• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

BetterHelp Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For

Published: January 3, 2023 Updated: March 15, 2023
Published: 01/03/2023 Updated: 03/15/2023
Caitlin Bell, Editor of Consumer Technology for Choosing Therapy
Written by:

Caitlin Bell, MA

Mental Health Tech Editor
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD
  • Rating of BetterHelp Online TherapyRating BetterHelp
  • Pros & Cons of BetterHelpPros & Cons
  • How to Sign Up for BetterHelpHow to Get
  • What Is BetterHelp?What Is BetterHelp
  • Who Is BetterHelp Right For?Who Its Right For
  • Who May Want an Alternative to BetterHelp?Alternatives
  • BetterHelp User ReviewsUser Reviews
  • How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?Cost
  • Does BetterHelp Take Insurance?Insurance
  • Getting Started with BetterHelpGetting Started
  • BetterHelp Therapy: Detailed ReviewBetterHelp Therapy Review
  • Online Vs. In-Person TherapyOnline Vs. In-Person Therapy
  • BetterHelp Vs. CompetitorsCompetitors
  • How Has BetterHelp Evolved?History
  • Frequently Asked Questions About BetterHelpFAQs
  • Final Verdict of BetterHelpConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • For Further ReadingFurther Reading
Caitlin Bell, Editor of Consumer Technology for Choosing Therapy
Written by:

Caitlin Bell, MA

Mental Health Tech Editor
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD
Editorial rating:

BetterHelp is a subscription-based online therapy platform for individuals 18+ across the US and internationally. During our independent review of their services, they earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. With BetterHelp, you can attend weekly video, phone, or live texting sessions, plus have access to messaging with your therapist between live sessions. BetterHelp costs $240 – $360 monthly (advertised as $60 – $90 weekly), making it an affordable out-of-pocket therapy option.

Get 20% Off Your First Month With BetterHelp

Choosing Therapy’s reviews are the result of first-hand testing, thorough research, and transparent methodology. Our reviewers are editorially independent so you can trust their recommendations. Some companies reviewed may also be marketing partners. Learn more about our editorial standards, review process, and advertising policy.

Rating of BetterHelp Online Therapy

Over the past year, I have dedicated a considerable amount of time to researching, personally using, and reviewing online therapy platforms. Not only do I sign up for online therapy services and use their websites and apps, but I also attend live therapy sessions with each platform. I reach out to each online therapy platform before I begin researching and reviewing them to ask numerous questions about their products that users are likely to want answers to. All of this is done to ensure that consumers get the information they need to make intelligent purchases. During our independent review, BetterHelp earned 4 out of 5 stars overall, performing best in the categories of geographic location, extra features and resources, and user experience. However, BetterHelp underperformed in the categories of online therapy cost, therapist matching, and insurance and out-of-network benefits compared to its competitors.

Visit BetterHelp

BetterHelp Earned 4 out of 5 Stars - Learn More

Overall Editorial Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Detailed Scoring Breakdown

Clientele Served: 3 out of 5 Stars
Range of Therapist Specialties & Treatment Approaches: 4 out of 5 Stars
Geographic Location: 5 out of 5 Stars
Attending Live Video Sessions: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Online Therapy Cost: 2 out of 5 Stars
Insurance & Out-of-Network Benefits: 2.5 out of 5 Stars
Therapist Matching or Selection: 1 out of 5 Stars
Extra Features & Resources: 5 out of 5 Stars
Client Interface & User Experience: 5 out of 5 Stars
Privacy & HIPAA: 3 out of 5 Stars
Therapist Credentials & Expertise: 5 out of 5 Stars
Customer Service: 3 out of 5 Stars
Reliability & Longevity: 4 out of 5 Stars

Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.

Pros & Cons of BetterHelp

BetterHelp is a great way to connect and receive help from a licensed therapist or counselor. Its affordable cash-pay option is great for those seeking therapy who don’t have insurance. BetterHelp does not offer medication management at this time and they don’t accept insurance.

