Online therapy is a research-backed treatment method that can help individuals address various mental health issues and life challenges. For millions of clients, it provides an accessible and convenient way to connect with a licensed therapist.
If you are considering online therapy through BetterHelp, you may be wonderinghow much does therapy cost. One of the benefits of online therapy platforms like BetterHelp is the affordability of subscriptions. There are a few subscription pricing and cost-related factors to consider.
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How much does a BetterHelp membership cost?
The cost of online therapy through BetterHelp may depend on therapist availability, your location, and your preferences. BetterHelp subscriptions range from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks), so monthly costs can range from $240 to $360. If you no longer receive therapy or wish to end your subscription for any other reason, you can cancel at any time.
"How many therapy sessions do I need??" you may ask. Although the subscription plan dates can be viewed via the weekly rate, BetterHelp does not bill you every week, but instead bills you once a month in 4-week cycles. The full service includes back-and-forth messaging with Your therapist, access to group-based discussions, an online digital journal and the option of a weekly live session.
When you sign up for a BetterHelp subscription, your account will not be charged for the first 4 week billing cycle until you are matched with a licensed therapist. BetterHelp offers convenient payment options that allow you to connect your PayPal account or use a credit card. The platform also offers financial support and reduced costs to those who qualify.
What does a BetterHelp membership include?
BetterHelp offers a number of benefits to those who use the platform. With your BetterHelp subscription, you can participate in therapy with a licensed psychologist remotely via video, voice, or in-app messaging sessions.
The mental health professionals providing services on the Platform are independent contractors. Your therapist is a Psychologist (Ph.D., PsyD), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). If you find that you and your therapist are not a good match, you can always opt for another provider.
BetterHelp also gives users access to therapeutic worksheets and other teaching resources that could help reinforce critical concepts between sessions. You can also reach your therapist anytime, day or night, via the platform's in-app messaging service. If you have a question, forgot something during a session, or would like to speak to us, you can message your therapist and often receive a response within 24 hours.
The BetterHelp app includes a secure journaling feature that allows you to write journal entries with different prompts. You can choose to share these journal entries with your therapist and come back and view previous entries if needed.
If you'd like to hear from people who have personally used BetterHelp services, you might be interested in browsing themTherapist reviews.
How often can I participate in therapy?
Typically, you can have BetterHelp therapy up to four times in each four-week cycle if you choose. You may be able to attend live sessions with your therapist more than four times. If you do not need four sessions, you can choose fewer than four sessions. Once you've found a mental health provider, you can speak to them to see your options.
Is BetterHelp cheaper than personal therapy?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on a variety of factors. Still, online therapy can be more affordable compared to the cost of in-person therapy (especially if paid for out of pocket). Because BetterHelp therapists may not have expenses such as office space rental, employees, or similar forms of overhead, their services can be offered at a lower price.
Without health insurance, traditional therapy sessions usuallycosts about $100 to $200. With a subscription cost of $60-90/week, BetterHelp can be a more affordable option. To inquire about fees, services provided, or available financial assistance options, please use thecontact uspage or email contact@BetterHelp.com.
Is online therapy effective?
Many people considering online therapy are curious about the potential effectiveness of working with a therapist remotely compared to traditional in-person therapy. Many studies show that online therapy can effectively treat symptoms of various mental illnesses.
One such study, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research and led by Bay Area University researchers,explicitly aimed at BetterHelp users. Researchers found that “BetterHelp users experienced significantly less depression symptom severity after using the platform.”
Several other studies have found online therapy to be as effective as in-person therapy in treating various mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Researchers from the University of Zurich have found that online therapy is possibleas effective as a face-to-face treatmentwhen it comes to treating anxiety and depression symptoms. In particular, they noted the relative cost-effectiveness of online therapy compared to in-person therapy. Additionally abroad reviewof over 90 different studies, involving a total of nearly 10,000 participants, found online therapy to be as effective as face-to-face therapy.
Other benefits of BetterHelp
There are several reasons patients and therapists enjoy using BetterHelp, including the following.
Easy registration
Signing up for BetterHelp may seem easy to many. You can start the sign-up process any day of the week or any time of the day. At the beginning, you can answer a short, guided series of questions to allow for an accurate therapeutic adjustment. Then you may be matched with a psychologist who fits your preferences and can attend to your specific problem areas within 48 hours.
Simple billing
BetterHelp takes care of the billing. This process can be helpful for you and your therapist. You can be billed automatically every four weeks, giving your therapist more time to focus on supporting and advising you without having to worry about billing.
