BetterHelp Reviews (2022): Is BetterHelp Therapy Legit and Worth The Cost?

(Ad) BetterHelp is the world’s largest online counseling platform, providing direct access to licensed mental health services for teens, adults, and couples. Danny Bragonier and Alon Matas founded BetterHelp in 2013 before acquiring Teladoc, the telehealth company, in 2014.

The BetterHelp therapists have the same qualifications and experience levels as in-person therapists, and the company requires them to verify their qualifications before signing up to the platform. The types of licensed professional counselors on BetterHelp include:

• Clinical social workers
• Marriage and family therapists
• Mental health professionals
• Psychologists
• Licensed professional counselors

But is BetterHelp the best online therapy platform or are there better alternatives? In this BetterHelp review, we’ll cover everything you need to know including the types of therapy sessions offered, features we like, the costs, and how it compares to in-person therapy.

Click Here to Learn More About BetterHelp

What is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp makes professional therapy available to its users at any time via a computer or any mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The platform can also provide a personalized experience by matching you with a psychologist, clinical social worker, or licensed mental health counselor to help you with your specific problem.

You can consider BetterHelp if you need help with any mental health issues. Some of the areas of concern that BetterHelp therapists address include:

• Depression
• Stress and anxiety
• Self-esteem
• Sexual orientation
• Relationship issues
• Eating disorders
• Life changes
• Parenting
• Trauma and grief
• OCD
• Addiction
• PTSD
• Childhood abuse

How Does BetterHelp Work?

To use BetterHelp’s online counseling services, you first need to create an account by completing a questionnaire. Then, using the information you provide, BetterHelp matches you with the most suitable professional counselors.

You list your BetterHelp therapist preferences in the questionnaire. This includes their age, language, sexual orientation, gender, and religion. You also need to provide the mental health conditions you need help with so that the platform can provide you with a professional who can address your specific concerns.

Matching you with a licensed mental health counselor can take a few hours to several days, depending on the number of therapists who match your preferences and the most suitable therapists’ availability.

Your subscription period will only start once you complete the sign-up process and find the right therapist. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist and want to change therapists at any time, you can email BetterHelp and ask them to repeat the matching process.

The BetterHelp sign-up process allows you to stay anonymous. BetterHelp doesn’t ask you for your full name and address, and you create an in-platform user name.

Your therapist may ask you for specific information under their licensing board guidelines. However, this information is confidential and under the protection of patient data protection laws and BetterHelp’s site security.

Types of Therapy Sessions They Offer

After signing up with BetterHelp, you can receive online therapy from your own therapist. With BetterHelp, online counseling is similar to in-person therapy in that you can schedule sessions and communicate with your online counselor about your problems or challenges you wish to discuss.

BetterHelp offers various communication methods: phone sessions, video conferencing, live chat, and messaging. You can select a communication method that fits your lifestyle, schedule, and privacy requirements. Some BetterHelp counselors are available for all these types of therapy sessions.

Phone

You can speak with your therapist using your cell phone or landline from anywhere in the United States. To receive therapy over the phone, you need to sign in to your BetterHelp account and schedule a session with your therapist.

Before starting the phone session, log in to your therapy room using your computer or mobile device, and enter your phone number. After providing your phone number, the system will call you on your phone and connect you with your therapist. This way, neither you nor your therapist reveals your private phone numbers.

A live phone session typically lasts for up to one hour, but you can schedule additional time or arrange follow-up sessions. Many people prefer phone calls to in-person therapy sessions, as it allows them to receive counseling from the comfort of their homes or offices. Phone calls also provide a level of anonymity that you don’t get with a live video session or in-person therapy.

Live Video

BetterHelp’s live video sessions are the ideal solution if you prefer the personal touch of face-to-face therapy but without needing to leave your home. A video session on BetterHelp is similar to a Skype or Zoom call. You need a mobile device with a front-facing camera or a computer with a webcam to receive therapy via a live video call. 

You can schedule a live video session at a time that suits you and your therapist from your BetterHelp account. Before your video sessions start, log into your therapy room. Here, your therapist will prompt you to start the video chat. After confirming the prompt, your video session will start immediately.

Live video sessions closely resemble traditional therapy. Ideally, you should schedule a few hours of video sessions within the first month to determine if you and your new therapist are a good fit for each other. Once you are comfortable with this form of professional counseling, you can switch to phone sessions or other communication methods with the same therapist.

Online Chat

A live chat session is a text conversation with your therapist in real-time. In other words, you and the therapist respond immediately to each other’s text messages. Live chat sessions are the most private form of online therapy but provide you with the instant interaction you need to address your mental health concerns.

