On BetterHelp's Website. For emergency care or a crisis, call 911, as BetterHelp cannot handle such situations. You are sending a gift membership. BetterHelp has an average of 4.07 out of 5 stars on Better Business Bureau (BBB) from over 330 customer reviews. Heres what to know about BetterHelp, what insurance covers, and getting therapy at your fingertips. Although the subscription plan may be shown through the weekly price, BetterHelp does not bill you every week and instead bills for the therapy costs once a month on 4-week cycles. BetterHelp has expanded its services in recent years and now partners with businesses and universities. The platforms ability to record and store user conversations with therapists has also raised concerns about data privacy and security. If I attend therapy four times a month, that amounts to much less than the Betterhelp membership plan. According to a 2019 study, online therapy can be effective for depression. But the truth is, those years of therapy sessions would have cost me a pretty penny without health care coverage. If you need immediate assistance in the event of a mental health emergency if youre thinking about harming yourself or someone else call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Talkspace vs. Betterhelp: Which Is Better for You? If you are looking for a more convenient form of therapy that you can access from the comfort of your own home, BetterHelp may be a better option for you. Just log on at your appointment time and your counselor will prompt you to start the video chat. The type and price range of your chosen therapy format is all about what works best for you. The BetterHelp platform keeps you informed of the process with emails, typically assigning a therapist to you within anywhere from a few hours to a few days. 4. Ultimately, how BetterHelp measures up against its competitors will depend on your personal needs, preferences and what you hope to get out of your therapy experience. Although I have spent tons of time working through this already, I actually had a significant ah-ha moment with my Betterhelp therapist that completely shifted something within. It wont be visible to anyone else unless you choose to share it. It also has an A rating from the site, which is based on the BBBs opinion of the companys reputation and trustworthiness. Log in to account Log in to your BetterHelp account on their website or mobile app. BetterHelp automatically matches you with the counselor it determines is a good match. Competitors The BetterHelp Experience Final Thoughts Show more The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic fallout have taken a toll on the mental health of many. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves. Because BetterHelp is a strictly online platform and does not have the ability to connect you with a therapist for in-person or face-to-face evaluations, official diagnoses or confirmation of diagnoses cannot be given, according to the company. Communicate via phone . It also offers couples and teen therapy, with free live weekly group seminars available. Betterhelp does not officially accept insurance or partner with any insurance companies. Because BetterHelp therapists might not have expenses like office space rent, employees, or similar forms of overhead, their services can be offered at a lower price. The actual cost of a Betterhelp membership varies depending on a few factors: location, preferences, and therapist availability. It also has several sister websites that provide therapy for couples, teens, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those seeking a faith-based approach. How many sessions do you get with BetterHelp? To cancel your BetterHelp membership, you first need to head into your account. We also included our editors assessment of BetterHelp and her personal experience with this online service. Syed, in particular, looked for a therapist of color with experience in LGBTQIA+-related issues. For example, some social media influencers were accused of capitalizing on their viewers mental health issues by promoting the app for personal gain. BetterHelp.com is now HITRUST certified. Whichever division you choose, through the sign-up survey, the platform does its best to match you with a therapist who can help you work through these circumstances and concerns through text, live chat, or video sessions (or all three, depending on your needs and preferences). Those who want multiple communication options and 24/7 support will benefit from what Betterhelp has to offer. BetterHelp is one of the world's largest online therapy services,. James Imrie, the creative and marketing manager at BetterHelp, recognizes that therapy can be intimidating, namely for many first-time clients. With that said, from a financial standpoint, Betterhelp might not be the best choice for everyone. Join one or more of our 30+ weekly, topic-based, interactive group session webinars. 1Talkspace is a digital therapy platform that hosts thousands of licensed therapists and connects them with clients via the web and mobile app. With BetterHelp, you can save a few hundred dollars a month. We include products we think are useful for our readers. With 25,000+ licensed therapists, our diverse and clinically versatile provider network allows us to match your members based on their preferences and needs, making sure they get the support they need and deserve. The free trial automatically renews to a paid membership at the end of the free trial. Online therapy is an effective form of care that can help you address varied life challenges and mental health concerns. making sure they get the support they need and deserve. Discover our top picks and the best online therapy to fit your needs and preferences. BetterHelp isnt free. You can start the sign-up process any day of the week or time of day. You can also apply for financial aid to reduce the cost of BetterHelp sessions. 