Extended range
BetterHelp expands the range of providers you can search for. Because you are not limited to people working in your immediate area, contacting a specialist through the BetterHelp platform can be quicker.
flexibility
BetterHelp is often flexible and convenient. Online therapy eliminates the need to commute to sessions; You can work with your provider to create a schedule that works for you.
social care
The company is also deeply committed to supporting individuals and communities in need. BetterHelp has donated more than 2,500 months worth of therapy services to people affected by crises or natural disasters. In 2021, BetterHelp donated over 3,000 months of therapy to diverse communities by partnering with various nonprofit organizations with different missions. The platform has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Malala Fund and Restore Her Voice to support Afghan refugees, Sandy Hook Promise and the OUT Foundation to support LGBTQIA+ athletes.
Start with BetterHelp
You can sign up with BetterHelp today if you're readygetting started.If you have additional questions that aren't answered in this article, please visit BetterHelpFAQ-Seven.You can also contact support through supportcontact uspage or emailcontact@BetterHelp.com.
Getting away
Online therapy is an effective form of care that can help you address various life challenges and mental health issues. It can also be a cheaper option than in-person treatment, as evidenced by BetterHelp's affordable subscription costs.
When you're ready to talk to a licensed therapist online, consider connecting with a psychologist through BetterHelp. With personalized support, you can take the next step on your mental health journey.
When you are in crisis
Therapy is not the same as crisis prevention. If you are in a crisis, please use one of the following resources:
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, orChatwith a representative
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1- 800-799-7233
crisis text line: Text "HOME" TO 741741
Essential local and municipal services: call 211
Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
National Eating Disorders Association Helpline: Call or text 1-800-931-2237 orChatwith a representative
The Trevor Project Crisis Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
Veteran Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255
trans lifeline:1-877-565-8860
(Video) How Much Does Therapy Cost?National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
FAQs
How much does BetterHelp cost? | better help? ›
How Much Does
BetterHelp online therapy plans start at as low as $60 per week, adding up to about $240 per month. This cuts the cost of therapy significantly for many people, particularly those who have paid for in-person or traditional therapy without reduced out-of-pocket fees.
Is BetterHelp texting free? ›Yes, the crisis text line is free. Text 988 to message a crisis counselor. You can also go to the 988 Lifeline website and use their online feature. Crisis lines are for mental health crises and do not replace long-term care from a mental health counselor.
Does BetterHelp have a no show policy? ›You are really averaging $33 an hour since you only get $5 increases for every +5 min. If clients don't show you don't get paid. Betterhelp gets to keep all the money but we do not get any kind of cancelation or no show fee. There are a lot of clients who show up for a couple of weeks and then just fall off.
How do I get the most out of BetterHelp therapy? ›Try To Be Open To Change And New Perspectives
Being open to change and considering new perspectives may also offer you more options for feeling and living better. Give changes and new perspectives a try. If they don't function for you, work with your therapist to find other options.
In 2017, BetterHelp allegedly uploaded the email addresses of all current and former clients to Facebook – nearly 2 million in total – to target them with ads to refer their Facebook friends to BetterHelp for mental health services.
Is BetterHelp actually cheaper? ›Getting therapy with BetterHelp can be a cheaper option than traditional in-office therapy. The average cost for a traditional therapy session is $100 to $200, while BetterHelp's pricing ranges from $60 to $90 per week. You can also apply for financial aid to reduce the cost of BetterHelp sessions.
Does BetterHelp charge you if you miss a session? ›A missed session is a loss to everyone.
With at least 24 hours notice, sessions can be cancelled or rescheduled free of charge (you'll get an automated reminder 48 hours out from your session, so you should have plenty of time to regroup and reschedule, if needed).
Instead, it works like email. It's available 24 hours a day, but that doesn't mean your BetterHelp counselor will respond right away. In fact, according to our reviews team's online therapy survey, only 50 percent of BetterHelp users received a response within a day.
How long are sessions on BetterHelp? ›Sessions are highly individualized and last 30-60 minutes. If you need services beyond the pre-paid counseling sessions you can purchase additional sessions at a discounted Magellan rate, enabling you to maintain a relationship with your therapist. You will pay for services on the BetterHelp platform.
How many sessions a week on BetterHelp? ›
BetterHelp's basic plan includes one live session per week. BetterHelp does not set an absolute limit on session length but indicates that most live sessions last 30 to 45 minutes. BetterHelp defines a live session as being either a live video session, a live audio (or phone) session, or a live chat session.
Why is BetterHelp not covered by insurance? ›BetterHelp and this structure differs from traditional insurance-covered treatment and is therefore self-pay. Due to being able to message at any time, as well as having live chat sessions, BetterHelp may not be able to be covered by your insurance.