As is the case with other live sessions, such as virtual sessions or phone calls, you need to schedule a time with your therapist to ensure that you have their undivided attention. Online chat sessions are an effective alternative to in-person sessions and are ideal if you need an immediate solution to a concern relating to your mental health.

Almost all BetterHelp counselors are available for these live sessions. A live chat session takes an average of 30 minutes, depending on the issues at hand. If you find that 30-minute live sessions are too short or too long for your needs, you can ask your therapist to adjust the length.

The most significant advantage of this form of online therapy is that you have a complete record of the conversation with your therapist, and you can refer back to it in the future. If you are uncomfortable with a live phone or video conversation, this BetterHelp therapy is a viable option.

Messaging

After you have signed up to BetterHelp and found your own therapist, the platform will provide you with a dedicated chat room. Here, you can send messages privately and securely. Your therapist will read these messages and respond on their own time, providing you with the guidance, feedback, and counseling you need.

BetterHelp offers unlimited messaging in your dedicated chat room, letting you communicate with your therapist at any time and from anywhere, provided that you have a device with an internet connection. Your therapy room is open 24/7, and you don’t need to schedule a messaging session.

When your therapist responds to a message, you will receive a notification email. You can use this chat function to attach files, similar to email. You can also flag a message as urgent.

Messaging is integral to BetterHelp’s online counseling services and an ideal option for those struggling to afford therapy. With the messaging option, you don’t get instant responses, which may be frustrating. However, this slower form of communication gives you enough time to consider your therapist’s insights and formulate questions to address your concerns effectively.

Who Are the Therapists?

The BetterHelp platform offers the services of over 24,000 therapists. The types of therapists available include:

• Licensed psychologists (Ph.D./Psy.D.)
• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW/LMSW)
• Licensed professional therapists (LPC)
• Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT)

BetterHelp only accepts a therapist licensed by a state board. Other requirements include:

• United States residence
• Excellent writing skills
• Three years of experience in adult, couple, or teen counseling
• A reliable internet connection

If you need therapy, you can rest assured that the therapist BetterHelp recommends has all the necessary skills, credentials, and experience to address your concerns.

Note that BetterHelp counselors are independent contractors, not employees. The therapists on this platform don’t include interns, substance abuse therapists, registered nurses, career therapists, or Christian therapists.

BetterHelp doesn’t authorize therapists to make official diagnoses. A therapist or counselor who is not a doctor of medicine may not prescribe medications as it doesn’t fall within their scope of training or education.

Features We Like

When choosing a platform for online counseling, you need to consider each option’s features, benefits, and drawbacks to determine how they match your unique requirements.

The BetterHelp platform is not merely a second-best alternative to traditional therapy sessions. This site offers a wide range of features, making it a viable option for those requiring therapy.

BetterHelp’s features allow for convenience, security, and privacy. This site also brings you in contact with the ideal therapist for your unique situation and personality. We researched various official BetterHelp reviews and the information on their website. Below are the features we like best.

Send a Message to Your Therapist Anytime

BetterHelp lets you send a message to your therapist at any time, making their online counseling services more accessible.

A busy schedule is one of the things keeping people away from therapy. The ability to contact your therapist at any time of the day or night is helpful as you don’t need to make time during office hours. Instead, you can find a suitable time and think carefully about the questions you have before typing them into the chat.

The ability to message your counselor at any time also has therapeutic value. If you lie awake at night, worrying about difficulties in your life or struggling with a mental health issue, the act of typing a message to your therapist can be helpful. Knowing that someone is “listening” at the other end gives you the peace of mind that you are not facing your mental health issues alone.

Most BetterHelp counselors reply to messages once per day, with some replying more frequently. When you start therapy, ask your counselor how often they reply to messages and tell them about your expectations. Most therapists will have no problem responding more frequently if that is what the user requires.

Ability to Switch Therapists at No Additional Cost

One of the most significant advantages of BetterHelp over other online therapy platforms is that it allows you to change therapists. You can switch therapists at any time, and there is no limit to the number of times you can switch.

To find a different therapist, send a message to BetterHelp support, and they will help you go through the matching process again. You don’t have to let the therapist know that you want to find someone else.

You can expect the initial interaction between you and a new therapist to be somewhat impersonal. Most therapists use generic questions to get to know you and understand your needs.

However, the feeling of detachment should subside within three sessions. If you find that the therapist’s responses remain shallow, generic, or impersonal, consider switching.

Keep in mind that you want a professional relationship with a person who has the qualifications and experience to address your problems. Don’t expect your therapist to assume the role of your best friend. When dealing with complex issues, it is natural to feel uncomfortable. However, if you feel that your therapist is dismissive or belittling towards you, it may be time to switch.