Pros

  • Matching with therapists is fairly quick, and it’s easy to select a new therapist (if needed)
  • Their affordable cash-pay model is great for those without insurance
  • You can text your therapist anytime and attend therapy sessions around your schedule
  • Counseling options for couples, teens, LGBTQIA+, and those looking for faith-based counseling through BetterHelp’s sister sites
  • The app and website are very user-friendly and easy to navigate

Cons

  • Ultimate monthly costs depend on your location and therapist’s availability
  • Clients do not initially choose their therapist
  • Not all therapists offer live video sessions or live instant messaging
  • BetterHelp does not accept insurance
  • There are no psychiatric services available

How to Sign Up for BetterHelp

To sign up for BetterHelp, please visit the BetterHelp website. You will be asked a series of questions before being able to sign up. These questions help them match you with the right therapist. Once you complete the questions, you will be able to create an account and select a subscription plan. Use the following link to get 20% off your first month.

What Is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that quickly connects you with a licensed counselor or therapist. BetterHelp has one subscription option, which includes a weekly, 30 or 45-minute video, phone, or live texting session. A BetterHelp subscription also includes unlimited messaging with your therapist between sessions, with therapists typically responding within 24 hours. A BetterHelp subscription also provides access to their journaling tool and group webinars.

BetterHelp Review 2023 - Image of the four key features of BetterHelp's app, the session room, the journal, the schedule feature, and what a live therapy session looks like

During the signup process, you will take a short assessment and select your preferences for what kind of therapist you would like (e.g., gender, age, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, etc.). You will initially and automatically be placed with a licensed therapist in your state, which unfortunately earned BetterHelp 1 star in the “Therapist Matching or Selection” category on our scoring rubric. BetterHelp says that this matching process can take up to 48 hours, but I was matched with my therapist within an hour.

If you decide you want to work with another therapist later, it’s easy to switch therapists and you will get to select your own from a curated list. In general, all therapists with BetterHelp are able to help you manage anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as stress, self-esteem issues, overall unhappiness, and more. Before being able to message your therapist, you must fill out another consent form and share your real name, address, and phone number. Once this is done, you can begin texting with your new therapist.

While BetterHelp is geared toward individual therapy for adults, they also operate brands that offer services for couples and teens. Additionally, BetterHelp has brands that specifically serve Christians and the LGBTQIA+ community. Due to the fact, you must visit a different website to sign-up for these services, BetterHelp earned 3 out of 5 stars in the “Clientele Served” category of our online therapy scoring criteria. These options help BetterHelp connect people with therapists who will be a good fit for them, but only through their “sister sites.”

To learn more about BetterHelp’s site sisters, you can read our in-depth review of ReGain, our Teen Counseling review, or our Faithful Counseling review.

Unlike Talkspace, BetterHelp’s top competitor in the online therapy space, BetterHelp does not prescribe medication, and they do not accept insurance. This is one of the main drawbacks when comparing Talkspace vs BetterHelp.

Types of Therapy Offered

BetterHelp offers individual therapy, couples counseling, and family therapy. BetterHelp therapists and counselors utilize a wide range of modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and interpersonal therapy (IPT), which is why they earned 4 out of 5 stars in the “Range of Therapist Specialties & Treatment Approaches” category of our scoring criteria.

Who Is BetterHelp Right For?

BetterHelp is great for individuals looking to improve their anxiety symptoms or depression symptoms, for teens, couples, faith-based communities and LGBTQIA+ community, and those who want therapy but do not have insurance.

Anxiety and Depression Treatment

Those suffering from anxiety symptoms or depression symptoms will find qualified, fully licensed counselors and therapists on BetterHelp. Many therapists use a combination of techniques, like Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, to help you learn to manage symptoms. It is important to note, however, that BetterHelp cannot prescribe medication at this time.

