availability based on therapist's calendar, therapistconfirmation required | Choose availability based on therapist's calendar, no confirmation needed |
| Matching To Therapist Options | Matching algorithm or choose from a list - change therapists at any time | Matched by algorithm | Matching algorithm or choose from a list - change therapists at any time |
| Digital Worksheets | Yes | No | Yes |
| Journal | Yes | No | Yes |
| Interactive Group Sessions | Yes, 1 included per week plus more available at extra cost | No | No |
| Self-Help Content | 4,000+ articles and guides | Blog content | 2,000+ articles and guides |
| Showing "Therapy Timeline" | No | Yes | No |
| Psychiatry Option | No | Yes | No |
| App Store Rating | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 |
| Google Play Store Rating | 4.6 | 4.4 | |
| Payment Commitment | Month-by-month default with option to change to week-by-week or quarter-by-quarter | Month-by-month, quarter-by-quarter, or semi-annually | Month-by-month default with option to change to week-by-week or quarter-by-quarter |
| Monthly Cost | $240 to $360, Depends on location and includes a weekly live session | $396 per month | $240 to $360 per month |
| Financial Aid Options | Yes | No | Yes |
| Payment Options | Credit card, PayPal | Credit card | Credit card, PayPal |
| Insurance/Payer Coverage | Options available Some FSA/HSA providers, some employers, some EAPs, some universities | Options available Some insurance plans, FSA/HSA providers, employers, EAPs, universities | Options available Some employers, some EAPs, some universities |
| Counseling options available | Individual, Couples, Teen | Individual, Couples, Teen, Psychiatry | Individual, Couples |
For more information about BetterHelp’s online therapy services and features, visit the FAQ section. If you have specific questions about the counseling experience with BetterHelp, please use the contact page to send the customer success team a message.
Therapy is personal
Free professional & medically reviewed mental health articles
Does health insurance cover therapy? Costs and options
"Insurance benefits can cover therapy in certain cases, depending on your unique situation. Each health insurance plan may have different mental health coverage options for mental health treatment. Additionally, some insurance companies may not cover certain behavioral health services, price points, or pre-existing conditions. Discussing your mental health benefits with your insurance provider can help you find the most affordable and best-suited therapist for your needs..."
Medically reviewed by Dawn Brown, LPC
How much does online counseling cost?
"Paying for an online psychologist, therapy sessions, or mental health services can present a significant challenge for many individuals. There are numerous routes you can take in finding effective mental health services, and it can feel challenging to know which one to choose and how to envision the long-term process when it comes to cost..."
Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
How to find a virtual therapist near me
"Finding the right therapist that matches your needs can be challenging, particularly if you live in a rural area or are limited by the coverage from your insurance. The factors you may consider include cost, distance, specialty, and preferences when looking for treatment in your area. Here are the ways you can get started in your search..."
Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Online therapy reviews from working with a therapist
"These quotes represent a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for therapists who work with BetterHelp. We don’t pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different. If you would like to review your therapist, please send your review to contact@betterhelp.com."