Can your therapist see your journal on BetterHelp? ›BetterHelp Features
Some of them include: Journaling: You'll have access to a virtual journal where you can write down your thoughts, goals and feelings. Your journal isn't visible to anyone else, not even your therapist, unless you choose to share it.
Sharing something you think is too sensitive or personal can be uncomfortable. But know you're not alone in thinking you've disclosed too much in therapy. When this happens, it can help to explore why you think you've overshared and talk it over with your therapist.
How often can you have a live session with BetterHelp? ›With BetterHelp, you can have a live session every week. Your live session can be via video, phone , or live chat. You also have unlimited messaging with your therapist. This means that you can share a concern or a journal entry with her, and she will get back to you within 24 hours often much sooner.
Can I message my therapist anytime on BetterHelp? ›Your BetterHelp subscription includes weekly live therapy sessions and the ability to message your therapist anytime. (Note that you can send as many messages as you want, but your therapist may only respond once a day or so.)
What celebrities are on BetterHelp? ›Other celebrities — including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Michael Phelps and Harry Styles — have partnered with mental health apps such as BetterHelp, Talkspace or Calm.
What is the controversy with Talkspace? ›A class-action lawsuit filed in California federal court against Talkspace Wednesday accuses the company of lying about whether it has enough therapists to meet prospective patients' needs and of secretly enrolling those patients in automatically renewing payments, regardless of its therapists' availability.
Is BetterHelp protected by HIPAA? ›BetterHelp displayed HIPAA seals on numerous web pages. Also, its sales representatives told consumers that the company was "HIPAA certified." The FTC viewed this as deceptive to the extent that the company was signaling to consumers that its practices met HIPAA's requirements.
Can I use BetterHelp once a month? ›The great thing about being here with Betterhelp, is that you have the freedom to engage with counseling in the way that is right for you. If once a month is the desired amount you wish to start with, let your matched counselor know, and schedule as needed.
Do you get the same therapist on BetterHelp? ›
We have found that we are able to provide a successful match most of the time; however, if you start the process and you feel your therapist isn't a good fit for you, you may elect to be matched to a different therapist.
What is the difference between BetterHelp and BetterUp? ›The key difference between BetterHelp and BetterUp is that the former provides online therapy, while the latter provides coaching services. BetterHelp is a top, online therapy platform that connects individuals with licensed therapists.
Can you cancel BetterHelp after free trial? ›If you decide you want to cancel your BetterHelp subscription, you may do so at any time.
Is therapy twice a month effective? ›Therapy requires a concentrated effort on a consistent basis to realize the fullest benefits from the therapeutic relationship - in other words, it takes work to get good results. If that's not possible, many therapists will advise no less than twice monthly sessions.
Is it easy to cancel BetterHelp subscription? ›Canceling BetterHelp is easy. Just follow these steps: Click on the drop-down arrow next to your name and profile photo, then select “Account Settings.” Under “Payment Settings,” click on “Change Plan/Quit Counseling.” A pop-up menu opens that lists different choices for changing your subscription.
What percent of people get better after therapy? ›Anywhere from 50 to 75 percent of people who go to therapy report some benefit—but at least 5 percent of clients get worse as a result of treatment. (For people from marginalized groups, harmful outcomes may be even more common.) The remainder report no clear benefit at all.
Is therapy twice a week helpful? ›Biweekly Sessions
Often you're only able to discuss one area or thing that happened to you. Therapy twice a week on the other hand allows you to go much deeper. We recommend this option for people who want to take the skills they've learned in therapy and apply them to their life in a more practical way.
The American Psychological Association published statistics regarding how long it may take for treatment to work. Their data states: “Recent research indicates that on average 15 to 20 sessions are required for 50 percent of patients to recover as indicated by self-reported symptom measures.”
Can you schedule more than one BetterHelp session at a time? ›Hello! Yes, you can work it out with your therapist to set up more than one live session a month. Many clients will do one session per week. Also, depending on your therapist's schedule, some therapists are open to including 50-minute sessions as well as the standard 30-minute sessions.
How long does it take for BetterHelp to assign a therapist? ›BetterHelp uses its algorithm to match you with a therapist. The process might take one or two days. Once you get a match, you can confirm it or change it if it's not up to your requirements.
How long are video calls on BetterHelp? ›
Betterhelp has 30 minute blocks but you can request and some therapist will allow up to an hour if you schedule. You can only schedule one live at a time. Typically my clients will do 1x/week tops or some do every other and I have a limited number that just schedule sporadically.
Does BetterHelp charge you weekly? ›Betterhelp offers a range of prices from $60 to $90 per week and this is billed every 4 weeks. It is based on your location, preferences and theraist availablity. Membership can be cancelled at any time.