Teens, Relationships, Faith-Based, & LGBTQIA+

BetterHelp offers teen counseling, relationship counseling, faith-based counseling, and counseling to the LGBTQIA+ community through their subsidiary companies. All of these companies are owned and operated by BetterHelp, and to our knowledge, use the same technology and pool of therapists as BetterHelp.

Per BetterHelp, “Therapists opt-in to the relevant specialized sites based on their previous work experience, training, and areas of expertise, knowing that this decision will strongly influence the style of referrals they receive through the platform.”1

Teens seeking therapists are directed to Teen Counseling, couples to ReGain, those in the faith-based community to Faithful Counseling, and those who want LGBTQIA+ specific counseling services to Pride Counseling.

Those Without Insurance

BetterHelp subscriptions are a great option for those who want counseling from a licensed therapist but do not have health insurance. Out-of-pocket costs start as low as $240 monthly, depending on your location and therapist availability.

Who May Want an Alternative to BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is a great solution for many but there are some groups of people who may need an alternative. Those struggling with severe mental health symptoms, those searching for psychiatric services, those wishing to use insurance, or who are under the age of 13, will need to seek out an alternative to BetterHelp.

Those Struggling With Severe Mental Health Symptoms

If you currently have severe mental health symptoms and need immediate help, you should dial 911, visit the nearest emergency room, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or by dialing 988. BetterHelp is not a safe choice for those in an active crisis, as therapists cannot respond immediately.

People Seeking Psychiatric Care & Medication Management

Those who have a current diagnosis, are in need of a diagnosis or need medication management will need to seek out an alternative to BetterHelp. Platforms like Talkspace or Brightside Health can provide medication management as well as therapy and both platforms accept insurance.

For more information on what subscriptions are currently available, you can read our comprehensive review of Talkspace. Or if you want more information on how cognitive behavioral therapy plus medication could work for you, please read our in-depth Brightside Health review.

You’d Like to Use Insurance

Those who have therapy covered through insurance may find their co-pays are more affordable than paying out of pocket. A great choice to look at, in addition to Talkspace, would be Cerebral Mental Health. Cerebral has a stand-alone therapy subscription option in addition to a therapy plus medication plan for those who need extra care. To learn all about their subscriptions and what else they offer, you can read our in-depth review of Cerebral.

Children Under 13

Children and preteens will not be able to sign up for BetterHelp and those seeking care for the younger teens and kids may want to look at a platform like Brightline Mental Health. Brightline can offer therapy, coaching, and medication management to kids as young as six-years-old. For more information about how subscriptions work, please read our comprehensive review of Brightline Mental Health.

BetterHelp User Reviews

BetterHelp has a 4.7-star rating based on 34,000+ reviews in the Google Play Store and a 4.8-star rating based on 90,000+ reviews in the Apple App Store. BetterHelp also has a Better Business Bureau page, which currently has them at a 4-star rating based on over 350 reviews and they have been awarded an A rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). During our independent review of BetterHelp, we rated them 3 out of 5 stars in the “Customer Service” category of our scoring criteria.

Easy & Convenient

User reviews on the BBB website talked about how easy it is to connect with a therapist and how convenient it is to schedule appointments with BetterHelp. Many talk about how therapy has really helped their overall mental wellness and that they love being able to attend therapy while being at home.

Refunds Can Be Hard to Get

Despite the high star ratings and glowing reviews, there are over 400 complaints filed with the BBB. After reading through several of them, it seems that people often have a very difficult time receiving refunds from BetterHelp. If you need help with getting a refund from BetterHelp, I recommend emailing them at: [email protected] or calling them at: 1 (888) 688-9296. I have needed to seek refunds on several occasions across BetterHelp’s sites and have never had any issues obtaining them.

On-the-Go Therapy

As for the reviews in the app stores, users mentioned it was really awesome to be able to take their therapy on the go with them. This is especially true when you download the BetterHelp app as you will be able to attend your live sessions in the app. As long as you have mobile service or are connected to Wifi, you can attend live sessions from anywhere in your state.

