Product Overview: BetterHelp
Website: betterhelp.com
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Length of Program: Typically 30-45 minute sessions
Cost: $65-$100 (based on therapist availability, your preferences, your location or therapists location, referral source, and discounts or promotions)
Founded: Originally Founded in 2013 by Alon Matas, Danny Bragonier, Acquired by Teladoc in 2015 with Fernando Madeira as the current president
Founded in 2013 by Alon Matas, and partnered by designer Danny Bragonier, BetterHelp was designed to make therapy more accessible and affordable by leveraging the power of technology. Offering a modern, digital alternative to traditional therapy, BetterHelp provides licensed therapists through messaging, phone, video, and live chat, making it unique in its 24/7 availability and flexibility. It’s especially appealing to those with busy lives or living in remote areas, but it might not be the right choice for people seeking in-person care or insurance-covered options. With the goal of breaking barriers to mental health support, BetterHelp has become a popular option in the online therapy space, but is it the right fit for you?
Let’s dive in.
BetterHelp has taken the digital age by storm, offering a modern twist to traditional therapy. No more sitting in waiting rooms or battling traffic. BetterHelp brings licensed therapy straight to your devices, whether you prefer messaging, phone, video, or live chat sessions.
We’re talking around-the-clock access to your therapist. Yes, you heard that right – you can message your therapist anytime, though they might not reply instantly. It’s 24/7 on your schedule. And if you’re a teen or dealing with teenage angst, their sister site, Teen Counseling, has got your back.
What sets BetterHelp apart is convenience and accessibility. It suits adults perfectly, especially those in remote areas or with busy lives. Getting help has never been so straightforward.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick chat or a deep conversation, BetterHelp makes therapy flexible and accessible wherever you are.
BetterHelp Sign-up Process: What to Expect
Starting with BetterHelp is pretty straightforward, though it involves a bit of upfront work.
1.) A Short Survey
You’ll kick things off with an onboarding survey that takes around 20 minutes. This survey asks about your mental health and therapy needs, setting the stage to match you with the right therapist.
2.) Getting Matched with a Therapist
After you’ve filled out the survey, the wait begins. Usually, you’ll get matched with a therapist within a few hours to a few days. It’s not instantaneous, but it’s quicker than booking a traditional appointment, which can take weeks.
3.) Choosing your Communication Preference
Once you’re matched, you have multiple ways to communicate. Whether you’re into video calls, phone calls, live chat, or messaging, BetterHelp has you covered. And if your initial therapist doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can switch easily. No awkward breakups, just a smooth transition to someone who might suit you better.
The flexibility BetterHelp offers is a huge plus. Especially if you’ve got a crazy schedule or prefer different communication methods. It’s all about making therapy accessible and adaptable to your needs.
Key Features of BetterHelp
BetterHelp brings a suite of features designed to give you maximum flexibility and support in your therapy journey.
For starters, you can talk to your therapist in whichever way feels most comfortable.
Text, video, phone, or live chat – the choice is yours. This variety is perfect if you have a busy lifestyle or prefer certain modes of communication.
The in-app chatroom is a standout feature.
Message your therapist anytime, and the conversations are saved for future reflection. Need to get rid of a message for privacy reasons? You can “remove” or “shred” them.
Groupinars are live, interactive group sessions.
So if topics like anxiety, depression, or self-care are on your mind, these sessions could be a great complementary resource.
There’s also a neat journaling feature.
It offers prompts to help you reflect and grow personally. Whether you love writing or are new to journaling, it can be incredibly grounding.
Interested in more group support?
BetterHelp offers seminars on various topics, adding another layer of community and shared learning to your experience.
Therapist Qualifications and User Experiences
Every therapist on BetterHelp is licensed and brings at least 3 years of experience with a minimum of 1,000 hours of professional practice. These pros specialize in a range of areas from anxiety and depression to trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and grief. Before diving in, you can check out their profiles to see their qualifications, licensure, and even reviews from other users.
Flexibility and experience are strong suits here. But what’s it like for real users?
Pros
- Many appreciate the ease of getting matched with a therapist quickly and the guilt-free option to switch if things don’t click.
- The flexibility of sessions – be it text, video, phone, or live chat – has been a game-changer for those with busy lives or restricted mobility.
- Financial aid is available to some. To apply you’ll need to fill out a short questionnaire that asks a few important personal information questions like income and employment status, after which you could receive 10% to 40% off BetterHelp’s standard therapy prices, depending on your eligibility.
Of course, there are some downsides.
Cons
- BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance, which means out-of-pocket costs can add up. The price ranges from $70 to $100 a week, billed every four weeks.
- Some users also have concerns about privacy and data usage, especially given past controversies.
- Another issue some users face is feeling like their therapist might be distracted during sessions.
- BetterHelp isn’t meant for crisis care or urgent mental health situations, either. For those, more immediate and hands-on help would be better.
That said, many users find BetterHelp effective for regular mental health support. Around 50% of users in a survey were likely to recommend the platform, and 67% found value in the service. The overall access and ease of switching therapists get high marks.
Is BetterHelp Right for You?
BetterHelp might be your ideal choice if you’re looking for flexible, remote therapy options. It’s especially handy for those who prefer text-based interactions or live in areas where in-person therapy isn’t easily accessible.
If you need intensive support, immediate in-person care, or are looking for insurance-covered therapy, BetterHelp might not be the best fit. It’s great for regular mental health maintenance but not for urgent crises or specific diagnoses requiring face-to-face sessions.
On the plus side, the flexibility, financial aid options, and specialized therapist expertise make it a strong contender in the online therapy space. You can switch therapists without any guilt, and the platform is easy to navigate.
But you’ll need to consider the cost, as BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance and the weekly fees can add up. Also, if you’re concerned about privacy or have had a bad past experience, these are things to weigh before signing up.
Overall, BetterHelp can be an excellent solution for those seeking convenient and flexible mental health support. It shines best for individuals who prioritize remote access and diverse communication options.