1. Im actually in another country and time zone as my therapist, and she makes it work.. If you feel like your thoughts are crowded or foggy, boiling them down into a few sentences can help bring a lot of clarity and understanding.. Betterhelp has an extensive Privacy Policy, which applies to anyone who visits the website or app, including those who enroll in a membership. Learn about the benefits and costs of Headspace versus Calm, plus how to choose the best app for, Video therapy has been proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy. BetterHelp is not a substitute for emergency services. Teletherapy was found to be just as effective as in-person therapy, so it can be a good option when an in-person meeting with a therapist is not possible. $60-$90 per session. For example, if . For example, I currently have health insurance that covers my traditional therapy sessions and am only required to pay a copay of $35 per session. Founded in 2013, BetterHelp is the largest online therapy platform in the world, offering virtual therapy with licensed and accredited therapists via chat, phone calls, and video calls. Follow along to find out more. The company is also deeply committed to supporting individuals and communities in need. BetterHelp used to offer . A psychiatry session costs $249 for the initial visit, followed by $125 for each subsequent session. The reviews about BetterHelps services on Trustpilot are as positive and appreciative as the ones on BBB. Behavioral Health: Patient Access, Provider Claims Payment, and the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We would be happy to help as needed! Get the support you need from one of our therapists, The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. Without health insurance, traditional therapy sessions generallycost around $100 to $200. BetterHelp weekly counseling sessions range from $60 to $90, billed every four weeks. Although I am not against paid advertisements, I tend to err on the side of skepticism when it seems like every podcast host and influencer I follow is singing praises for the same thingwhich, admittedly, is how I first came across Betterhelp. Betterhelp's subscription-based platform costs between $60 and $90 per week, billed monthly at $240 to $360. Prices range from $60$90 a week, depending on how many live sessions you want to schedule. However, many BetterHelp counselors also specialize in specific issues, including: BetterHelp is not the right choice if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, are a minor or under the care of a legal guardian or are experiencing an urgent crisis or emergency. BetterHelp offers convenient payment options, allowing you to connect your PayPal account or use a credit card. This means that everything discussed during appointments is strictly confidential unless theres a case of immediate harm to the user or someone else. BetterHelp offers financial aid that reduces the fee from $340 per month to as little as $260 per month. 5. Therapy is not the same as crisis care. Show more If you've considered online therapy, you've likely heard of Talkspace and Betterhelp, as they are two popular. BetterHelp is an online therapy service where you can access a therapist 24/7 via a phone call, video chat, live chat, or text message. 2023 Forbes Media LLC. Guide them to BetterHelp. The Mental Health Parity Act states that employers must offer medical and mental health coverage in an equal manner. Last week, the agency finalized an order requiring online counseling service BetterHelp to pay $7.8 million to settle charges that the company shared consumers' sensitive health data with third . BetterHelp makes professional therapy available anywhere through a computer, tablet, or smartphone. To connect with your therapist for a live chat, phone or video session, you will need to schedule a time with your therapist and log in to your account at your determined session time. Receive the help you deserve. She is also a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and has worked for top experts in the wellness space. Imagine having the largest provider network nationwide with the ability to offer same-day availability for your clients' members wherever they are. The rate starts at $30 for the first five hours and $5 and hour is added for each additional 5 hours. (2023) Canceling BetterHelp is easy. Cost Per Month. Many individuals have spoken out against the platform for selling their data to companies like Facebook without their knowledge or consent. Betterhelp is an online therapy app that seeks to provide affordable care for mental health services. An estimated 31% of the U.S. population faces anxiety at some time in their livesand as one of them, therapy has changed the way I manage stress, plus how I cope when my nerves don't want to cooperate. If you want to hear from people who have used BetterHelp services personally, you may be interested in looking through thetherapist reviews. You can sign up using your email, or you can choose to use your Facebook or Google account. BetterHelp is rated as a top teletherapy platform for a variety of mental health concerns. Stop imagining and make this a reality by clicking the 'Get Started' button. Sign up for BetterHelp through this link (or enter the BetterHelp promo code "heartmybackpack" at checkout) to get 10% off your first month of online counseling. 