App Issues

Several users noted that the video calls frequently had errors and that the app crashes or lags a lot. During my first review, I did notice that the app was pretty laggy, even when connected to wifi. However, the app worked really well for me this time and I had no issues with the video or audio quality of my live therapy session.

How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?

BetterHelp costs start at $240 – $360 monthly (advertised at $60 – $90 weekly), with the ultimate cost depending on your location and therapist availability. Due to this, BetterHelp earned 2 out of 5 stars in the “Online Therapy Cost” category of our scoring criteria. However, the low monthly cost makes BetterHelp an affordable out-of-pocket option when compared to in-person therapy, which can cost $80 – $150 per session/week ($320 – 600 monthly).

Get 20% Off Your First Month with BetterHelp

Those who have been a previous BetterHelp client may be offered a “maintenance plan” which costs $200 monthly (advertised at $50 weekly). This plan includes text, video, and audio messages with your therapist plus one live session. Additional live sessions can be purchased for $80 each.

If you are redirected to one of BetterHelp’s subsidiary sites, Teen Counseling, Pride Counseling, Faithful Counseling, or ReGain, you will be offered the same subscription option and same pricing structure as BetterHelp.

Does BetterHelp Take Insurance?

No, BetterHelp does not currently accept insurance for therapy and there is no timeline for when this may become available.

BetterHelp Out-of-Network Benefits

While you can use select out-of-network benefits, like using your FSA or HSA funds for therapy, BetterHelp will not create a superbill for you. Due to all of these reasons, BetterHelp earned 2.5 stars out of 5 stars in the “Insurance & Out-of-Network Benefits” category of our scoring criteria.

Getting Started with BetterHelp

Getting started with BetterHelp is a fast and easy process that takes less than ten minutes. You can get started with your account on the BetterHelp website, but I highly recommend downloading the app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Follow these steps to schedule your first therapy session with BetterHelp:

  1. Go to the BetterHelp website and choose “Get Started”.
  2. Fill out a short survey about your symptoms and create your account.
  3. Share why you are interested in beginning therapy and what your preference is for communicating with your therapist, (i.e. texting or phone/video sessions).
  4. Enter your payment information; choose to pay with your credit card, PayPal, or use your HSA/FSA card.
  5. Download the BetterHelp app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
  6. Set a password for your app.
  7. Read about the therapist you were matched with and then select “Schedule” in the app.
  8. Choose a date and time to meet with your new therapist.
  9. Log in to the app when your sessions starts and stay in the “Session Room”. Your live session will start automatically.

BetterHelp Review 2023 - Image of schedule function in the BetterHelp App, select date, time and type of live session you want

BetterHelp Therapy: Detailed Review

BetterHelp is designed to help those seeking therapy when in-person therapy is not available or an option. It is quick and easy to sign up and matching with a therapist or counselor in your state happens within the first 48 hours. BetterHelp costs $240 – $360 monthly (advertised at $60 – $90 weekly) depending on your location and therapist availability. All live therapy appointments are held in the “Session” room of the app or on the website

During my first review, the therapist I was matched with did not offer video or phone sessions, despite selecting my preference for video/phone sessions. I ultimately switched to a different therapist from the list BetterHelp provided and it was a simple process in the app. This time, I was again matched with a therapist that did not offer video or phone sessions and it took me about ten minutes of searching to find someone that seemed like a good match for me.

For my first live session, I chose a mid-morning appointment and I made a list of what I wanted to talk about during my session. My therapist started our session on time and there were no video or audio issues whatsoever. To say my therapist was absolutely outstanding is an understatement. She asked me what I was seeking therapy for, I explained, and then she responded with follow-up questions that made me feel like she was really listening to me as an individual.