Effective communication is integral to talk therapy, especially when using an online platform. You need a therapist who is responsive and willing to use the communication channel you prefer. Your therapist should also be willing to discuss your progress and pinpoint issues that may be preventing improvement.

Communication difficulties are a tell-tale sign that you need to switch therapists. With BetterHelp, finding a new therapist is a quick and easy process, and you don’t need to waste valuable time trying to make it work with a therapist who doesn’t meet your needs.

Therapy Sessions via Phone, Tablet, or Computer

One of the benefits of online therapy is that it doesn’t limit you to a specific time or place. With BetterHelp, you can receive therapy using your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

These devices are compatible with the various communication methods BetterHelp has available, including phone calls, live chat sessions, video chat sessions, and messaging. You can also use your computer to schedule a phone call.

The ability to connect using different devices lets you receive online therapy on the go. You can contact your therapist while sitting in your car, riding the commuter train, waiting in the doctor’s office, or lying in your bed.

The scheduling function also prevents you from forgetting or missing video or phone call sessions. When you receive a notification that your scheduled session is about to start, you can step out and take your call in privacy using your mobile device.

Receiving therapy remotely means you can talk to your therapist in the comfort and privacy of your home. You don’t need to dress up, drive to an office, and sit in a waiting room.

Easy to Schedule Online Counseling

One of the drawbacks of in-office therapy is that you may have to wait days or even weeks for a session. When using BetterHelp, scheduling a video, phone, or chat session is easy, and you can expect your therapist to have an open slot within a day or two.

Using the scheduling function is straightforward, thanks to BetterHelp’s user-friendly platform. If you want to talk to your therapist, find an open slot on the therapist’s calendar, then schedule a session using the messaging function. If the therapist is available during that time, they will confirm the session and communication method.

All Therapists Are Licensed and Vetted

All therapists using BetterHelp to provide counseling are licensed and vetted. Each counselor needs at least 1,000 hours or three years of hands-on professional experience before they can join the platform.

The BetterHelp counselors have master’s degrees in their relevant field, and some staff therapists have doctoral degrees. According to BetterHelp, only around 15% of the therapists who apply to the platform are successful in securing a position.

To become a BetterHelp therapist, an applicant must undergo the following steps successfully:

• A thorough review of the applicant’s experience, references, and background
• Verification of all the applicant’s credentials
• A video interview and case study examination that a licensed clinician evaluates
• A platform skills test

After approval, therapists undergo ongoing monitoring and quality improvement.

Each therapist has a profile featuring their bio, specialties, available communication channels, and clinical approaches. You can also read all the reviews from previous users to determine what you can expect from the therapist’s services. This information will give you valuable insights into your therapist and their ability to meet your needs.

The extensive vetting procedure and profile information give you the peace of mind that you have a professional looking after your needs. If you are not satisfied with your therapist, you always have the option to find someone else.

Note that BetterHelp doesn’t offer psychiatrists, and your therapist is not allowed to make an official diagnosis or prescribe medication.

Smart Therapist-Matching Process

If you don’t have a background in psychology, you may not know which type of therapist is best for your needs and preferences. BetterHelp has a smart therapist matching process in place to ensure that you get a therapist with whom you can build a long-term relationship.

During the sign-up process, you need to complete a questionnaire pertaining to your online therapy needs, the overall state of your health, and your financial circumstances. You also need to provide your demographic information and identify what you need in a therapist. For example, you can select the areas of specialization you would like your therapist to have, their gender, and their age range.

BetterHelp’s intelligent algorithm then uses your responses in the questionnaire to match you with a therapist who meets your request. You can expect to wait a day or two before receiving your match.

While the matching process is helpful, you don’t need to use it to find a therapist. For example, you can see the latest platform reviews on the Reviews page and click on the profile link of any therapist who appears here. If the therapist’s bio, areas of specialty, and demographic information resonate with you, you can click on the “Work with me” button below their profile picture.

Click Here to Get Matched With A Licensed Therapist from BetterHelp

Finding the Best Therapist on BetterHelp

Therapy is a multi-dimensional process involving communication, an in-depth understanding of your situation, and expert knowledge on how to resolve your problem. Whether you need online therapy to help you improve your self-esteem, alleviate chronic anxiety, or deal with losing a loved one, finding the most suitable therapist for your needs is crucial.

When using BetterHelp, there are several things you can do to ensure that you find the best therapist. The first step is to take the screening questions seriously. The matching algorithm is not perfect, but using it goes a long way toward helping you select a suitable counselor.

