Jon Stojan
Image credit: Canva
Are you looking to improve your overall happiness level? Do you have unhealthy behavior or thought patterns you would like to alter? Are you dealing with mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety? Would you like to find ways to improve your relationships with family and friends?
These are some of the most common reasons millions of people begin therapy. If you yourself are contemplating psychotherapy, have you considered online options such as BetterHelp?
When BetterHelp was founded in 2013, its mission was to eliminate many of the traditional barriers that keep people from getting counseling. Evidence of that success is resoundingly clear: Today BetterHelp is the largest provider of therapy in the world. With a vast network of more than 30,000 licensed and accredited therapists, BetterHelp has provided online counseling to more than 5 million people worldwide. And thousands upon thousands of BetterHelp reviews (which you can read here) suggest patients have benefited.
Does that mean you should join the ranks? Is BetterHelp right for you?
The answer to that question is “no” if any of the following applies to your situation:
- You don’t have a reliable internet connection or a device such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet. BetterHelp therapy is 100% online, so you won’t be able to participate if you don’t have the ability to get online.
- You are a minor seeking help without the knowledge and consent of your parent or legal guardian.
- You are in the midst of an immediate mental health crisis, where you may harm yourself or others. In this case, you should immediately contact emergency services.
- A court order has mandated that you attend therapy. BetterHelp therapists do not have the ability to offer in-person evaluations, and the platform is not able to provide needed documentation.
If none of those apply to you, BetterHelp therapy might be a good fit.
BetterHelp Is More Flexible Than Traditional In-Person Therapy
One of the main reasons people don’t seek counseling is because they don’t think they have time for it, but BetterHelp is extremely convenient compared to in-person therapy.
While traditional in-person psychotherapy sessions usually only run for 30 to 60 minutes once a week or even every other week, carving out that block of time can be challenging. It might mean taking time out of your work day or finding child care for young kids. Maybe there aren’t any therapists near you, so it means a long drive or multiple transfers on public transit. Or perhaps you have physical limitations that make leaving your home difficult.
Depending on the reasons you’re seeking therapy, attending an in-person therapy session itself can prove a stress-inducing endeavor. For example, some people suffering from depression may find just getting dressed and ready to go out into the world very demanding; people dealing with anxiety issues might be intimidated by going to a new environment to speak to a stranger.
Because BetterHelp therapy is completely online, it eliminates many of these obstacles. You can conduct your therapy anywhere you have access to an internet connection and a smart device or computer.
BetterHelp also allows you to interact with your therapist in four different ways:
- Video conferencing: You and your therapist meet for a live virtual session.
- Phone: You and your therapist have a talk therapy session over the telephone.
- Messaging: You write a note to your counselor and they respond as soon as they can.
- Chatting: You and your therapist exchange messages in real time.
You may use different methods at different times, depending on your needs. Once you match with a therapist, the two of you can determine what works best for you. Plus, the BetterHelp therapy room is available to subscribers 24/7, so you can leave a message for your therapist any time you feel the need, not simply during your scheduled session. BetterHelp members also have access to worksheets and group sessions.
Is BetterHelp Legit?
Yes, BetterHelp is legit and real therapy.
Research has continually confirmed the efficacy of online psychotherapy. For example, one recent San Francisco-based study concluded that “users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform.”
BetterHelp counselors are real professionals. They are psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, or similar, and all have been trained and licensed. Each has a master’s or doctorate in their field, and has been board-certified. In addition, each BetterHelp therapist has at least three years and 1,000 hours of practical experience.
To ensure patient safety, BetterHelp does background checks on all their therapists and makes sure they are in good standing to practice. Because of these stringent requirements, only one-third of applicants are accepted to the platform.
Just because a therapist is accredited, though, that doesn’t guarantee they’re the right fit for you. For psychotherapy to be effective, it’s important you feel comfortable with your therapist so you build a solid relationship.
BetterHelp matches patients and therapists based on patient needs. When you sign up for BetterHelp, you’re asked a series of questions about why you are seeking counseling and some of your personal preferences. For instance, do you want a male or female therapist? One who is secular or based in a particular faith? Would you like someone experienced with LGBTQ+ issues, etc.? Because you aren’t limited to providers in your specific location, BetterHelp can match you with someone who specializes in what you are seeking, be it techniques to deal with social anxiety or ways to improve your parenting. Matching generally occurs within 24 hours.
Because BetterHelp takes into account these preferences, clients are generally pleased with their match. But if you find the counselor is not a good fit, no worries. You can ask to be matched with a new therapist at any point.
Can You Afford BetterHelp?
Many people are surprised by the affordability of BetterHelp’s services.
Subscriptions cost between $65 and $100 weekly (billed in monthly cycles), depending on the plan you chose, where you live, and the availability of therapists in your region. This is often significantly less than the cost of traditional in-person talk therapy sessions, which can cost $200 or more.
While the platform doesn’t accept medical insurance, BetterHelp discount codes can shave the cost. And in some cases, need-based financial assistance is available. In addition, BetterHelp accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers.
One more reason to give BetterHelp a try: You can cancel your membership at any time!