BetterHelp’s website says all of the live sessions are 30 minutes long, but my session was closer to 45 minutes long! This longer session is because depending on your therapist’s availability you may be able to have longer sessions, which is an awesome option to have. I felt like this extra time in the live session helped me and my therapist develop a good starting relationship. Throughout our live session, she was calm and caring, and by the end, I felt like I had concrete ways to help me manage my stress and anxiety. Compared to other online therapy sessions I’ve attended, this one ranks as one of the best ones overall. My Therapist was also able to set specific goals for me to work on outside of our live session.

BetterHelp Review 2023 - Image of attending your live session in the app and what the goals section looks like in the app

Extra Features of the BetterHelp App

There are two extra features of BetterHelp, the “Journal,” and “Groupinars.”

The “Journal” section gives you a journal prompt suggestion, with options to shuffle or see all. There are quite a few journal prompts to choose from in categories like depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and general suggestions. Once you select a prompt you like, you will title your journal and then begin your entry. An interesting thing about these journals is you can choose to share with your therapist or keep them private.

You also do not have to use the journal prompts and treat this as a free writing journal.

BetterHelp Review 2023 - Image of the BetterHelp journal, with the main journal screen and three journal suggestion screens

“Groupinars” are webinars you can attend through the app. These are on various mental health topics from relationships and trauma, to anxiety and skill building. Each topic provides you with a group session name, date, time, and a description of what each group session will cover. If you click on “more information” then you can register for your first group session.

During my first review, I attended “Coping Skills for Stress and Depression” under the Anxiety & Depression topic. The session was led by a licensed therapist and was an hour-long PowerPoint presentation. None of the participants could see each other but there was a chat box where I could interact with them and the therapist if I wanted to. Since BetterHelp offers such great extra features like these webinars and the journal, plus all of the excellent articles on their website, they earned 5 out of 5 stars in the “Extra Features & Resources” category of our scoring criteria.

BetterHelp Review 2023 -- Image of what type of group webinars BetterHelp offers and how to register to attend one

Online Vs. In-Person Therapy

There are several benefits to online therapy vs. in-person therapy, like ease of use and the convenience of speaking with a therapist on the go. People often choose to sign up for teletherapy due to personal schedules, lack of therapists available in their area, or lack of therapists with certain specialties available. It is important to note that much like in-person therapy, you may have to shop around to find an online therapist that works best for you.

According to Melanie Person, PhD, LMHC, LCPC, “Online therapy has been shown to be as effective as in-person therapy for the treatment of depression.2 When speaking specifically of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), research has found online therapy to be as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy for the treatment of depression, panic, and anxiety disorders.3 Online CBT treatment is showing no significant difference in effectiveness compared to in-person treatment4 Further, online Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is indicating effectiveness in helping clients with anxiety.5

BetterHelp Vs. Competitors

BetterHelp is one of the top online therapy platforms available in the US and internationally, but may not be the best fit for everyone. Talkspace and Cerebral are BetterHelp’s top competitors and knowing which one to choose for your personal mental health journey can be challenging.

TalkSpace Vs. BetterHelp

Talkspace offers very similar options as BetterHelp, with the ability to message your therapist, attend live phone or video sessions, and access additional in-app mental health features. In the end, both BetterHelp and Talkspace do use a matching program to connect you with a licensed therapist in your state.

A big difference between BetterHelp and TalkSpace is that TalkSpace offers psychiatric services. You can book appointments with doctors, psychiatrists, or other prescribing professionals who can provide you with medication. Appointments can be made online, but are billed separately from the subscription. TalkSpace psychiatry costs $249.00 for an initial visit and then $125.00 for follow-up appointments. You can choose to pick up medication at your local pharmacy, or if covered through insurance, you may be able to have it mailed to you.

BetterHelp’s cost depends on which state you live in, the service starts at $240 – $360 monthly, and Talkspace costs $276 – 436 monthly, with both platforms stating final costs depend on your location and therapist availability. However, TalkSpace accepts some insurance plans, which may make the cost lower for some. Determining the best online therapy option for you is an important decision and one you should take the time to make.

For more specifics about subscriptions, please read our detailed Talkspace review.