20% off your first month with code: forbes. You may also begin registration by clicking the Get Started button in the top right corner of the site. Pros. During the sign-up process, I noted I was seeking help with some anxiety and family conflict issues. I have an amazing therapist that I have worked with for years, and, while she has helped me navigate so much, I felt that my Betterhelp sessions were also very impactful, as they provided me with different perspectives. Tap into the world's largest network of licensed, accredited, and experienced therapists who can help you with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, and more. Spending just a few minutes a day on meditation can have big benefits for your mental health. BetterHelp charges $60 to $90 per week or $240 to $360 per month as a normal cost. What Is Betterhelp? Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. Betterhelp subscriptions range from $60 to $90 per week (billed monthly at $240 to $360), and the actual cost of membership depends on a person's location, preferences, and therapist availability. In terms of who can view your interactions with your therapist, if you consent, a licensed therapist from the BetterHelp Clinical Operations Team may review your interactions, only if concerns are raised about the clinical care or if there is reason to believe that there has been a breach of security, fraud, or another legal issue. Now more than ever it's crucially important to know who you can trust. Just cancel BetterHelp - we can help you delete your account. Click "Manage" Look for the option to manage your subscription or counseling plan. Login Get Started Change your loved one's life by gifting therapy. You can also reach out to support via thecontact uspage or email atcontact@BetterHelp.com. Sign up with BetterHelp and you can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. He suggests text-based and live-chat sessions as a way to relieve some of that anxiety. I dont mind if my therapist is eating or taking notes, but I sometimes noticed when I would be talking about something important to me or opening up, my therapist from BetterHelp would distractedly answer and wasnt exactly helpful in giving feedback to my situation, she says. Typically, you can participate in talk therapy through BetterHelp up to four times during each four-week cycle if you choose to do so. Although BetterHelp has helped many people access mental health services, the company has faced significant controversy related to its effectiveness, ethics, and privacy practices. Betterhelp's subscription-based platform costs between $60 and $90 per week, billed monthly at $240 to $360. While there are financial aid options and potential coverage workarounds, Betterhelp is not the best option for those who already have mental health coverage or anyone who requires a medical diagnosis or prescription. Through BetterHelp or one of BetterHelp's partner sites, online counseling may cost around $60-$90 per session. You can also schedule video, phone or live chat sessions and access counseling services using four methods: BetterHelp counselors do not make official diagnoses or prescribe medications. Syed also likes that the method of contact can be changed based on their preference. Clients who live in remote areas or who have limited mobility or limited access to transportation may be more motivated to participate in online therapy, Zadeh says. Topics of the groupinars vary from sleep to self-care to anxiety and depression. These are called groupinars. If you want to attend a groupinar but arent able to make it to the meeting time, you can get a link to the recording via email. BetterHelp is a subscription plan with services not generally covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. Choose the right way for you, every time! The initial appointment lasted for about 50 minutes. That's why, if you do not feel the chosen professional is a good match for you, the app makes it easy to request a new option. Along with BetterHelp, there are other online therapy services that offer services that could better align with your needs. BetterHelp offers a convenient subscription service that is billed every four weeks. Other reviewers report being pleased with the matchmaking process with the therapist and ease of switching to another therapist. If you have a question, forgot to mention something during a session, or want to talk, you can send your therapist a message and receive a response. With personalized support, you may take the next step in your mental health journey. Once youve paid for your first month, week or quarter, BetterHelp assigns you an online room where you can exchange private messages with your counselor. Its also been reviewed by our medical affairs mental health experts and has gone through our vetting process. Sometimes, the problem with being strong is that no one stops to ask you how you are doing. You can sign up for BetterHelp today if you are ready toget started. She specializes in aging, long-term care, caregiving, retirement and a variety of other health and retirement topics. We tried BetterHelp and found it to be a great online option if youre just starting out with therapy and for short-term use. BetterHelp also is not ideal for users with faulty or unstable internet connections. For $150 a month, you get unlimited access to a therapist. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.