Online therapy has made it easier for people to connect with licensed mental health professionals without traveling to a traditional clinic. In this BetterHelp review, we look at the platform’s pricing, therapist matching, communication options, features and overall experience to help readers understand whether it may be worth considering.
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that connects users with licensed therapists. The service offers individual therapy along with couples, family and teen-focused options through its related services. Users can communicate with therapists through messaging, live chat, phone and video sessions.
How BetterHelp Works
Getting started involves completing an online questionnaire about personal concerns, preferences and the type of support a user is seeking. BetterHelp then uses that information to match the user with a therapist.
Forbes Health’s tester found the registration process straightforward, although the questionnaire was relatively detailed. The tester was matched with a therapist on the same day but experienced limited appointment availability.
One useful feature is the ability to change therapists if the initial match does not feel appropriate. Users can also communicate with their therapist between scheduled sessions through the platform’s messaging system.
BetterHelp Cost
BetterHelp generally costs between $70 and $100 per week, depending on the therapist and other factors. The subscription includes weekly therapy and does not use traditional per-session copays in the same way some platforms do.
Forbes Health notes that four weekly video sessions at $70 each would equal approximately $280 per month. BetterHelp also offers financial assistance for qualifying users and accepts FSA and HSA funds. Insurance availability can vary depending on location and plan.
Because billing is subscription-based, users should understand the payment terms before signing up, particularly if they cannot attend a session during a particular week.
Therapist Quality and Platform Features
BetterHelp has a large network of licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and licensed professional counselors.
The platform also provides digital resources such as worksheets, educational materials and other self-help tools that can complement therapy sessions. Users can select appointments through their therapist’s availability calendar and communicate through multiple formats.
Forbes Health’s tester described the platform as easy to navigate and reported having a positive experience with the assigned therapist.
Pros and Cons
BetterHelp’s biggest advantages include its large therapist network, multiple communication options, digital resources and the ability to change therapists.
However, there are limitations. BetterHelp does not provide psychiatric care or medication management. Appointment availability may also vary, and some users have raised concerns about billing, customer support and privacy.
Privacy deserves particular attention because the Federal Trade Commission previously took action involving the company’s handling of consumer health information. BetterHelp later agreed to pay $7.8 million as part of the settlement, with refunds made available to eligible consumers.