BetterHelp Vs. Cerebral

BetterHelp and Cerebral both offer subscription-based therapy options, with Cerebral also offering medication management as a subscription. While BetterHelp’s ultimate costs depend on your location and therapist availability, Cerebral offers a therapy subscription for $259 monthly and they accept insurance. This makes Cerebral just as affordable, if not more so, than BetterHelp for subscription-based therapy services.

A big difference between BetterHelp and Cerebral is the fact Cerebral offers medication management. You can choose to sign up for the Medication + Care Management plan or the Medication + Therapy plan. Cerebral can prescribe non-controlled medications that you can pick up at your local pharmacy or ask for them to be shipped directly to you.

For even more information about their subscriptions, please read our comprehensive review of Cerebral.

How Has BetterHelp Evolved?

Founded in 2013, BetterHelp is one of the most recognized names in the online therapy industry. According to their website, they have 30,000 licensed clinicians in all 50 states and claim to be the largest online counseling platform in the world. BetterHelp earned a 4 out of 5 in the “Reliability & Longevity” category on our scoring criteria due to how long they have been offering therapy services. The company’s stated mission is to make counseling “accessible, affordable and convenient.”6 In 2015, the company was acquired by Teladoc, a dominant corporation that has a stronghold on the industry and continues to acquire smaller businesses in the telehealth sector.

In 2018, BetterHelp found itself in the middle of a scandal with its paid partnerships with certain big-name YouTubers. Many of the creators on YouTube were touting services that, at that time, BetterHelp was not actually offering and making a lot of money off of affiliate links. This brought up the question of whether or not it was right for big online teletherapy companies to use influencers to gain customers.

Furthermore, it was reported that during this time, BetterHelp had a much different vetting process for its counselors. Their terms of service stated, “We do not control the quality of the Counselor Services and we do not determine whether any Counselor is qualified to provide any specific service as well as whether a Counselor is categorized correctly or matched correctly to you”. 1 People were upset that they were paying so much per month for a service that was not what it claimed to be. BetterHelp has since updated its ToS, and its vetting process for therapists and counselors is much more rigorous these days.

BetterHelp has four subsidiaries that offer counseling services for the LGBTQIA+ community, for those seeking faith-based counseling, for teens, and for relationships and couples. All of these subsidiaries are owned and operated by BetterHelp, and to our knowledge, have the same pricing structure, use the same pool of therapists and use the same technology.

Frequently Asked Questions About BetterHelp

Therapist Vetting and Credentials

All therapists and counselors on BetterHelp are licensed and accredited psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists, licensed clinical social workers, or licensed professional therapists. All professionals on BetterHelp must have at least three years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience.

According to BetterHelp, counselors must provide proper licensure documentation and proof of identity when they apply. BetterHelp then cross-checks their licensure information with their respective state licensing boards. Additionally, BetterHelp requires each therapist or counselor to complete a case study exam to be graded by a licensed clinician and evaluated in a video interview. Because of all the rigorous attention to licensing and credentials BetterHelp does, they earned 5 out of 5 stars in the “Therapist Credentials & Expertise” category of our scoring criteria.

Therapist Matching

Matching on BetterHelp happens automatically based on your answers from the assessment and preferences you selected during the sign-up process. Due to this, BetterHelp earned 1 star in the “Therapist Matching” category of our scoring criteria.

Can I Choose a New Therapist?

Yes, you can choose a new therapist at any time. In the app, tap “More” and you will see “Change Therapist”. Select this and the process will begin for you to choose a new therapist. You will then see a selection of therapists from the directory and you can read profiles and choose someone that fits you better.

Can I Use My HSA/FSA for BetterHelp?

Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA for therapy expenses with BetterHelp. You will simply enter your HSA/FSA card information as your payment type.

How Do I Cancel My BetterHelp Subscription?