It would help if you also considered the essential qualities you want in a therapist. For example, if you find it easier to communicate with women, you will likely “click” better with a female therapist.

Also, don’t request to change therapists after the first session. Generally speaking, first sessions are always impersonal. If you are not used to receiving therapy, it is also natural to feel uncomfortable during the first one or two sessions.

If you have expectations for the first session that are too high, you are more likely to end the services of a therapist who is perfect for you.

How Does BetterHelp Compare to In-Person Therapy?

The form of communication is the most significant difference between BetterHelp and conventional in-person therapy. Face-to-face communication allows each party to pick up on non-verbal cues and body language.

However, that doesn’t mean online communication is less effective. BetterHelp’s therapists have extensive experience in making evaluations without seeing non-verbal cues. By asking the right questions, a therapist can gain all the necessary insights to provide successful therapy.

Remote communication makes therapy more convenient, especially if you live in a rural area, lack transportation, or have a disability. Thanks to BetterHelp and other online therapy platforms, everyone can seek professional mental healthcare.

BetterHelp is more private than in-person therapy. Online counseling falls under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which means the law protects all the information you share online with your therapist. BetterHelp’s communication platforms are all HIPAA-compliant, unlike apps such as Skype or FaceTime.

How Much Does Therapy from BetterHelp Cost?

A BetterHelp subscription costs between $60 and $90 per week, depending on your preferences, location, and the therapist’s availability.

Most health insurance companies, such as Medicaid and Medicare, don’t provide coverage for BetterHelp. That said, the weekly subscription cost of BetterHelp is generally similar to the copay for in-person therapy with insurance coverage.

BetterHelp may offer you a fee discount of up to 20%, depending on your questionnaire answers about financial hardships, if you are:

• Disabled
• A veteran
• A student
• Employed with an income of less than $50,000 per year

When signing up for BetterHelp, complete the questionnaire to determine if you qualify for the special discount.

Does BetterHelp Accept Insurance or Provide Financial Aid?

Most insurance companies don’t cover online therapy, and you can expect your BetterHelp subscription to be an out-of-pocket expense. However, before signing up for BetterHelp, check with your health insurance company to determine if it will cover your therapy costs.

You can apply for financial aid to reduce your weekly online therapy rate by up to 40%. The financial aid discount you will receive depends on your circumstances, which you need to provide in a separate questionnaire. Your discount is valid for 90 days, and you’ll need to reapply after this period. 

The financial aid can be helpful if you don’t qualify for the BetterHelp discount. For example, if none of the conditions for a fee discount applies to you, but you can’t afford the standard weekly rate, scroll down to the end of the payment page. Here you can click the button stating that you can’t afford therapy.

BetterHelp will let you check your eligibility for financial aid. Here, you can provide information about your household income, employment status, and number of dependents. Even if you listed your financial status as “good,” you might still be eligible to receive a discount of 40% off your weekly rate.

BetterHelp vs. Talkspace

When it comes to therapy platforms, you have many different options available. These platforms are essentially the same, with features such as messaging and live therapy sessions. Some websites have unique areas of specialization, such as group therapy or psychiatric treatments with doctors who prescribe medications.

Talkspace is BetterHelp’s main competitor. Both platforms offer a subscription service with general messaging and online therapy sessions. With Talkspace, you can also switch to another therapist whenever you want.

The most significant difference between BetterHelp and Talkspace is that BetterHelp offers live therapy sessions at every subscription level. On the other hand, live sessions are not part of Talkspace’s entry level, which only includes messaging. If you want to schedule live sessions with a Talkspace therapist, you need to subscribe to a higher pricing tier.

If you prefer a message-only service, subscribing to Talkspace’s entry-level offer is the most affordable option. However, BetterHelp’s live session plans are more affordable than those of Talkspace.

Is BetterHelp Right for You?

Hopefully, you now have all the information you need to determine if the BetterHelp platform might be the right option for you if you’re interested in online therapy.

Caring for your mental health is critical to ensuring your psychological well being, maintaining fulfilling relationships, and finding your optimal quality of life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been natural for people to experience fear, loneliness, and depression, and seeking therapy is becoming increasingly crucial.

Online therapy is the ideal mental healthcare solution for people who don’t have either the financial means, time, or easy accessibility to attend in-person therapy sessions. Various therapy sites are available, with BetterHelp as the most prominent.

This platform offers several types of therapy sessions, using an intelligent algorithm to pair you with the most suitable therapist for your needs. Unlike most other therapy sites, BetterHelp lets you switch therapists at any time.

If you want to receive affordable and professional therapy in the comfort of your home, BetterHelp is suitable for you. 

Click Here to Visit BetterHelp, the World’s Largest Online Therapy Site