How many clients do you see a week therapist? ›The number of clients a full-time therapist sees in a week depends on the therapist and the number of hours you want to work per week. If you aim for a 40-hour workweek, you could see up to 30 clients per week and then spend 10 hours writing notes and doing other paperwork.
Is 5 therapy sessions enough? ›Therapy has been found to be most productive when incorporated into a client's lifestyle for approximately 12-16 sessions, most typically delivered in once weekly sessions for 45 minutes each. For most folks that turns out to be about 3-4 months of once weekly sessions.
Who is BetterHelp owned by? ›BetterHelp – the direct-to-consumer mental health platform owned by Teladoc Health Inc.
Can I use HSA to pay for therapy? ›Generally, therapy is covered by FSAs and HSAs if it's provided for medical or mental health purposes. A service like marriage counseling is typically not eligible.
Can your therapist know you personally? ›In almost all cases, your personal information is held in strict confidence. Only in extreme cases will your therapist need to break confidentiality to keep you or others safe. Overall, therapy is most effective when the client feels safe.
Can I ask to read my therapists notes? ›Unlike other medical records, therapy notes are subject to special protections, which means you can request them, but that doesn't mean your therapist has any obligation to let you see them.
Will a therapist tell you your diagnosis? ›You have specific rights when disclosing your diagnosis as a client receiving therapy. For example, it's your right to ask your therapist to tell you if they believe you have a mental health condition. If you want a diagnosis, you can ask your therapist upfront.
What not to say during therapy? ›Never tell your therapist that you think they're attractive, or that you'd like to take them out. It's just not okay, and your therapist will be incredibly uncomfortable with the situation. They may even have to stop seeing you if you profess your love for them.
What trauma causes oversharing? ›
If you're highly self-conscious or socially anxious, worrying about being perceived as a “toxic person” might lead you to under-share your needs and to a lack of connection with others. On the other hand, oversharing may be a trauma response or a sign that you are ready for or need support.
Can you see multiple therapists on BetterHelp? ›With Betterhelp you can schedule 2 sessions a month and still have access to a counselor on your schedule for regular check-ins, psych-educational exercises, and even groupinars, which are virtual therapeutic groups led by licensed professionals.
How do chat sessions work in BetterHelp? ›In the BetterHelp app, you can talk to your counselor at any time, and they should be able to message you back within 24 hours. Chatting makes people feel less alone when they need it. Chatting with people who have similar problems to yours can inspire you to reach out for further support.
Can I say everything to my therapist? ›The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It's a good idea to share as much as possible, because that's the only way they can help you.
Does BetterHelp offer text only? ›You may choose to communicate with your therapist via online counseling chat or text messaging or schedule a virtual appointment for a phone call or live video chat on the platform.
Is it OK for my therapist to text me? ›Some therapists use texting for scheduling and other practical matters. Other therapists only want to use email or phone calls. In general, texting or other forms of communication between sessions should be on an as needed basis and should not be social in nature. It's best to address therapeutic matters in session.
Does BetterHelp charge you every month? ›The cost of Betterhelp counseling ranges from $90 to $120 per week and is based on your location, preferences, and therapist availability. You are billed every month. BetterHelp also makes it easy to cancel your service at any time.
Can you cancel BetterHelp at any time? ›If you decide you want to cancel your BetterHelp subscription, you may do so at any time. Follow these steps to cancel your subscription: Login to your BetterHelp account. If you are currently receiving therapy, head to Menu>My Account >Payment Settings >Quit therapy.
Does BetterHelp use actual therapists? ›BetterHelp offers professional counseling from accredited psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and board-licensed professional counselors. All BetterHelp counselors have a master's degree or doctorate in their field and at least three years and 1,000 hours of experience.
How many sessions a week with BetterHelp? ›BetterHelp's basic plan includes one live session per week. BetterHelp does not set an absolute limit on session length but indicates that most live sessions last 30 to 45 minutes. BetterHelp defines a live session as being either a live video session, a live audio (or phone) session, or a live chat session.
How long is a BetterHelp live session? ›
Betterhelp has 30 minute blocks but you can request and some therapist will allow up to an hour if you schedule. You can only schedule one live at a time. Typically my clients will do 1x/week tops or some do every other and I have a limited number that just schedule sporadically.
Do you pay before or after therapy? ›Usually, you pay the bill up front and then insurance reimburses you after your visit. Out of pocket: If you see a therapist who's out-of-network, and your insurance plan doesn't offer out-of-network coverage, you'll pay for care out of pocket.
How often can I text my therapist on BetterHelp? ›With BetterHelp, you can have a live session every week. Your live session can be via video, phone , or live chat. You also have unlimited messaging with your therapist.