You can cancel your BetterHelp subscription at any time. All you do is log in to your BetterHelp account, select “My Account” from the menu then “Payment Settings” and then you’ll see “Quit Therapy”. According to BetterHelp, you must go back to the menu, click “My Account”, select “Personal Information” and then click on “Request Erasure”. Once this process is successfully completed, you will receive a cancellation confirmation email from BetterHelp.

If you have further questions about canceling your account, please contact BetterHelp at: [email protected]

Does BetterHelp Issue Refunds?

BetterHelp offers refunds on a case-by-case basis and you must meet their criteria to receive a refund, although the criteria is unknown to us at this time. You can choose to email BetterHelp at: [email protected] or call them directly at: 1 (888) 688-9296.

Is BetterHelp HIPAA Compliant?

Yes, BetterHelp has policies that are consistent with HIPAA standards, however, the company does not state that it is compliant with HIPAA regulations. Prior to any sessions (messaging or live sessions), you will be required to sign a form agreeing to their privacy policies. Due to these reasons, BetterHelp earned 3 out of 5 stars in the “Privacy & HIPAA” category of our scoring criteria.

Please visit BetterHelp’s Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions for more information.

Final Verdict of BetterHelp

BetterHelp does a really great job of connecting people with licensed therapists or counselors and definitely earned its 4-star rating during our independent review. The app makes attending therapy sessions very convenient and allows people to really focus on their mental health. The out-of-pocket costs of BetterHelp could be a deterrent for some and while they offer financial aid, some may find that therapy through their insurance may be more affordable.

After using BetterHelp several times, I can confidently say it takes time and work on your part to find a therapist that is going to work for you. However, when you do find that perfect match for yourself, BetterHelp’s platform works really well for live therapy sessions. The video and audio quality were great during my live session and all the extra features in the app make checking in fun. I also loved that longer live sessions were available, as I think 45 minutes is the perfect length for therapy. Overall, I do recommend BetterHelp to those new to therapy or those wishing to start therapy again.

Get 20% Off Your First Month With BetterHelp

Cost of Online Therapy$240 - $360 monthly, depending on location

Age Limitations for Therapy18+

Is Insurance Accepted?No
Frequency of AppointmentsWeekly
Messaging with Therapist Between AppointmentsYes

Provider ChoicesAutomatically Matched
Can You Change Therapists?Yes

Speed to First Appointment3-4 days
Geographic CoverageAll 50 US States + International
Online Psychiatry OfferedNo

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Online Psychiatry

Hims / Hers – If you’re living with anxiety or depression, finding the right medication match may make all the difference. Get FDA approved medication prescribed by your dedicated Hims / Hers Healthcare Provider and delivered right to your door. Plans start at $25 per month (first month)*. Get Started

Medication + Therapy

Brightside Health – Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Brightside Health treatment plans start at $95 per month. United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna accepted. Following a free online evaluation and receiving a prescription, you can get FDA approved medications delivered to your door. Free Assessment

Starting Therapy Newsletter

A free newsletter for those interested in learning about therapy and how to get the most benefits out of therapy. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

Choosing Therapy Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Hims / Hers, and Brightside. *Hims / Hers Disclaimer: Subscription required. After first month, price is $85/month for a monthly subscription or $49/month for a three-month subscription ($123 for first order, $147 billed quarterly thereafter). Subscription automatically renews unless you cancel at least 7 days before renewal is processed.

For Further Reading

  • Review all the top online therapy providers
  • Dig into the differences between Talkspace and BetterHelp
  • Need something for your teen then check out Teen Counseling
  • Looking for a therapy alternative? Take a closer look at the best mental health apps available
7 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Aaron, personal communication, March 22, 2022.

  • Wagner, B., Horn, A.B., & Maercker, A. (2014). Internet-based versus face-to-face cognitive-behavioral intervention for depression: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 152-154, 113-121. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032713005120

  • Andrews, G., Basu, A., Cujipers, P., Craske, M.G., McEvoy, P., English, C.L., & Newby, J.M. (2018). Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable, and practical health care: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 70-78. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618517304474

  • de Lijster, J.M. et al., (2019). Online attention bias modification in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with anxiety disorders: A randomised controlled trial. Behaviour Change, 36, https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-74460-002

  • Novella, J.K., Ng, K.M., Samuolis, J. (2020). A comparison of online and in-person counseling outcomes using solution-focused brief therapy for college students with anxiety. Journal of American College Health, Taylor & Francis Online. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32703092/ DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1786101

  • BetterHelp.com. ND. About. Retrieved from: https://www.betterhelp.com/about/

  • Alexander, Julia. (2018) YouTube’s BetterHelp mental health controversy, explained. Polygon/VoxMedia. https://www.polygon.com/2018/10/4/17932862/betterhelp-app-youtube-sponsorship-controversy-explained

update history

We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

  • Originally Published: July 8, 2020
    Original Author: Hailey Shafir, LCMHCS, LPCS, LCAS, CCS
    Original Reviewer: Trishanna Sookdeo, MD, MPH, FAAFP

  • Updated: March 28, 2022
    Author: Caitlin Bell, M.A.
    Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D
    Primary Changes: Full reassessment of BetterHelp; New sections: “BetterHelp Detailed Review”, “How It’s Changed”; Updated cost; Updated screenshots/images; Added images and charts for pros/cons and discounts.

     

  • Updated: January 3, 2023
    Author: No Change
    Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, M.D.
    Primary Changes: Reassessment of BetterHelp; Updated cost; Updated screenshots/images; Attended live session and added first-person point-of-view; style updates throughout.

Recent Articles

Image of two people talking in the background, the words say Best Online Therapy Options, there is a logo that says Choosing Therapy at the bottom
Best Online Therapy Services of 2023
The best online therapy companies make connecting with a licensed therapist convenient, affordable, and as stress free as possible....
';
NOCD Review
NOCD Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
NOCD is an online platform that offers evidence-based treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) that earned 3.5 stars overall...
';
Foresight Mental Health Review
Foresight Mental Health Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
Foresight Mental Health offers online therapy and psychiatry for children, teens, and adults. During our independent review, Foresight Mental...
';
Online-Therapy.com Review
Online-Therapy.com Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who Is It Right For?
Online-Therapy costs $200 – $440 monthly (advertised as $50 – $110 weekly) depending on which subscription you choose. Online-Therapy...
';
Talkiatry Review: Pros and Cons, Cost, and Who It's Right For
Talkiatry Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, and Who It’s Right For
Talkiatry is an online psychiatry platform that serves children (6+), teens, and adults. Talkiatry only accepts clients who are...
';
Brightline Mental Health Review
Brightline Mental Health Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
Brightline is an online mental health platform available nationwide for kids and teens that provides coaching and therapy. Brightline...
';
Caitlin Bell, Editor of Consumer Technology for Choosing Therapy
Written by:

Caitlin Bell, MA

Mental Health Tech Editor
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD
  • Rating of BetterHelp Online TherapyRating BetterHelp
  • Pros & Cons of BetterHelpPros & Cons
  • How to Sign Up for BetterHelpHow to Get
  • What Is BetterHelp?What Is BetterHelp
  • Who Is BetterHelp Right For?Who Its Right For
  • Who May Want an Alternative to BetterHelp?Alternatives
  • BetterHelp User ReviewsUser Reviews
  • How Much Does BetterHelp Cost?Cost
  • Does BetterHelp Take Insurance?Insurance
  • Getting Started with BetterHelpGetting Started
  • BetterHelp Therapy: Detailed ReviewBetterHelp Therapy Review
  • Online Vs. In-Person TherapyOnline Vs. In-Person Therapy
  • BetterHelp Vs. CompetitorsCompetitors
  • How Has BetterHelp Evolved?History
  • Frequently Asked Questions About BetterHelpFAQs
  • Final Verdict of BetterHelpConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • For Further ReadingFurther Reading
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept